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Crockpot Steak and Gravy always comes out tender and flavorful. It is so easy to make with only 3 ingredients! A perfect supper for busy weeknights.
Featured with this recipe
I was introduced to this 3 ingredient Crockpot Steak and Gravy by a good friend of mine, Rashona, many years ago. It was a busy time in my life and she suggested this recipe to use for those crazy days when you just don’t have time to make dinner later in the day. I have made it countless times over the years, and it always turns out rich, tender, and absolutely delicious. My family gobbles it up; it’s one of their most requested dinners!
This slow cooker steak and gravy recipe could not be easier to make. Toss in three (THREE!) ingredients into the Crockpot first thing in the morning. It cooks all day, and the welcoming scent wafts through the house, making it seem like you spent hours making an extravagant meal. It is such a comfort to walk in the door after a long, busy day and realize dinner is ready!
Ingredients in Crockpot Steak and Gravy
- Top sirloin steak or London broil sliced thin
- Brown gravy mix packets
- Au jus mix packet
- Water
Getting the Right Cut of Steak
Cuts of steak such as such as chuck roast or round steak are perfect for this recipe because they become tender and juicy after slow-cooking. We often use London broil or top sirloin steaks. I usually just shop around for whichever is on sale and buy extra to put in the freezer for the next time I want to use it in my meal rotation.
What to Serve with Crockpot Steak and Gravy
We love serving the thick, creamy steak and gravy over over rice I make in the rice cooker, which is also an easy thing to throw together. We also love serving it alongside buttery mashed potatoes. There are so many side dishes that would work well with this easy steak recipe. Rice and potatoes are our go-to sides but it would also be delicious over pasta, thick toast, or just by itself with a side of broccoli or green beans.
Suggestions and Additions for this Recipe
Brown the Steak: To enhance the overall flavor, try searing the steak it in a hot skillet with oil or cooking spray before placing in the crockpot to lock in the juices.
Keep messes to a minimum: Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup. After serving just toss remove the liner and toss it. It couldn’t be easier!
Swap out the Au Jus: Sometimes Au Jus mix can be hard to find. You can use onion soup mix instead and you won’t even notice a difference.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasoning! In addition to the gravy mix and au jus, try using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs to infuse the steak with delicious taste. You can even try adding a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce.
Layer with Veggies: Add sliced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the crockpot for extra flavor and texture.
Use Beef Broth: Pour in beef broth to create a savory base for the gravy, intensifying the taste of the steak instead of using just water. If you don’t want to add the extra sodium, you can use a low-sodium broth.
Low and Slow: Cook the steak on low heat for several hours to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. Slicing your steak into thin strips will help speed up the cooking process and ensure super tender, fall apart meat every time.
Thicken the Gravy: Once the steak is cooked, use cornstarch or flour mixed with water to thicken the juices and create a rich, velvety gravy.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the finished dish for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the long cooking time, the direct heat of the crock pot, and the steam created by the tight seal of the lid helps to kill any bacteria in the raw meat.
Cooking low and slow (on low heat for 8-10 hours) in its beef broth creates a soft and juicy piece of meat. Remember to stir occasionally.
It isn’t necessary, but if you would like to, searing in a large skillet on medium-high heat can increase the flavor of your cut of beef and increase the texture as well. Searing the meat before slow cooking also gives a beautiful and appetizing color.
Read next: The Best Crockpot Meals
More Time Saving Crockpot Meals
The slow cooker saves the day in our home more often than not! Here are a few of our tried and true crockpot favorites:
- Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Pork Roast
- Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Beef
- Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
- Slow Cooker Ham with Maple Brown Sugar
How to Make Crockpot Steak and Gravy
Crockpot Steak and Gravy
Video
Equipment
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds top sirloin steak or London broil sliced thin
- 2 packets brown gravy mix
- 1 packet Au Jus mix
- 2 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in crockpot.
- Cook all day (8-10 hrs) on low, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Throw some sliced mushrooms and/or onions into the Crock Pot for a delicious addition.
- We like to serve this meal with steaming rice from the rice cooker, but it also tastes delicious with creamy mashed potatoes or fresh pasta or egg noodles (or one of your most beloved carbohydrates), with delicious broccoli or your favorite vegetable on the side.
- Place any leftover meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will last for three days.
- The leftover meat is great in soups! Cube steak, add tons of pepper, your favorite broth, and heat the crock pot cubed steak on the stove top. Enjoy your ingenious, protein packed meal!
Easy to put together and wonderful comfort food. 🙂
Delicious, made it with rice and mashed potatoes and both were excellent, but preferred mashed potatoes. Will make it again.
The perfect recipe with the greatest amount of ingredients (only 3) needed to get a quick meal planned.
If you have similar recipes that are just as simple, and delicious please share. This was fantastic. The hubby loves it.
Love this recipe, easy and had all the ingredients.
Can I cook this in the oven?
We haven’t tried it in the oven, so I can’t say for sure. Let us know how it turns out if you try it!
This is a keeper! It was delicious and sooo easy to make! I had a little less than 1 lb. of a Petite Sirloin Steak, which I didn’t slice beforehand. I used 1 packet of Brown Gravy mix and 1 packet of Au Jus mix. Mixed with about 1 and 3/4 cup of water. LOVE onions, so I added 1 and 1/2 quartered onions to the crockpot. Cooked in slow cooker for 2 hrs. on high and then about 1 hr. on low. The meat fell apart and the onions cooked down to nothing. Gravy was perfect. Did not have to thicken. Had with mashed potatoes and cucumber, onion and tomato salad with Italian dressing. Yum!!!
I’ve been making this for around 10 years now from the RTA Cabinet Store that used to have recipes. So good and even better the 2nd day. I’ve found you can use just about every cut of beef making it to which is great when you come across a good deal at the grocery store. Chuck streak is what they had on sale at the time and it turned out fantastic.
Delicious and so easy beef and gravy dinner! Do you have a recipe to convert it to Instant pot useage?
We haven’t tested this out in an Instant Pot yet, but we might in the future!
Is there anyway you could give a recipe using items in my pantry besides prepackaged gravy and au jus powders? Those packets contain lots of additives like msg or sodium, etc. The concept of Slow cooker, gravey and steak sounds appealing.
We don’t have an au jus recipe from scratch, but I am sure there are a lot of ideas on Google!
I’m trying to find easy to make recipes that we can do once our child is born and this one was perfect! I served it with mashed potatoes and corn and my partner loved it! He said It reminded him of his childhood.
Needless to say, we will be adding this to our meal rotation.
Made this last night using those Petite Sirloin steaks (which I am NOT a fan of) that I bought because they were $1.97 a pound. I’ve made them before in various ways & marinades, stove top/grill or stir fry and always disappointed. BUT, then I ran across this way and it was DELICIOUS! I even had some of the gravy this morning over hashed browns. Seared the meat well & put in crock along with two carrots, one celery stalk and one onion, quartered. Nine hours later the meat was fork tender & bigger pieces would fall apart & the aroma was enticing. This is the only method for me from here on.
Made it his last night with mashed potatoes. Delicious! Husband has already asked for a repeat meal?
Would you put onions in with the rest of the ingredients at the beginning? I don’t necessarily want them to disintegrate.
Yes, I think adding some onions at the beginning would be yummy! I don’t think they will disintegrate.
I did not have an au jus mix so I used a beefy onion soup mix instead. This turned our great. I will keep this one. Everyone loved it.
That is so good to know! I’ve never tried it with a beefy onion soup mix. Thank you for sharing!
I used one 2 cup pack of brown gravy, a beefy onion soup mix, and an au jus mix. I only cooked for about 5 hours. We used thin cut New York Strip and then I cut it into strips before cooking. When
It was finished the gravy wasn’t as thick as I prefer so added a cornstarch and water mix. We served it over mashed potatoes. Turned our perfect!
Can this recipe be done on the stove?
We have not tried it on the stove, but let us know how it goes if you try it!
I have made this in a pot on the stove many times. I slice steak into strips, throw them in a pot with a little oil, toss in chopped onions, brown it a bit, and turned burner down. Put in 2 cups of water, put the lid on and let it simmer about 45 minutes. Then I add beef stock, spices and a bit of flour. When it thickens it’s ready to go. It’s always a hit at our table. We can’t use a lot of the mixes, so always try to figure out our home made recipes.
Great recipe but instead of waiting 8hrs in slow cooker you can pan sear steaks and toss them in an insta-pot and it will be ready in an hour tops.
Oh my gosh… I made this with filet mignon. It was amazing. SOOOO tender and the gravy was perfect! I’ll be making it often for sure. Thank you so much for this simple, yummy recipe!
I am so thankful for your comment!!!! I’m going to use filet as well. God Bless You!
A definite crowd pleaser for picky eaters, the meat was so tender and cooked to perfection in 5 hours but I had the butcher cut the meat in thin pieces will be added to our rotation!!
I have made this multiple times but it is always done in 3-4 hours. Luckily, someone was always home to turn it off . Even then, our large family all loved it! That never happens!
Could you use cubed steak?
I haven’t tried it with cubed steak before, but let me know how it turns out if you do try it!
Do you have to stir occassionally? Id like to throw it in the crockpot before I leave for work and want it to be warm and ready when I get home and I get home after 8-hours. Does it still come out okay?
Yes, it should be fine! Just make sure you distribute the ingredients evenly in the pot.
Hi,
I live in Australia and we don’t have Au Jus mix ( I have no idea what that is so cannot substitute it). So can you give me an idea what I could I could use instead of that please. I’d be very grateful, as the dish looks fantastic and sounds lovely too. I’d really like to try it.
Thanks for you help
Gina Cox
I haven’t tried making my own, but I saw on another website that you can use the following:
Beef stock powder – 3 to 4 tablespoons
Onion powder – 3 to 4 tablespoons
Dried parsley – 2 and a half tablespoons
Corn starch – 3 to 4 tablespoons
Black pepper – ¼ tablespoons
Garlic powder – ¼ tablespoons
I also use the above for Au Jus mix along with 1 TB Worcestershire sauce once mixed with water.
Lipton Beefy Onion Soup mix is also great
Thank you for the tip!
I believe you could use the beefy onion soup mix 😊
I have this in my crockpot now. I am using Sizzle steak. I added onion, black pepper, garlic powder. Can’t wait to place this on top of mashed taters. Yummy 😋
I used ribeye steak its all i had on hand will this still turn out alright?
It should! Did it go okay?
Yes. Works well with cube steak.
Yummy! I added a can of Cream of Mushroom soup to thicken the gravy.
Smells so good! It’s been cooking 8 hours but the gravy is not thick. Anyone have this problem?
I added cornstarch a little bit at a time. Mix it in and let it cook some more to thicken gravy.
Very easy and tasty meal.
Hi what is Au Jus mix please
It is a sauce mix that you can find near the gravy mix in the grocery store.
Juice….Not available in Aust supermarkets! Any substitute ingredient please
You can use beef bouillon instead! Hope this helps!
Absolutely love the taste. Tender every time!! Will make this recipe a staple!
An instant classic!
Just soooo good!
My husband couldn’t get enough, one if his favorites ever!
I used top sirloin and only had 1 1/4 pounds and was just great.
This looks absolutely delicious. Will definitely have to give it a try one night when I’m short of time and want a yummy meal!
My mouth is watering just looking at this. I just want to sop up the gravy with a piece of bread.
Such a comforting meal for the family at this time of year! I love that you only need a few ingredients.
Comfort foods are my favorite, but most of them take a ton of time to make. I’m so glad this can be made in the crock pot!
Does this freeze well?
I haven’t tried to freeze this recipe before, so I can’t say. Let us know how it goes if you do try it!
Hello, I sliced a 3lb london broil thin, put in crock pot, added the two packets, one packet, and 2 1/2 cups of water.
I don’t have the time for 8-10 hours on low. I have a 5 -6 hour cooking window.
What cooking time would you suggest on high, or a combo of high & low?
Thank you
I think it would be okay on high!
Added lots of mushrooms and medium onion more water and cooked longer on low setting. Used a tuff steak sliced thin but was very tender when done. Will make again.
Hello I can’t find Au Jus mix anywhere, I have some in a glass jar can I use that and add it in at the same time? Thanks!
I’m not sure, is it Au Jus mix in a glass jar? Or is it already made up as a liquid?
Use French onion packed instead.
My husband doesn’t want the meat so tender it falls apart like shredded beef. So should I cut the meat a little thicker or in cubes instead? Or maybe not cook it as long? Trying to figure out what I need to adjust. Thanks
Hmm… I’m not sure. When we make this recipe we try to make it as tender as possible, so I haven’t tried it that way. I would guess if you cooked it for less time, it wouldn’t be as tender. Let me know if you do try it!
Thicker chunks. Check on it after 6/7 hrs.
I just saw an ad for “Beef Shaved Steak” at my local Kroger store. I have never seen that before, but beef is scares due to the grocery stores meat limits during these trying times. I was wondering if it would work in this recipe. Please let me know, thanks!
Yes! I’m sure it would work great. Because the beef is slices so thin, it will not need to cook as long in the crock pot however. I would cook it on low for 5-6 hours, and on high 2-3 hours. Thanks for asking!
We have a 3 lb boneless striploin – would that work?
I don’t see why not! Just make sure you slice it thin!
Can I make this in oven
We haven’t tried it that way before, so I am not sure how it would affect the taste or texture. If you try it, let us know!
Would you add mushrooms the last 2 hours?
I would add mushrooms at the beginning! That way you get the amazing flavor all cooked in!
Quick question, it says to up the meat if making for more people. I would definitely have to make for 6-8, which is 4 pounds of steak. Do we not use anymore gravy mix or Au Ju or liquid?
Yes! So you’d need 3 packets of gravy mix, 1 and 1/3 packets of au jus, and 3 1/3 cups of water. Hope this helps!
I wish I had seen this before I just now made it. I had 4-1/2 pounds of top sirloin. So I doubled the Sauce part recipe. Hope this turns out ok. Just now put in crock pot. Hope it’s not too strong of a gravy taste.
In my opinion, you can never have too much sauce! I hope it turned out well!
What if I don’t have Au jus mix. Can I use bone broth instead?
We haven’t tried that specific variation, so I can’t speak to how it will affect the taste or texture of the recipe.
so you dont pre-brown the steak at all before cutting it in slices? the meat turned out very dry for me. using top sirloin. anyone know why? i cooked it on low for 6 hrs.
The thinner you can slice the meat beforehand, the more tender it will be!
Is the meat frozen or thaw?
I use thawed meat.
I want to try to make this tonight. If I wanted to use beef broth instead of au jus, what could I use instead of a gravy mix packet? Sometimes there’s too much sodium and would prefer to substitute if I can. Can I do a slurry if some kind with cornstarch? What would you suggest?
Yeah, I would try 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup water for your slurry. Let me know how it turns out!
Hello,
I was wondering for this recipe, can you also add carrots and potatoes and celery? I am not a big fan on veggies but i will eat them in a stew or like this. I had planned on making rice. Picky picky eater here. But this actually caught my attention.
Yes, you can add vegetables to the crock pot, but if you cook the vegetables all day they will be very soft and mushy. Add the vegetables halfway through the cooking time. They shouldn’t be in the crockpot for longer than 4 hours on low. Thanks for asking!
Thank you so much for letting me know. I am making this for tonight’s dinner.
I have it in my crockpot now, it is not sliced and i added an onion, beef broth, carrots and garlic. I will let you know, but I think itll be delicious. Would be good with sliced mushrooms added too.
Terri B Gehrke, howd the steak turn out not sliced? I hate handling raw meat. Would be so much easier to not cut it. Thx!
Can I cook this on high for 4-6 hours?
It won’t be as tender if you cook it that way, but you can give it a try!
Can this be made in an instant pot? If so, how?
I haven’t tried it in the instant pot. I am worried that the thickeners in the brown gravy mix would burn in the instant pot. Let me know how it turns out if you do try it!
Has anyone tried this by adding onions? I love onions and think they would be a great addition. I would want to use a vidalia or some kind of a sweet onion to try to balance out some of the sodium from the Au Jus and gravy mix.
If I use London Broil, as I plan to when I make this, how will it turn out if I don’t slice the steak before placing it in the crockpot?
We have only used thinly sliced steak in this recipe. Slicing the steak gives the meat more surface area to soak in all the liquid and makes it more tender. I would definitely recommend slicing it!
Very delicious, economical, and easy!
Made with nice creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and baby peas.
Just a few words of helpful advice… I had to slightly improvise due to my miscalculation of ingredients- I only had liquid au jus which equals approximately 1.5 cups, I accidentally put an additional 1 cup beef broth to equal the 2.5 cups needed in recipe not accounting for the liquid au jus I already added- so you can just add another package of gravy -* reduced sodium is what I had and it was to me the best way to balance it out… just a note for the people that only have liquid because it is really easy to overlook the measurements.
You really can’t mess up this recipe. Oh and also, like someone already mentioned cutting the meat in a semi frozen state is the way to go. Just thaw it out / marinate in the refrigerator before adding to crock pot.
Ok, when your boyfriend says it’s better anything that he’s mom makes as she is standing over your shoulder. Could eat every day and only takes a few things…. High 5!
Delicious! Used the top sirloin sliced thinly. Did not make any changes to recipe but cooked on low 8 hours while at work. So tender and good! Will definitely be fixing again.
Should I add more sauce stuff if adding onion and mushrroms
I think you should be okay. It is a very saucy recipe!
How much onion and mushrooms do aff
Easy to do, my husband typically doesn’t like meat cooked in a crockpot but enjoyed this. The only thing I would change is to use a low sodium gravy packet.
Absolutely delicious !!! I used the left over meat and made soft shell tacos the next night.
My people go crazy for this recipe.Put over mash potatoes.So simple so easy so delishes.Thank you.I have very picky people that if it doesn’t ckne out of a clowns mouth have troible eatting anything.They ask for this recipe.
Isn’t it wonderful to walk in the house to the aroma of a great supper all ready to sit down to? Here’s another, similar recipe that I use for pot roast. Throw the meat in the crockpot (can sear it if you’re that ambitious) a pack of dry onion soup mix, a pack of dry beef gravy mix that’s been mixed in half a cup of water, a can of cream of mushroom soup and a can of coke. Add your cut up veggies like carrots, potatoes, and celery. Delicious.
I enjoyed this recipe but I couldn’t get the juices to thicken until I added flour and cornstarch. I made this to surprise the wife with a meal after work but she did not like it because she said it tasted the same as a roast; she obviously is not a fan of roast. However, From my perspective this was a good recipe.
This recipe was simple and delicious. At the end of the cooking time, I added cooked noodles and let them soak up that gravy flavor. Served with sour cream in top. A great beef stroganoff revamped.
Love those ideas! Glad it was a hit!
I made this last night and we thought it was very good and easy to put together. I will be making this again.
So glad you liked it! Thanks for the 5-stars!
Hi there, do you mix the gravy and AuJus packet according to the packet directions OR do you just add the 2.5 cups of water and then the packets?
Just the 2.5 cups and then the packets. You don’t need to cook according to package directions. Hope this helps!
Hello,
your recipe caught my eye, so I decided to mosey on over to the Thriftway next door and take the ingredients into custody. After staring at the extensive gravy selection for five minutes I decided to substitute one of the brown gravies for a packet of mushroom gravy. For meat I am using two organic sirloin strips and one tenderloin. I know that’s overkill but they were in my freezer and needed to be used. I didn’t feel comfortable throwing red meat into the crock without seasoning, searing and cutting it into pieces first. Two and a half cups of liquid seems like a lot for the pot compared to the usual one half to a cup. So, I cut a large onion into thirds, then in half and piled the pieces on the bottom of the pot for the meat to use as a floatation device. I am a little skeptical of the gravy graduating from crockpot U. I hope I am proven wrong, gravy usually requires reduction on the stovetop, uncovered and stirring at boiling in order to thicken. However, I figure no big whoop, I’ll throw the juice in a saucepan after the fact and burn it down to satisfaction if needed.
Anyhoo, thanks for the idea, three ingredients is two more than I can usually handle, I’ll let you know how it dishes out!
Let us know how it turned out for you!
Trying to do Keto and low carb, how can I adjust the gravy? I have been searching for a cube steak recipe for low carb. Any suggestions! Please help!
You could just use beef base and add some pureed onions. This will help thicken it up, though the consistency might not be the same. You could also try thickening with almond flour– haven’t tried this before but it’s worth a shot. Hope this helps!
I just found this recipe, and I am sold! Since my hubby got false teeth, steak is very hard for him to chew. This was the ticket!! We don’t care for beef gravy, so I used Homestyle, and added a little sour cream when it was fully cooked. This was a hit with my hubby and son. I will be making this again! Thanks!!
So glad you and your family liked this recipe! Thanks for sharing how you were able to make it work so well for you and your family 🙂
Would chuck steak work for this recipe? Thank you!
Yes, a chuck steak would work great in this recipe. It is cooked long enough in the crock pot to make the cut tender and flavorful. Thanks for asking!
I’m using cubed steaks and the 3 ingredients does the time change on how long to cook it
The time can actually stay the same. Hope this helps!
Could I use beef stock in place of au jus?
Yes, that would probably be fine. Beef consomme might work a little better just because it has more flavor than just plain stock, but I am sure beef stock would be ok too!
I just put this in crock pot, I only had 1packet of brown gravy so I used that, added Lipton onion soup, red wine, onions,peppers, tomatoes and a few other things. Going to add potatoes I think? I’m the worlds worst at adding whatever I see. I hope this turns out good enough to eat? Wish me luck????. Next time I planonhaving the right ingredients. Thanks for the awesome recipe! I’m always trying something new especially crock pot recipes.
Hey Robin! How did it turn out for you? The additions you made sound wonderful! Let us know how it worked out for you!
Do you think I could include vegetables into the pot with the steak? Carrots and potatoes maybe?
absolutely! That would be delicious!
I’m pregnant and would like to freeze everything to be able to take it out and throw in the crock pot after I have her. Anything I should leave out and add just before putting it in the crock pot?
Nope! This is a great one to freeze. You should be good to go!
It’s alot of meat for 2-3 people who are light eaters. Should I half the recipe or does it freeze well? Thanks!
Yes, you can cut the recipe in half. And yes, you should be able to freeze this and it should still taste great 😀
I made this exactly with thin cut steak on high for 2 half hours
Made mashed potatoes it turned out wonderful no changes.
Thankyou
Thanks Jamie! I’ve always cooked this on low because I’ve made it in the morning. It’s good to know it can cook that quickly on high. I’m glad you like the recipe!
I thin sliced a yellow onion and ring sliced a bell pepper; layered meat, onions, and pepper in the pot; then covered them with the gravy mixes and added water. Who needs potatoes anyway? Wonderful results.
John, that sounds amazing! I’ll try it. Thank you for sharing!
This was excellent! (followed exactly)
Love love love! Tried this a few weeks ago for the first time and fell in love. I’m currently pregnsnt and this is all I want to eat! I follow the recipe exactly and make no changes or add anything and it turns out perfect! Make this easily once a week. 5/5
I’m so glad you like the recipe! Congratulations on being pregnant!
I forgot to cut the steak. Do you think I need to adjust cooking time? I am cooking it on high for 4 hours right now.
I think it will be fine on high for 4 hours. If you are nervous about it, slice into the meat about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking. If it’s still pink in the middle, pull it out and slice it and then cook for 30 more minutes. Good luck!
i love the recipe but it’s not thick, what do I do to make it thicker?
The thickness of the gravy could have something to do with the brand of gravy and Au Jus mix. To thicken, mix 1 Tbsp of corn starch with 1 Tbsp of COLD water. When the corn starch is dissolved, add the mixture to the gravy. Thank you for asking!
I actually just reduced the amount of water in mine because I had the same problem.
Have any of you tried this with stew meat? I have a bunch to use up.
I haven’t tried it with stew meat, but I think it should work just fine. Necessity is the mother of invention – and I think using your stew meat in this recipe would be a great idea!
Wonderful base recipe. I made it exactly per instructions the first time. Since then I have used so many variables especially for the gravy. I make a lot more gravy now, 6 cups, because my family likes the gravy almost as much as the meat.
I almost always have the sirloin in the freezer in foodsaver bags, I take it out and place it under running COLD water (yes, cold water thaws faster than hot and doesn’t start cooking the meat) to thaw just enough to cut. I cube mine to approximate a bite sized piece after cooking.
If I’m going to add mushrooms, onion, whatever, I brown them in a couple tsp of bacon grease (any cooking oil will do) while the meat is thawing and set aside. Then brown the meat over medium heat in the same skillet with all the tasty bits still in the pan. You may need to add a bit more bacon grease/oil.
No matter how I’m going to make it now, I always brown the meat so I can make my own au jus. After browning all the meat, remove, and set aside. Deglaze the pan immediately with 2 cups of any liquid you have on hand, be it water, broth, wine, combination of any…almost anything will do, scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all the tasty bits, and poof!, just like that you have your own homemade au jus. Pour off into at least a 2 cup measuring cup. You need to know how much you have.
I always have different favors of packaged gravy mix on hand for when I’m too lazy to make from scratch. I have even used a combination of them when I didn’t have enough of any one kind. In fact, I’m making this right now, using 1 each beef, turkey, chicken and country gravy mixes. The beef mix makes 1 cup, the others make 2 cups each, so the family will be getting 7 cups yummy gravy total. You will need the same amount liquid total that your packaged mixes call for.
Empty your mix packets into the crock pot, and whisk together. (if using 1 kind, you don’t have to do this) then add a bit of cold water..I used half a cup right off because I have so much mix. Measure all water you add so you don’t go over the package directions, and don’t forget you already have 2 cups au jus standing by. Whisk into mix until it gets thick add, more water, whisk just until you are satisfied all the mix has combined. Take a spoon and run it around the bottom inside edge of the crockpot to bring up any dry mix lurking where the whisk can’t get to…there is always some. Whisk that in. Nothing worse than lumpy gravy. Add the au jus, and enough water, if necessary to come to the amount needed per package mix directions. Add the meat, and anything else you’ve set aside, put on the lid, set on low or below 200 if yours has degree settings for 8 hrs.
If you are only making say 2 cups, you won’t need to add anything but your au jus to the mix. But it has to be at least room temperature. If you add it hot to the mix you will get instant lumps, and you’ll have to vigorously whisk till your arms fall off to get rid of the lumps.
I have also used various cream of whatever condensed soups to make the gravy, alone and in combination. This also works well with chops and chicken. You just have to experiment, and have family (or dogs) willing to eat your less stellar experiments. Honestly, I’ve never had one that was inedible.
Thanks again for a great recipe.
I didn’t have the gravy mixes so used 2 cans of Campbells “Golden Mushroom Soup” also added a tsp of horse raddish……….excellent! Thank you!
Can it be country gravy?
I haven’t tried it, but I’m sure it would work just fine. It will obviously have a different flavor than if you used beef gravy. Let me know how it turns out!
I must be having a moment 😉 Does this call for Two 3# steaks or a 2# to 3# steak (2 – 3 lbs. . . . ) Sorry & Thank You 🙂 I look forward to making this for dinner next week 🙂
Sorry for the confusion! You can use 2 to 3 pounds of steak for the corresponding amounts of mixes and water. If you use more than 3 pounds of steak, you will want to add more mix and water. Thank you for asking!
My husband got ground sirloin instead of steaks. Will it still work?
We haven’t tried it that way before, but I don’t see why not! Let us know how it goes if you try it!
I have the brown gravy but no Au jus would this still work out? Also do you think this would go well for pork chops?
We haven’t tried any of those adjustments before so I’m not quite sure how it would turn out. IF you try it, let us know the adjustments you made and how it tasted!
Here is a recipe for pork chops grill or brown pork chops. Then put in crockpot . Take two big cans of cream and mushroom soup . Cover the pork chops with soup. Cook 8 to 10 hours . Serve white rice or wild rice . Enjoy.
I have this in my slow cooker right now. With the heat in Texas these days, a crock pot meal is just the ticket! Made it exactly as the recipe suggests, but one of the comments mentioned onions and mushrooms, and that might be an option for another day. Can’t wait to try it tonight. Noodles or rice…still to be decided!
How did it turn out? I love it over both noodles and rice. I hope it was delicious – and I hope it cools down in Texas! Hurray for Fall!
I make something similar to this, but use a can of Beefy mushroom soup and sauteed mushroom and onions, after I brown the meat. It’s such good comfort food over rice.
I just came across this recipe and was wondering if I put the saute onion and mushrooms in the crock pot as well??
Made this last night and the family loved it ! I bought the low sodium gravy packet. Will definitely be making this again. Thanks so much.
Making this today ! Can’t wait to try it. Its so hot out and this looks so easy. Thanks for sharing this.
You’re welcome!
Would you brown the steak on both sides before cooking in the crock pot?
No, we just slice up the steak and throw it in.
Wonderful recipe! My family enjoyed it and it is as easy as it sounds.
Hi! Think I could cook this on high for 4 hours?!
Yes, you could! Most crock pot recipes can be adjusted to cook on high for half the time it cooks on low. It’s the beauty of using a crock pot – you can make it fit your schedule!
Sadly we don’t have 2 of them ingredients in the UK what would u use instead of brown gravy mix and au jus mix?
Hmm. I’m not exactly sure- you may just have to make a homemade gravy and have it simmer in that! :S Sorry we couldn’t be of more help!
Use bisto.
We use a cup of red wine with 1 and a galf cup of beef broth. 2 tbsp of cornstarch. Perfect every time. Sliced mushroom..onion..clove of garlic.
How long do you have to broil the steak for?
London broil is just the cut of steak you can use– you don’t broil it. It just cooks in the crock pot. Hope this helps!
Does the steak have to be sliced ahead of time, or can you put the full roast into the crock pot?
I always slice the steak before putting it in the crockpot so it is ready to serve but, I’m sure it would be fine if you sliced it after too. After cooking on low all day, the meat will fall apart in chunks very easily.
you cut the beef b/4 you put it in the crockpot?
Yes, I cut the meat before putting it in the crockpot.
If you’ll semi-freeze the meat, it will be much easier to slice.
U cut the beef b/4 you cook it in the crockpot?
Pulling a steak from the freezer and this will be Monday night supper.
any substitues for the gravy and an jus mixes please???
You could try beef broth or beef consume thickened with some cornstarch.
I use Better Than Bullion Beef Base, add a little corn strach to thicken – sould be perfect. It has better ‘beefy’ flavor that packets.
I use a package of onion soup mix and a can of cream of mushroom instead of the brown gravy and au jus.
How did that turn out?
I forsee a couple of additions to my shopping list for the afternoon….Thanks!
hi there this looks delish what is AU just mix i am in nz
This is Au Jus: https://www.google.com/shopping/product/10553935891724635442?q=au+jus+mix&client=safari&rls=en&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.68445247,d.cGU,pv.xjs.s.en_US.hKiVy-E3KVo.O&biw=1356&bih=803&tch=1&ech=1&psi=_6mTU-KcCYW8oQSHg4KgDQ.1402186242150.3&ei=AqqTU5yULdCEogT0g4DgCQ&ved=0CHoQpiswAA
What is au jus please
Here is what we used: https://www.google.com/shopping/product/10553935891724635442?q=au+jus+mix&client=safari&rls=en&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.68445247,d.cGU,pv.xjs.s.en_US.hKiVy-E3KVo.O&biw=1356&bih=803&tch=1&ech=1&psi=_6mTU-KcCYW8oQSHg4KgDQ.1402186242150.3&ei=AqqTU5yULdCEogT0g4DgCQ&ved=0CHoQpiswAA
the juice left when you make a roast beef, or it comes in a package, too………….
I haven’t tried this recipe yet. But sure looks yummy.
I wonder if this would be good for Easter. I’m expecting a large group and thinking of serving this and a ham for meat choices. Would this be nice served in a warmed serving dish, perhaps with rice and green beans?
That sounds perfect! I think that would be really good for an Easter dinner. 🙂 Great idea!
Incompetent home cook question… is the steak raw or cooked when you put it in the crockpot?
It is raw!
That looks yummy!!!!
This recipe was wonderful
Yummy!! I love crockpot meals. Super easy! Thanks for the recipe!!
I don’t care what time of year it is, I love comfort food like this. This recipe is awesome, so easy too!
You could add a bottle of beer to it too along with beef base and some onions to tenderize it,If you want to do an Irish stew I’ll throw in a can of Guinness and it turns out really nice!
I threw in a can of Guinness too, but missed the crockpot… So, I added another can Guinness. Still want to try your recipe though.
This was delicious…as is…if I hear one more grown adult say ” yummy” I will lose it though…
Easy and awesome! I add onion to mine.
This is delicious! Just the way it is. My mom makes it often, and my husband asked me to make it.
Unfortunately I’m NOT a cook. Instead of calling my mom for the exact directions I found this recipe . I threw all the ingredients in the crockpot without mixing the gravy with the water. I realize it probably should be a no brainier to know that I should mix the water with the gravy before adding to the crockpot, but I didnt realize it. So to those fellow incompetent cooks out there. It’s best if you mix the gravy packets with the water before dumping it in the crockpot