Crock Pot Round Steak Gravy

This Crock Pot Round Steak and Gravy is a go-to recipe for those evenings when you want a warm, comforting meal with minimal fuss. The beef becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers slowly in a rich brown gravy infused with garlic and onions. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and makes dinner something to look forward to.

I first made this during a busy week when I barely had time to cook and it quickly became a family favorite. Now it’s one of those recipes that everyone asks for whenever life gets hectic.

Ingredients

• Two pounds boneless beef round steak: cut into thin pieces — a budget friendly cut that becomes tender when slow cooked
• Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural beef flavor
• One medium sweet onion: adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the gravy
• Four cloves fresh garlic minced: fresh garlic gives a robust aroma and flavor, but jarred works in a pinch
• One packet of brown gravy mix: creates a savory base for the gravy with a perfect balance of seasoning
• Two cups unsalted beef stock: using unsalted stock helps control the salt level because the gravy mix is already salted
• Three tablespoons cornstarch: used at the end to thicken the gravy smoothly without lumps better than flour for this purpose

Instructions

Sear the Steak:

Season both sides of the round steak pieces evenly with salt and black pepper. This step is simple but key to building flavor right from the start.

Layer the Aromatics:

In the bottom of a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker, place half of the sliced onions and half of the minced garlic. These will soften and release their sweetness during cooking, forming the foundation of the gravy’s flavor.

Add the Steak and Gravy Mix:

Place the seasoned steaks on top of the onions and garlic, making sure they are somewhat spaced to allow even cooking. Sprinkle the entire packet of brown gravy mix evenly over the steaks for that deep, savory kick.

Top with Remaining Onion and Garlic:

Spread the remaining onion slices and minced garlic evenly over the gravy covered steaks to balance the flavors from the top.

Pour in Beef Stock:

Slowly pour in the unsalted beef stock, which will keep the meat moist and help dissolve the gravy mix as it cooks.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours. This long cooking time breaks down the tougher round steak fibers, resulting in tender, juicy slices.

Thicken the Gravy:

About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove half a cup of the cooking liquid and stir in the three tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Return this mixture to the crock pot, stir well, then cover and switch the slow cooker to high. Cook for the remaining 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened nicely.

Serve Immediately:

Scoop the tender steaks and thickened gravy over mashed potatoes or your preferred side dish for a comforting meal that soaks up every bit of sauce.

My favorite part of this recipe is the richness of the gravy mixed with the mellow sweetness of the slow cooked onions. It always reminds me of the cozy dinners my family shared growing up, especially on chilly evenings when a warm plate on the table meant everything.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the meat tender and the gravy silky. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find round steak, cubed steak or chuck roast can be a good substitute — keep in mind chuck will be fattier and may change the gravy’s texture slightly. You can swap brown gravy mix for homemade beef gravy if you prefer more control over sodium and seasoning. Jarred minced garlic works fine if fresh is unavailable though fresh gives a brighter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed potatoes are a classic and perfect for soaking up the savory gravy. You can also serve this over cooked rice or buttered noodles. A side of green beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh broccoli salad pairs nicely to round out the meal.

Serve warm over mashed potatoes and enjoy the rich gravy. Leftovers reheat well for an easy weeknight meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Are round steaks tender or tough?

Round steaks come from the rear leg and tend to be tougher due to muscle use, but slow cooking makes them tender and juicy.

→ What is the difference between top round and bottom round steak?

Top round is slightly more tender and pricier, while bottom round is tougher but more economical. Both work well when cooked low and slow.

→ How long should I cook round steak in a crock pot?

Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. For extra tenderness, it can be cooked up to 10 hours on low.

→ What can I serve with round steak and gravy?

Mashed potatoes are classic, but rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables like green beans or corn also complement this dish well.

→ How do I thicken the gravy?

Mix cornstarch with a bit of the cooking liquid then stir it back into the pot and cook on high for 30 minutes until thickened.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.