Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 6–8 hours on LOW
– Alternative cooking time: 3–4 hours on HIGH
– Total time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes–8 hours 15 minutes
– Servings: 4–6
– Difficulty: Easy
– Cooking method: Slow cooker
Ingredients
For the beef steaks
– 2 pounds (900 g) beef cube steaks or tenderized round steaks
– 1 large onion, sliced or chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
For the gravy
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon butter
For additional mushrooms
– 8 ounces (225 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
For thickening the gravy
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 3 tablespoons cold water
For garnish
– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
– Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the beef steaks
Remove the beef steaks from their packaging.
Pat them dry using paper towels.
If using round steak, cut it into serving-sized pieces.
If using cube steak, leave the pieces whole.
Patting the meat dry helps improve browning and allows the seasonings to stick.
Step 2: Season the beef
Place the steaks on a large plate.
Season both sides with:
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Paprika
Rub the seasonings gently into the meat.
Allow the steaks to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Brown the beef (optional but recommended)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the beef steaks in batches.
Sear each side for approximately 2–3 minutes until nicely browned.
Do not overcrowd the skillet.
Browning adds a deeper, richer flavor to the finished gravy.
Transfer the browned steaks to a plate.
Step 4: Prepare the onions
Peel and chop the onion.
Slice it into medium-sized pieces.
If you enjoy a stronger onion flavor, use two onions.
Spread half of the onions across the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add the beef steaks
Arrange the seasoned beef steaks over the onions.
Place the remaining onions on top of the meat.
This helps the beef absorb the onion flavor while cooking.
Step 6: Prepare the beef broth mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine:
– 2 cups beef broth
– Worcestershire sauce
– Minced garlic
– Dried thyme
– Black pepper
Whisk everything together.
Step 7: Add the mushroom soup
Add the cream of mushroom soup to the broth mixture.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Pour the mixture evenly over the beef steaks and onions.
Add butter on top.
Step 8: Add fresh mushrooms
Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel.
Slice them into medium-sized pieces.
Add them to the slow cooker around and over the beef.
Gently distribute everything.
Step 9: Slow cook the beef
Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.
Cook according to the following settings:
– LOW: 6–8 hours.
– HIGH: 3–4 hours.
The beef should become very tender and easy to cut with a fork.
Avoid repeatedly lifting the lid during cooking.
Step 10: Check the beef
Carefully remove the lid.
Check the steaks with a fork.
They should be tender, juicy, and surrounded by flavorful onion and mushroom gravy.
If the beef is still tough, continue cooking until tender.
Step 11: Thicken the gravy
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water.
Whisk until completely smooth.
Remove the beef temporarily if necessary.
Stir the cornstarch mixture into the hot gravy.
Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 15–20 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 12: Return and coat the beef
If you removed the steaks, return them to the slow cooker.
Spoon the thick mushroom and onion gravy generously over each steak.
Allow everything to warm together for another 5 minutes.
Step 13: Garnish
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the beef.
Add a little freshly cracked black pepper.
The gravy should be rich, glossy, and full of tender mushrooms and onions.
Step 14: Serve
Transfer the beef steaks to serving plates.
Spoon plenty of mushroom onion gravy over the top.
Serve immediately while hot.
Enjoy your delicious homemade slow cooker beef steaks!
Serving Suggestions
This dish tastes wonderful with:
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Buttered egg noodles
– Steamed white rice
– Garlic mashed potatoes
– Roasted carrots
– Green beans
– Buttered corn
– Warm dinner rolls
– Garlic bread
Best combination: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes with plenty of mushroom onion gravy.
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving, based on 6 servings.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 390 kcal
Protein 39 g
Carbohydrates 13 g
Fat 19 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 4 g
Sodium 780 mg
Potassium 650 mg
Iron 4 mg
Calcium 65 mg
Vitamin B12 2.5 mcg
Nutrition values are estimates and depend on the beef cut, soup, broth, and portion sizes.
Quick Nutrition Info (Q/S)
– Protein: Beef provides high-quality protein for muscle growth and maintenance.
– Iron: Beef is an excellent source of heme iron, which helps support healthy red blood cells.
– Vitamin B12: Beef provides vitamin B12 for normal nerve function and blood cell formation.
– Zinc: Beef contains zinc, which supports immune health.
– Vitamin B6: Beef contributes vitamin B6, which supports energy metabolism.
– Potassium: Beef and mushrooms provide potassium for normal muscle and nerve function.
– Selenium: Beef and mushrooms provide selenium, an antioxidant nutrient.
– B vitamins: Beef contains several B vitamins that support energy metabolism.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Choose cube steak or tenderized round steak for a tender result.
2. Brown the steaks before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
3. Slice onions evenly so they cook at the same rate.
4. Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt.
5. Add fresh mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
6. Do not add too much liquid; the onions and mushrooms release moisture.
7. Cook on LOW for the most tender results.
8. Add the cornstarch slurry near the end.
9. Taste the gravy before adding additional salt.
10. Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Delicious Recipe Variations
– Garlic Mushroom Beef: Add extra minced garlic and fresh mushrooms.
– Creamy Beef Gravy: Add ½ cup heavy cream near the end.
– French Onion Beef Steak: Add extra caramelized onions and a little Worcestershire sauce.
– Pepper Beef Steak: Add freshly cracked black pepper.
– Cheesy Beef Steak: Sprinkle a little mozzarella over the finished dish.
– Herb Beef Steak: Add rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze cooked beef and gravy for up to 3 months.
– Stovetop reheating: Warm gently in a covered saucepan with a splash of beef broth.
– Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly hot.
Keep the beef refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.
Allergen Information
– Contains dairy if using cream-based mushroom soup and butter.
– May contain wheat or gluten in packaged mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce.
– Check broth and seasoning labels for additional allergens.
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Included?
Peanuts No
Almonds No
Walnuts No
Cashews No
Pistachios No
Pecans No
Hazelnuts No
Other tree nuts No
Nut allergy note: This recipe does not require peanuts or tree nuts. Always check packaged soup, broth, and seasonings for possible nut cross-contact.
Easy slow cooker family dinner
Enjoy your tender, juicy Beef Steaks with Rich Mushroom Onion Gravy!