Slow Cooker Braised Steak With Rich Gravy

Slow Cooker braised steak in a rich and delicious gravy. This easy recipe transforms inexpensive braising steak into an impressing steak dinner that’s meltingly tender and full of flavor. Deliciously comforting, hearty and affordable.

Chuck steak is an often overlooked ingredient which is such a shame. I think most people are put off by it because they think that since it has “steak” in the name it can be cooked like a steak. Here’s where the trouble begins…

Chuck steak (or braising steak) is a comparatively affordable cut of beef that needs to be cooked low and slow. You can’t fry it up and serve it rare – it will be tough as leather boots! The secret is braising – the preferred method of cooking for this type of beef. The steak is first seared over high heat then simmered for a long time, partially covered in liquid over low heat.

This easy crockpot recipe transform the humble chuck steak into a succulent dinner that feels high-end but costs way less than premium cuts. With set-it-and-forget cooking, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights, and the resulting gravy is perfect for batch meals, freezer prep, or family dinners with minimal fuss.

Here’s What You Will Need

You may be surprised that a handful of ingredients can yield such a satisfying meal. Here’s what you need to add to your grocery list!

• Chuck steak (braising steak) – two large steaks will easily feed four
• Vegetables: shallots or onions, celery and carrots
• Beef broth or bone broth – you can use canned broth or stock made using stockpots or stock cubes. Beef bouillon powder is another option.
• Red wine – an optional addition, it makes the gravy even richer. I used alcohol-free red wine and it worked amazingly well.
• Soy and Worcestershire sauce for rich, deep flavor
• Salt, pepper, brown sugar, mustard powder
• Olive oil for searing
• Cornstarch (cornflour) – useful for thickening the gravy. Dilute in a little cold water to make a slurry before using

How to Make Crockpot Braised Steak

1. Pat the steaks dry using kitchen paper. Cut any larger steaks in half and season liberally with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet or directly in the slow cooker if it has a browning setting. Allow the oil to get hot then sear the steak for a few minutes on both sides until nicely browned. Set the beef to one side.

1. Pour a little broth or red wine into the hot pan to deglaze and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits loose.
2. Add the shallots, celery, carrots, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaf and beef bouillon.
3. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for up to 8 hours or the HIGH setting for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is really tender when pierced with a knife.

Thicken the Gravy

1. Transfer some of the braising liquid and vegetables into a measuring jug. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, if using. Use an immersion blender to liquidize the vegetables.

Serve and Enjoy!

1. Stir this back into the slow cooker and heat through on the HIGH setting for 20-30 minutes (the cornflour needs to come to a simmer in order to thicken the gravy).
2. Serve the fall-apart tender braised steaks with the vegetables and gravy over mashed potatoes, baked potatoes or rice with a side of cabbage and green beans.

Recipe Notes

• STORING AND FREEZING: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure the beef is submerged in the braising liquid, otherwise it can dry out. Gently warm on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.
• BRAISING STEAK: Also known as chuck steak or chuck roast. You can use it in any recipe that requires slow cooking, including beef stews and curries. You can also use it in steak pie recipes.
• YOUR BRAISING LIQUID: Red wine, stout, beer, ale (including zero alcohol versions) all work.
• BEEF BOUILLON: If you can’t find it then simply crush a beef stock cube to a powder. Check these are gluten-free if that is a concern.

Looking for more creative ways to cook your steaks? Try my amazing skillet reverse-sear Cowboy Steak or Creamy Steak Diane for when you really want to impress, or use your Air Fryer to make juicy Steak Bites, Filet Mignon (Fillet Steak), Ribeye Steak or Prime Rib.