Crockpot Steak and Gravy

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4.94 from 122 votes
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This Crockpot Steak and Gravy recipe is an easy, flavorful dinner the whole family will love. With just 3 simple ingredients, the steak turns out tender and juicy in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a no-fuss slow cooker meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Crockpot Steak and Gravy over mashed potatoes and garnished with parsley. Baguette bread on the side.

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 an especially busy time in my life. I needed something easy that didn’t feel like a compromise — and this recipe delivered. I’ve made it countless times since, and it always turns out rich, tender, and full of flavor.

It truly couldn’t be easier. Just add everything to the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, your home smells amazing and dinner is done. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together — even on the busiest days.

🩷 Echo

Tried, Tested, and Loved by Our Readers

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

Ingredients

Ingredients to make Crockpot Steak and Gravy including brown gravy mix packets, au jus gravy mix packet, water and thinly sliced top sirloin steak.
  • 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.
  • Brown Gravy Mix: A couple of brown gravy mixes combine with water to create the gravy with the steak as it cooks.
  • Au Ju Gravy Mix: Sprinkled on the steak with the brown gravy to make the flavorful gravy.

How to Make Crockpot Steak with Gravy

Crockpot with steak and dry gravy mixes on top.
  1. Thinly slice the steak and place it in a slow cooker. Sprinkle with the gravy mixes.
Crockpot with combined gravy mixes, water and steak.
  1. Add water and stir to combine the gravy mixes.
Crockpot with setting on low for Steak and Gravy.
  1. Slow cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Crockpot with steamy hot steak and gravy and wooden spoon.
  1. Stir and serve.

Suggestions and Additions for this Recipe

  • 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.
  • Layer with veggies: Add sliced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the crockpot for extra flavor and texture.
  • For a thicker gravy: Once the steak is cooked, use cornstarch or flour mixed with water to thicken the juices and create a rich, velvety gravy.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the finished dish for a fresh and vibrant touch.

What to Serve with Crockpot Steak and Gravy

Wooden spoon with Crockpot Steak and Gravy next to a bowl of mashed potatoes and plate of green beans.

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

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a flank steak, chuck steak, or even stew meat. Tougher cuts offer maximum tenderness when cooked low and slow.

Can I cook this Crockpot Steak and Gravy on high in the slow cooker?

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.

Should I sear meat before slow cooking?

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.

How can I thicken the gravy?

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.

Is it ok to use frozen steak in the Crock Pot?

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.

Read next: The Best Crockpot Meals

Crockpot with steamy hot steak and gravy and wooden spoon.

More Time Saving Crockpot Meals

The slow cooker saves the day more often than not! 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

4.94 from 122 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
This Crockpot Steak and Gravy is so tender and flavorful. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice or pasta.

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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.
    Crockpot with water added to the steak and gravy dry mixes.
  • Cook all day (8-10 hrs) on low, stirring occasionally.
    Crockpot with setting on low for Steak and Gravy.
  • Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
    Plate with mashed potatoes covered with Crockpot Steak and Gravy and green beans on the side. Sliced baguette with butter on the side.

Equipment

  • Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)

Notes

Variations, Ideas and Substitutions:
  • Throw some sliced mushrooms and/or onions into the Crock Pot for a delicious addition.
  • We like to serve this over mashed potatoes or steaming rice from the rice cooker.
Storage and Ideas for Leftovers:
  • 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! 
To serve 4-6 people, use 2 pounds of steak. To serve 6-8 people, use 3 pounds of steak.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 50g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 138mg, Sodium: 729mg, Potassium: 776mg, Sugar: 3g, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Course: Dinner, Main Course

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About the author

Echo Blickenstaff

Echo lives in Spanish Fork, Utah with her husband, Todd, who works in advertising. She has four kids: two girls and two boys. She deploys her accounting degree as the blog’s resident problem solver. In her time outside the kitchen, Echo loves to get away from the phones and busy schedules and spend quality time with the family. Anywhere’s great – but getting out into nature in the mountains or on the beach – is the best kind of getaway.

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4.94 from 122 votes (72 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 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

    1. 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!

  2. 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!

    1. 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!

        1. 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!

    1. I would add mushrooms at the beginning! That way you get the amazing flavor all cooked in!

  3. 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?

    1. 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!

      1. 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.

          1. We haven’t tried that specific variation, so I can’t speak to how it will affect the taste or texture of the recipe.

  4. 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.

    1. 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?

      1. Yeah, I would try 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup water for your slurry. Let me know how it turns out!

  5. 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.

    1. 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!

      1. 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.

        1. 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!

          1. 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!

  6. 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.

  7. 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?

    1. 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!

  8. 5 stars
    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.

    1. 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!

      1. 5 stars
        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.

  9. 5 stars
    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.

  10. 5 stars
    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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 5 stars
    I made this last night and we thought it was very good and easy to put together. I will be making this again.

  15. 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?

    1. Just the 2.5 cups and then the packets. You don’t need to cook according to package directions. Hope this helps!

  16. 4 stars
    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!

  17. 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!

    1. 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!