Slow cooker round steak

By: Bennett Claire
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Posted: 09/12/2025

You know those nights? The ones where you’ve raced from work, the kids are buzzing with after-school energy, and the thought of standing over a hot stove feels like climbing Mount Everest? Yeah, those nights. This Slow Cooker round steak is my absolute go-to for exactly those moments. It’s the recipe I pull out when I need something truly comforting, deeply flavorful, and ridiculously easy. Honestly, it’s become a staple in our home, right up there with spaghetti night and taco Tuesday, but it feels just a little bit more special. It’s the kind of meal that has a way of bringing everyone to the table, a warm hug in a bowl that smells as incredible as it tastes. Forget those tough, dry versions of round steak you might have encountered; this method transforms it into something unbelievably tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. If you’re looking for a meal that practically cooks itself and yields incredibly satisfying results, you’ve found your winner. This slow cooker round steak is a game-changer, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

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What Is Slow Cooker Round Steak?

So, what exactly are we talking about when I say “Slow Cooker round steak”? Think of it as the ultimate “set it and forget it” comfort food. It’s a humble cut of beef, round steak, that gets a magical transformation in the slow cooker. Instead of being tough and perhaps a bit bland, it becomes incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavor. We’re basically braising it low and slow in a luscious, flavorful sauce. It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated, but oh my goodness, it is delicious. It’s the kind of dish that makes your house smell absolutely divine as it simmers away for hours, a promise of a hearty, satisfying meal waiting at the end of a long day. It’s essentially a culinary hug, a testament to how simple ingredients and a little bit of time can create something truly spectacular. It’s far removed from the quick-sear method you might use for other cuts; this is all about patience and coaxing out the best of what round steak has to offer.

How to Make Slow Cooker Round Steak

Quick Overview

Making this slow cooker round steak is a breeze. You’ll simply brown the beef for extra flavor (optional, but I highly recommend it!), toss everything into the slow cooker, and let time work its magic. The result is unbelievably tender beef bathed in a savory, rich sauce. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Slow Cooker Round Steak: What are some good recipes for this?
2-3 pounds round steak, trimmed of excess fat (look for cuts that are about 1-1.5 inches thick for best results)
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (if searing)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups beef broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds great depth – you can substitute with more beef broth)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Salt to taste (you’ll likely add this at the end)
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons cold water (for thickening the sauce, optional)

For Serving (Optional but Recommended):
Mashed Potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended!)

If you have a few extra minutes and want to build an extra layer of flavor, I always recommend searing the steak. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the round steak dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Don’t crowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor that you just can’t get from just tossing it in the slow cooker. Once seared, transfer the steak to your slow cooker insert.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

In the same skillet you used for searing (no need to clean it, those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the sliced onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Savory Liquid

Pour the onion-broth mixture over the seared steak in the slow cooker. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the steak is mostly submerged in the liquid. If the liquid doesn’t quite cover the steak, don’t worry too much; it will break down and release its own juices.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker and the thickness of your steak. The goal is for the steak to be incredibly tender, easily pierced with a fork, and almost falling apart. I usually check it around the 6-hour mark on low, just to see how it’s doing.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

Once the steak is tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or serving platter. If you prefer a thicker, gravy-like sauce, this is the time to do it. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker with the cooking liquid. Stir well and cook on HIGH for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Season the sauce with salt to taste.

Step 6: Shred or Slice the Steak

You can either shred the steak using two forks directly in the slow cooker with the sauce, or slice it against the grain for a more traditional presentation. I often shred it because it’s just so tender and soaks up the sauce beautifully. If you slice it, make sure your knife is sharp!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the tender, shredded (or sliced) slow cooker round steak and its delicious sauce over your favorite accompaniment – creamy mashed potatoes are my absolute favorite for this! – or serve with egg noodles, rice, or even just some crusty bread to sop up all that glorious sauce. Dinner is served!

What to Serve It With

This slow cooker round steak is incredibly versatile, and the perfect side dish can really elevate the meal from delicious to absolutely unforgettable. For a classic, comforting dinner, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a big helping of creamy mashed potatoes. They are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that rich, savory sauce. If you’re feeling like something a little different, buttered egg noodles are also a fantastic choice; their slight chewiness holds up beautifully to the tender beef and sauce. Rice, particularly a fluffy basmati or jasmine, is another wonderful option, especially if you want to keep it a bit lighter. For those days when you just want pure comfort, serve it with thick-cut crusty bread – it’s perfect for dipping and makes sure not a single drop of that incredible sauce goes to waste! My kids also love it when I serve it on toasted slider buns for an easy sandwich. It’s amazing how this humble dish can adapt to so many different occasions and preferences. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a more relaxed weekend meal, there’s always a perfect pairing.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Round Steak

I’ve made this slow cooker round steak more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really make a difference. First, when it comes to the steak itself, don’t be afraid to trim off any really thick, tough-looking bits of fat, but leave a little marbling – that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from! My personal preference is to always sear the steak. Yes, it’s an extra step, but the depth of flavor you get from that initial browning is significant. It truly elevates the dish from good to spectacular. If you’re using red wine, don’t skip it if you can help it! It adds such a wonderful complexity to the sauce. If you don’t drink alcohol or can’t find it, just substitute with an extra cup of beef broth, but the wine really does something special. When it comes to cooking time, trust your slow cooker and the tenderness of the meat. Every machine runs a little differently. My rule of thumb is to check for fork-tenderness; if it shreds easily with two forks, it’s ready. If it still feels a bit resistant, give it another hour or so. For thickening the sauce, I always use cornstarch mixed with cold water. It creates a smooth, glossy sauce without any lumps, and you can control the thickness exactly how you like it. Some people like a super thick gravy, others prefer it a bit thinner – just add more slurry or more broth as needed. And finally, taste and adjust seasoning at the end! Salt and pepper are crucial, and sometimes a splash more Worcestershire sauce can really brighten things up. Remember, cooking is about making it taste good to *you*, so don’t be afraid to tweak things a little based on your own preferences!

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this slow cooker round steak is that it’s just as delicious, if not more so, the next day! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house, but it happens!), storing them is super simple. Once the dish has cooled down slightly, transfer any leftover steak and sauce to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It keeps really well, and the flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight. When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options. The easiest way is to gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. This is my preferred method as it helps retain the moisture and flavor. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the meat. If you want to make a big batch and freeze some for later, that’s totally doable too! Let the cooked steak and sauce cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above. If you thickened the sauce, it generally holds up well to reheating. Just be prepared to potentially add a tiny splash of beef broth if it seems a bit too thick after thawing and reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Making this slow cooker round steak gluten-free is super easy. Just ensure your beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce are certified gluten-free. For the soy sauce, tamari is a fantastic gluten-free alternative. When thickening the sauce with cornstarch and water, cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go there! Serve it over gluten-free mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa for a completely gluten-free meal. The meat and sauce base itself is naturally gluten-free.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Oh, that’s a fun question! This recipe doesn’t actually use zucchini. We’re working with round steak here! But if you were thinking of another recipe, generally for zucchini, peeling is optional. Leaving the peel on adds a bit more fiber and color, but if you prefer a smoother texture or have concerns about pesticides, peeling is perfectly fine. For this round steak dish, no zucchini involved!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

That’s an interesting thought! This particular recipe is designed for a tender, slow-cooked cut of beef and a savory sauce, so turning it into muffins wouldn’t really work with the concept. Muffins are typically baked goods made with flour, leavening, and often sweet ingredients. This round steak dish is a savory main course. If you’re looking for savory muffin ideas, you might explore recipes specifically designed for that, perhaps involving cheese, herbs, or even small bits of cooked meat in a muffin batter base.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

This slow cooker round steak recipe is savory, not sweet. However, if you find the broth or Worcestershire sauce have a subtle sweetness you’re not fond of, or if you’re looking to add a hint of sweetness for a different flavor profile, you could try adding a *tiny* pinch of sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup when you add the other liquids. But honestly, the savory notes are what make this so comforting and delicious. The complexity comes from the beef, aromatics, and sauces, not from added sugar.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

This recipe uses a savory sauce that we thicken, not typically a sweet glaze like you’d find on pastries. If you mean what can you serve it *with* instead of mashed potatoes or noodles, the options are vast! As mentioned, rice, crusty bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables like green beans or broccoli are fantastic. If you’re asking about an alternative to the thickened sauce itself, you could skip the cornstarch slurry entirely and serve the meat with the un-thickened, more broth-like cooking liquid. It will still be flavorful! Or, you could whip up a quick pan sauce separately with some butter, shallots, and a splash of broth after removing the steak.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my go-to recipe for the most incredibly tender and flavorful slow cooker round steak. It’s a dish that truly embodies comfort food. The magic is in the simplicity, the low and slow cooking, and the way it transforms an everyday cut of beef into something truly special. I love knowing that when I’m busy, I can rely on my slow cooker to deliver a meal that feels like a gourmet experience without all the fuss. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, a cozy family dinner, or even just treating yourself to something delicious after a long day. If you’re looking for more hearty, comforting recipes that are also easy on the wallet and your schedule, you might also enjoy my [Link to another savory recipe, e.g., Slow Cooker Pot Roast] or my [Link to another easy dinner recipe, e.g., One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken]. I really hope you give this slow cooker round steak a try. I can’t wait to hear what you think, and I’d love to see how yours turns out! Tag me in your photos or leave a comment below – your feedback always makes my day. Happy cooking, and happy eating!

Slow cooker round steak

Tender and flavorful round steak cooked to perfection in a slow cooker with simple seasonings.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2.5 pound beef round steak about 1 inch thick
1 large onion sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
0.5 cup beef broth
0.25 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Place the round steak in the slow cooker.
Top with the sliced onion and minced garlic.
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour the liquid mixture over the steak and vegetables.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the steak is tender and easily shredded.
Remove the steak from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded steak to the sauce in the slow cooker to keep warm.
Serve hot, spooning the sauce over the shredded steak.