Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Slow Cooker Braised Steak—tender, flavorful, and perfect for a hands-off meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2–3 lbs (900 g–1.4 kg) beef chuck or round steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute extra broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2–3 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2–3 potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Sear the steak (optional but recommended):
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak with salt and pepper.
- Sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This adds extra flavor.
- Prepare the slow cooker:
- Place onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add seared steak on top.
- Add liquids and seasonings:
- Mix beef broth, wine, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the steak and vegetables.
- Add thyme and bay leaves.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until steak is tender and falling apart.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove bay leaves.
- Optionally, thicken the sauce by stirring in 1–2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water and simmering for a few minutes.
- Serve steak with the vegetables and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
✅ Tips:
- For extra richness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- Use bone-in cuts like chuck for more flavor and gelatinous richness in the braising liquid.
I can also give a garlic herb version with mushrooms that adds extra depth and an earthy flavor to the slow-cooked steak.
