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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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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.