You’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Steak recipe. Imagine a perfectly tender, juicy steak, all wonderfully slow-cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
This delicious slow cooker recipe harnesses the power of your Crock Pot, turning a simple London broil into a succulent, flavorful delight that’s infused with rich, savory gravy the whole family will love on busy weeknights.
And the best part? This steak dish, enhanced with a beefy onion soup mix, requires minimal prep and cooks away while you go about your day. Trust me, this is a must-try slow cooker recipe that’s sure to impress, so much like our crock pot pulled beef recipe, too.
Want to try a few more slow cooker recipes? Try this hearty Sausage Casserole in the Slow Cooker as a great family evening meal. Or if you are having a Mexican-themed night, try these Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uncomplicated Preparation: This Slow Cooker Steak doesn’t require an intricate cooking process or tools. A basic slow cooker and a few simple steps are all you need to create this delicious masterpiece.
- Customizable: The beauty of this great recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the ratios for a bolder gravy flavor or even add in some of your favorite spices to make it uniquely yours.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Aside from being an absolute flavor bomb, this Slow Cooker Steak is also a protein-packed complete meal that will keep you satiated without feeling overly heavy. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for maintaining a balanced diet for an easy weeknight meal.
What is London Broil?
London Broil is a term that’s often used to describe a lean cut of beef, perfect for slow cooking methods. Originally, it referred to flank steak, but over time, it has come to include cuts like top round and shoulder.
The term ‘London Broil’ also refers to a method of preparation and cooking, typically involving marinating the beef and then broiling or grilling it. In our Slow Cooker Steak recipe, we’re using the London Broil cut for its ideal balance of leanness and flavor, which marries perfectly with our rich, beefy onion gravy. Slow cooking this cut ensures a tender, flavorful steak that’s practically foolproof.
Ingredients Needed
I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients below with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.
- London Broil – To get the most flavor out of your London Broil, try to marinate it for at least a few hours before slow cooking. This not only penetrates the meat with flavor but also tenderizes it, helping to achieve that desirable melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown Gravy Packet – Always whisk your gravy mix into cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents clumping, ensuring a smooth and velvety gravy that evenly coats your steak. I used brown gravy packets for this Salisbury steak recipe too!
- Beefy Onion Soup Mix – Don’t be afraid to be generous with your soup mix. This is the secret ingredient that gives your steak its rich, beefy flavor. However, remember it can be salty, so taste your gravy before adding any extra salt.
Substitutions
Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:
- London Broil – If you can’t find London Broil, you can use other lean cuts of beef such as flank steak, top round steak, or roast. They might need a little more time in the slow cooker, but the end result will be just as delicious.
- Brown Gravy Packet – If you don’t have a packet of brown gravy mix on hand, you can make your own. Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of beef bouillon, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. This will give you a homemade mix that’ll work just as well.
- Beefy Onion Soup Mix – If you’re out of this, try using a mix of 1 tablespoon of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper. This combination will give you a similar flavor profile to the beefy onion soup mix.
Variations
- Vegetable Lovers: Add in your favorite veggies during the last hour of cooking for a more balanced, wholesome meal. Carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers work exceptionally well with the savory gravy.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of spice and want to kick things up a notch, try adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a couple of dashes of hot sauce to the gravy.
- Herbaceous Twist: For an aromatic lift, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the slow cooker. They impart a wonderful fragrance and freshness that complements the richness of the delicious gravy.
- Cheese It Up: For a dose of cheesy goodness, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or gouda over the steak during the last few minutes of cooking. Let it melt into a gooey, irresistible layer that’ll take the dish to a whole new level.
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak
This slow cooker steak is broken into 2 components:
- Prepare the ingredients
- Cook in the slow cooker
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*
STEP 1: Prepare the meat. Slice the London Broil to your preferred thickness, removing any excess fat. Place steak pieces in bottom of Crock Pot.
STEP 2: Add Beef Onion Soup Mix. Sprinkle onion soup mix seasoning on top of steak pieces.
STEP 3: Add brown gravy mix. Next, sprinkle on brown gravy mix.
STEP 4: Pour water. Pour water on to the steak and seasonings and stir to combine.
STEP 5: Cook for 4.5 hours. Set your slow cooker to ‘low’, cover and let it work its magic for about 4.5 hours.
STEP 6: Check your steak. It should be tender and richly flavored.
STEP 7: Serve the meal. Serve your slow cooker steak over a bed of mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy!
Recipe Pro Tips
- Slice Before Cooking: Cutting your London Broil into slices before cooking can lead to faster and more even cooking. This also allows more flavor to penetrate the meat.
- Eliminate Excess Fat: Trimming off the fat from the meat can prevent the gravy from becoming too greasy.
- Cook from frozen: I’ve also cooked a 4 pound London broil from frozen in the slow cooker. (Not sliced.) This cooked on high for 6 hours and it turned out delicious as well.
- Make it Your Own: Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios or add in some of your favorite spices. This easy recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your preference.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, while London Broil is suggested for its leanness and flavor, you can use other beef cuts such as flank steak or top round roast. Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness of the cut.
No problem! You can make your own substitutes at home with this gravy recipe. For brown gravy mix, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of beef bouillon, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. For the beefy onion soup mix, combine 1 tablespoon of beef bouillon, 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper.
Absolutely! Adding your favorite vegetables can provide a wholesome balance to the meal. Simply add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
You can add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a couple of dashes of hot sauce to the gravy if you prefer a spicier steak.
Yes! Sprinkling some shredded cheese over the steak in the last few minutes of cooking will melt into a gooey layer, adding a delightful cheesiness to the dish. Cheddar or gouda works well for this.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Steak
This Slow Cooker Steak can be a versatile centerpiece for numerous side dishes. Here are a few favorites:
- Mashed Potatoes: These are a classic pairing, providing a creamy base for the flavorful steak and gravy. I even love making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and grilled, asparagus offers a crisp contrast to the tender steak. You can even make asparagus wrapped in bacon for extra flavor.
- Glazed Carrots: Their sweet, buttery flavor complements the savory notes of the steak. I have candied carrots and air fryer carrots that are great side dishes.
- Steamed Green Beans: A simple side like green beans add a bright pop of color to your plate. Cook green beans with bacon, sugar, onion and a few spices to make the best green beans.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich gravy, this choice is sure to satisfy carb lovers. You can even cook garlic bread in the air fryer.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, crunchy Caesar salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak and gravy.
- Rice or Pasta: White rice and egg noodles also work well the the savory sauce.
Storage
Storing the Leftovers: If you end up with leftover Slow Cooker Steak, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, do so gently in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in a microwave-safe dish.
Freezing this Dish: Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Steak! Make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to consume, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
More Steak Recipes You’ll Love
Once you make one steak recipe, you’ll definitely want to try more. For another slow cooker-style meal, you could make this Crock Pot Cube Steak. Or, if you would prefer to cook in the oven, learn How to Cook Steak in the Oven with these helpful tips and techniques.
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Slow Cooker Steak (With Video)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds london broil
- 2 packets brown gravy 1.61 oz. each
- 1 packet beefy onion soup mix 2.2 oz
- 2.5 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the meat. Slice the London Broil to your preferred thickness, removing any excess fat.
- Place steak pieces in bottom of the slow cooker, trying to make sure the pieces don't overlap too much.
- Next, add the beefy onion soup mix seasoning and brown gravy mix to the slow cooker, on top of the meat. Pour the water on top and stir to combine.
- Cover and set your slow cooker to 'low' and let it work its magic for about 4.5 hours.
- Check your steak. It should be tender and richly flavored and stir to combine.
- Serve the meal. Serve your slow cooker steak over a bed of mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Joe says
Can I use beef broth instead of the water?
Jessica says
Hi Joe. It COULD make it very salty by using broth instead of water so just a heads up!
Natasha says
This slow cooker steak was a huge hit with my family. Just the perfect steak I was looking for. Thank you!
Melissa says
Great recipe – easy to make! We served our over mashed potatoes. My family cant wait until I make it again!
Kristyn says
This is comfort food at its finest!! It’s so hearty & delicious!! It’s one of our favorite Sunday meals, when we can take it slow & enjoy dinner together as a family!