When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm, hearty beef dish that practically cooks itself. That’s why this Best Ever Slow Cooked Round Steak recipe has quickly become a family favorite. With just a few pantry ingredients, a crockpot, and time, you’ll have fork-tender beef smothered in rich gravy.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or Sunday suppers, this recipe turns a budget-friendly cut of beef into something extraordinary. If you already love crockpot classics like Crockpot Fajitas or Slow Cooker Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans, then this recipe will fit right into your meal rotation.
Table of Contents
Why This is the Best Ever Slow Cooked Round Steak Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver for anyone who wants a delicious dinner without the stress of hovering over the stove. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Budget-friendly: Round steak is one of the more affordable cuts of beef.
- Hands-off cooking: Let your crockpot do all the work.
- Rich flavor: Cooking low and slow creates deep, savory beef and gravy.
- Versatile: Pairs with potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
The slow cooker transforms a tough cut into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Add a simple gravy, and you’ve got comfort food at its finest.
What is Round Steak?
Round steak is a lean cut of beef taken from the hindquarters of the cow. While it’s not naturally the most tender cut, slow cooking works wonders on it. The connective tissue breaks down beautifully in the crockpot, leaving you with flavorful beef that almost falls apart.
You may also find it labeled as beef round tip or beef round steak crock pot cuts. These are all excellent choices for crockpot recipes. If you enjoy hearty beef dishes like Ground Beef Wellington or Chili Cheese Dog Casserole, this will be right up your alley.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- 2 pounds round steak (cut into serving-sized portions)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins: sliced mushrooms, garlic, or bell peppers.
Kitchen Equipment Checklist
You won’t need much to pull this recipe together. Make sure you have:
- Crockpot/Slow Cooker (5–6 quart size recommended)
- Mixing bowl for combining gravy ingredients
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tongs for serving
If you like this kind of easy setup, you’ll also appreciate the convenience of Crack Breakfast Casserole, another slow cooker favorite.
How to Make Best Ever Slow Cooked Round Steak
- Prepare the Crockpot
Lightly spray or grease your crockpot to prevent sticking. - Layer Ingredients
Place the sliced onions on the bottom. Arrange the round steak pieces on top. - Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth. - Pour and Cook
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. - Serve with Gravy
Spoon the rich gravy over the beef when serving.
This method makes the round steak so tender, you’ll barely need a knife to cut it.
Why Use a Crockpot for Round Steak?
Round steak can be tough when cooked quickly, but the slow cooker gently breaks down the muscle fibers over hours of cooking. The moist environment and consistent low temperature allow the beef to soak up flavors while becoming perfectly tender.
It’s the same principle that makes dishes like Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili or Pumpkin Chicken Chili taste so comforting.
Flavor Boosters and Variations
Want to make your round steak even more flavorful? Try these ideas:
- Add mushrooms: For an earthy depth.
- Swap the soup: Use cream of celery or cream of chicken instead.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Add veggies: Carrots or potatoes can cook right in the crockpot.
If you’re a fan of experimenting with flavor, you might enjoy trying something different like Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Round steak and gravy pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes or Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
- Rice or egg noodles
- Roasted vegetables like Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini
- Buttery dinner rolls
For dessert, a seasonal treat like Pumpkin Twists makes a perfect finish.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked beef with gravy in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep the gravy smooth.
Recipe Pairings (No Alcohol)
Here are a few non-alcoholic drinks and sides that pair well:
- Lavender Lemonade for something refreshing
- Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca for a light, cooling drink
- Apple Crisp with Oatmeal for a cozy, sweet finish
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much liquid: Round steak releases juices as it cooks, so don’t overfill with broth.
- Cooking too fast: Low and slow is key for tenderness.
- Skipping seasoning: Always taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt and pepper.
- Not searing first (optional): While not necessary, a quick sear can boost flavor.
Round Steak FAQs
Can I use rib steak instead of round steak?
Yes, rib steak will work but tends to be more expensive.
Do I need to brown the steak before slow cooking?
It’s optional. Browning adds flavor but isn’t required.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even make your own simple roux-based gravy.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger crockpot and adjust cooking time slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Best Ever Slow Cooked Round Steak is proof that you don’t need expensive cuts to enjoy a rich, satisfying beef dinner. With just a few ingredients and the magic of your crockpot, you’ll get fork-tender beef with a savory gravy that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and practically effortless. If you love cozy meals like Vegetarian Pasta Primavera or Stuffed Acorn Squash, this is another keeper to add to your recipe box.
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Best Ever Slow Cooked Round Steak in the Crockpot – Comfort Food Done Right
- Total Time: 7–8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooked Round Steak recipe transforms an affordable cut of beef into a tender, flavorful, and comforting crockpot dinner with rich gravy. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prep, and perfect for weeknights or Sunday suppers.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef round steak, cut into serving-sized portions
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Trim excess fat from round steak if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the Gravy Base: In a bowl, combine onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place steak pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the soup mixture over, coating evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until fork-tender.
- Serve: Plate with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles and drizzle with the gravy.
Notes
- Don’t skip the onion soup mix—it adds rich umami flavor.
- Layer steak evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- For variety, add sliced onions, mushrooms, or carrots directly to the crockpot.
- Low and slow cooking produces the most tender results.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often—it releases heat and slows cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Crockpot
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
Keywords: Slow Cooked Round Steak, Crockpot Beef, Beef Round Steak Crock Pot, Slow Cooker Comfort Food
