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This Crockpot Steak and Gravy is one of my favorite slow cooker dinners for busy weeknights. It uses just 3 simple ingredients and turns out tender, savory, and so comforting every time. If you need an easy dinner that tastes like you worked way harder than you did, this recipe is a lifesaver.
5 Star Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This has become my go to recipe for cooking any meat that has been frozen and thawed too many times or muscle that was heavily used by the beef. It is very easy to prepare and ready at the end of a long work day. Thank you so much for sharing your secret with us.” – Amy
“Ten stars! Easy and delicious, with minimal ingredients…I love it! And I will definitely be making again and again. Everyone at the table gobbled it up. I served over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans. Delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!” – Lisa
“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.” – Theresa
An Easy Recipe for Busy Days
I first made this 3 ingredient Crockpot Steak and Gravy years ago when my friend Rashona recommended it during a really busy season of life. I needed something easy that did not feel like a compromise, and this recipe absolutely delivered. I have made it countless times since, and it always comes out rich, tender, and full of flavor.
What I love most is how dependable it is. I can add everything to the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a house that smells amazing and dinner that is basically done. It is one of those recipes that makes me feel like I have dinner figured out, even on the busiest days.
🩷 Echo
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it keeps things simple and focuses on what the slow cooker does best.
- Thinly sliced steak cooks up tender and soaks in all the savory gravy flavor.
- Brown gravy mix plus au jus mix creates a rich, beefy gravy without extra prep.
- Low and slow cooking gives the steak time to break down and become tender.
- Minimal ingredients means less measuring, less cleanup, and a very reliable result.
It is the kind of recipe that is perfect when you want comfort food without a lot of effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Top Sirloin Steak or Top Round (London Broil): These cuts of steak are perfect for this recipe because they become tender and juicy after slow-cooking. I watch for steak on weekly sales and buy extra to put in the freezer.
- Gravy mixes – brown gravy mix and au jus gravy mix combine to create a rich, savory gravy with lots of flavor.
- Water – helps dissolve the mixes and creates the cooking liquid that turns into gravy as it cooks.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Swap the au jus mix – if you cannot find au jus, use onion soup mix and the flavor is still delicious.
- Add vegetables – sliced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers cook right in the crockpot and add extra flavor and texture.
- Fresh herbs for serving – chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh finish.
- Thicker gravy option – stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end if you want a thicker gravy.
- Other beef cuts – flank steak, chuck steak, or stew meat can work well, especially when cooked low and slow.
How to Make Crockpot Steak and Gravy
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain and place it in the slow cooker. Add the gravy mixes by sprinkling the brown gravy mix and au jus mix over the steak.
- Pour in the water and stir gently so the mixes combine with the liquid. The gravy will look thin early and thicken as it cooks with the beef juices.
- Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until the steak is very tender and the gravy is rich.
- Stir well before serving so the gravy coats the steak evenly. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or toast.
Recipe Tips
- Cook low and slow for the best texture. I highly recommend cooking this on low for at least 8 hours.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the most tender results.
- Use a crockpot liner if you want easy cleanup.
- Buy steak on sale and freeze it for easy meal planning later. I do this often.
- Stir before serving because the gravy settles as it cooks.
- For a thicker gravy, add a slurry of cornstarch and cold water about 30 minutes before serving.
- Taste before adding extra salt because gravy packet brands can vary in saltiness. Use low sodium gravy packets if you are sensitive to salt.
- 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!
- Servings: To serve 4-6 people, use 2 pounds of steak. To serve 6-8 people, use 3 pounds of steak.
- A 6 quart slow cooker works well for larger batches or doubling the recipe.
What to Serve with Crockpot Steak and Gravy
I love serving the thick, creamy steak and gravy over homemade mashed potatoes. It’s also delicious served over Instant Pot Rice. There are so many side dishes that 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. Try it with roasted broccoli or oven roasted green beans on the side for a well-rounded meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use a flank steak, chuck steak, or even stew meat. Tougher cuts offer maximum tenderness when cooked low and slow.
You can, but the meat will not be as tender. We highly recommend cooking it for at least 8 hours on low for best results.
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.
If you want a thicker gravy, simply make a slurry with 2 tablespoons of cold water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir it into the crockpot steak and gravy 30 minutes before serving.
According to the USDA, it’s best not to use frozen meat in the crock pot. Thaw the frozen steak prior to using it in this recipe. This ensures even cooking and proper internal temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead – you can slice the steak ahead of time and store it in the fridge so it is ready to add to the slow cooker in the morning.
- Refrigerator – store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer – freeze cooled steak and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat – warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the gravy has thickened too much.
More Crockpot Meals
The slow cooker saves the day more often than not! We have so many great Crockpot Meals. Here are a few more of our tried and true crockpot favorites:
Give this easy Crockpot Steak and Gravy a try — it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a dinner hero with hardly any effort. Don’t forget to leave a review and let us know how it turned out! 💛
Crockpot Steak and Gravy
Video
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.
Equipment
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
Notes
- Best results come from cooking on low for at least 8 hours.
- Slice steak thinly for more tender bites.
- Onion soup mix can replace au jus mix if needed.
- Add onions, mushrooms, or peppers for extra flavor.
- Use a cornstarch slurry near the end for thicker gravy.
- Thaw steak before slow cooking for best texture and even cooking.
- Crockpot liners make cleanup easy.
- A 6 quart slow cooker works well for larger batches or doubling the recipe.
- Cooking time may vary by slow cooker model, so cook until the steak is very tender.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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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