Crock Pot Round Steak Gravy

This Crock Pot Round Steak and Gravy recipe turns a budgetfriendly cut of beef into a tender, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The steaks slowly simmer in a rich brown gravy infused with garlic and onions, perfect for a handsoff dinner that satisfies the whole family.

I first made this during a busy weeknight when I needed something easy and comforting, and it quickly became a goto for my family. Now everyone asks for it whenever the weather turns chilly or when they want a hearty classic.

Ingredients

• Boneless beef round steak: cut into thin pieces providing an economical yet flavorful base that becomes tender in the slow cooker. Look for fresh meat with a deep red color and little marbling
• Salt and black pepper: for seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the beef without overpowering them
• Medium sweet onion: adds a mild, natural sweetness that balances the savory gravy
• Fresh garlic cloves: contribute a warm, aromatic depth but jarred minced garlic can be substituted to save time
• Brown gravy mix: creates the rich and savory sauce and opt for a brand you enjoy as it greatly influences the final taste
• Unsalted beef stock: provides the liquid foundation for the gravy and allows you to control the saltiness
• Cornstarch: thickens the gravy gently without clumping, making the sauce smooth and velvety

Instructions

Savor the Seasoning:

Season both sides of the beef round steaks evenly with salt and black pepper. This basic seasoning is essential to build flavor in every bite. Set your steaks aside once coated.

Layer the Flavor Base:

Place half of the sliced onions and half of the minced garlic evenly at the bottom of a 6 to 8quart slow cooker. These aromatics will infuse the beef as it cooks, creating a robust, savory foundation.

Arrange the Steaks:

Carefully layer the seasoned steaks over the onion and garlic bed. Make sure the pieces are evenly distributed to allow even cooking and absorption of flavors.

Add the Gravy Mix:

Sprinkle the entire packet of brown gravy mix evenly over the steaks. This will combine with the onions, garlic, and beef juices to create a thick sauce as it cooks.

Top with Remaining Aromatics:

Spread the remaining onions and garlic on top of the gravy mix. This layering helps to maximize flavor as the ingredients mingle together during cooking.

Pour in Beef Stock:

Gently pour unsalted beef stock over all the ingredients. The unsalted stock gives just the right amount of moisture and richness without overpowering the dish with salt.

Low and Slow Cooking:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours. This long, slow cook time breaks down the toughness of the round steak, making it tender and juicy.

Thicken the Gravy:

About 30 minutes before serving, scoop out a half cup of the cooking liquid into a separate bowl. Mix it with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Pour this slurry back into the slow cooker, stir gently, increase the heat to high and cook for the remaining 30 minutes or until the gravy thickens to your liking.

Serve and Enjoy:

Give the gravy a final stir then serve the steaks immediately. This dish shines over creamy mashed potatoes but you can also enjoy it with rice or buttered noodles to soak up every bit of the gravy.

My favorite part of this recipe is the aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks. There is something so comforting about onions and garlic simmering with beef stock and gravy mix, it always reminds me of Sunday dinners growing up where the whole house smelled like home. The round steak may not be the fanciest cut but treated right it becomes something truly special.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to preserve tenderness and gravy texture. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If round steak is unavailable, cubed steak or chuck roast work well but expect a slightly different texture or fat content. Use storebought beef broth if you don’t have beef stock, just choose low sodium to control saltiness. Flour can be used instead of cornstarch to thicken but mix it into cold water well before adding to the slow cooker to avoid lumps.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed potatoes are classic and soak up the gravy beautifully. Serve over buttered egg noodles or steamed rice for a comforting alternative. Pair with green beans, corn on the cob or a simple broccoli salad to complete your meal.

Enjoy this comforting meal with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides. Leftovers reheat well and make an easy next day dinner.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cuts of beef work best for this dish?

Boneless round steak is ideal, including top or bottom round. Both become tender when cooked slowly in a crock pot, allowing flavors to develop fully.

→ How long should the steak cook for optimal tenderness?

Cooking on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours ensures the steak becomes tender and juicy, perfect for serving.

→ Can I use alternative thickening agents for the gravy?

Cornstarch is recommended as it thickens the gravy smoothly without clumping, but flour can be used with careful mixing.

→ What sides pair well with round steak and gravy?

Mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables like green beans and corn complement the savory gravy beautifully.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain flavor and texture.

→ Will cooking longer than 8 hours affect the texture?

Yes, cooking longer on low will make the meat fall-apart tender without drying it out, perfect if kept on warm settings afterward.