Slow cooked round steak has a magical way of transforming an often-overlooked cut of beef into something truly special. I remember the first time I made this recipe; I was a bit nervous about round steak turning out tough, but the aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible. The blend of onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup creates a rich, savory sauce that tenderizes the meat beautifully. It’s one of those meals that make your house smell like pure comfort, and now it’s a go-to for busy weeknights when I need a fuss-free, hearty dinner. Let’s get cooking this tender slow cooked round steak!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooked Round Steak

This recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly satisfying, and the results are consistently amazing.

Budget-Friendly: Uses an affordable cut of beef that tastes like a million bucks.
Effortless Preparation: Just a few minutes of prep, then your slow cooker does all the work.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Achieves that sought-after tender slow cooked round steak that practically dissolves.

Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup creates a deeply flavorful gravy.
Perfect for Weeknights: Set it and forget it for a delicious dinner without the stress.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s the ultimate hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with anything from mashed potatoes to egg noodles.

Foolproof Results: Even if you’re new to cooking, this tender slow cooked round steak is hard to mess up.

Ingredients for Slow Cooked Round Steak

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly melt-in-your-mouth round steak slow cooker experience:

2 pounds beef round steak – I like to trim any excess fat, but don’t go overboard as a little fat adds flavor and moisture.

1 packet (about 1 oz) dry onion soup mix – This is my secret weapon for a deeply savory and flavorful slow cooked round steak; it’s packed with umami.
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup – This creamy soup base is essential for tenderizing the meat and creating a luscious gravy.
1/2 cup water – Just enough to help the soup mixture distribute evenly and create steam.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Seasoning the steak directly before adding the liquid enhances its natural flavor.
Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – A splash of this adds another layer of savory depth.

How to Make Slow Cooked Round Steak

Making this tender slow cooked round steak is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. It’s the perfect example of how a little patience and a slow cooker can create magic.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat
First, trim any excess fat from your 2 pounds of beef round steak. I like to cut it into serving-sized portions, usually about 2-3 inches thick. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is key to building flavor for your slow cooked beef round steak.

Step 2: Mix the Gravy Base
In a medium bowl, combine the 1 packet of dry onion soup mix, the 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, and the 1/2 cup of water. If you’re using it, stir in the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce now. This mixture forms the rich, savory sauce that will make your round steak tenderize beautifully.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Place the seasoned steak pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. I usually try to arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly. Then, pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the steak, making sure to coat all the pieces. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 7–8 hours, or on HIGH for 4–5 hours. The goal is for the meat to become incredibly tender. My favorite part is the aroma that fills the house during these hours – it’s pure comfort! For the best melt in your mouth round steak slow cooker results, always opt for the lower and slower setting.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the steak is fork-tender, it’s ready to serve! Carefully remove the steak from the slow cooker and place it on your serving dish. Spoon the luscious gravy over the top. This juicy slow cooked round steak is fantastic served over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender egg noodles.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooked Round Steak

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that guarantee the most tender and flavorful slow cooked round steak. These simple techniques elevate this comforting dish.

Don’t skip the onion soup mix; it’s essential for that deep, savory flavor and helps create a fantastic gravy.
For the ultimate melt in your mouth round steak slow cooker experience, always cook on the LOW setting for the longest time possible.

Resist the urge to lift the lid! Every time you peek, you lose precious heat and steam, which can prolong cooking time.
Consider searing the steak briefly before placing it in the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor and color.

What’s the secret to perfect slow cooked round steak?

The real secret to perfect slow cooked round steak is patience and the right liquid base. That combination of onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup breaks down the tough fibers, making it incredibly tender. For more on the science of tenderizing meat, you can explore resources on USDA beef cuts.

Can I make slow cooked round steak ahead of time?

Yes! You can absolutely prep this the night before. Trim and season the steak, prepare the soup mixture, and place both in the slow cooker insert. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, just add the liquid and turn it on. It’s a great way to save time. For more make-ahead meal tips, check out our homepage.

How do I avoid common mistakes with slow cooked round steak?

A common mistake is overcooking, which can still lead to dry meat. Ensure you’re cooking until fork-tender, not just until it’s “done.” Also, avoid adding too much liquid initially; the soup mix and steak release moisture as they cook. You can find more helpful cooking advice on our about me page.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooked Round Steak

This tender slow cooked round steak is incredibly versatile and makes for a comforting meal any night of the week. My favorite way to serve it is over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, allowing that rich, savory gravy to soak in. It’s also fantastic alongside fluffy white rice or tender egg noodles. For a complete meal, I love adding a side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad to balance the richness of this juicy slow cooked round steak. It’s truly a simple slow cooker round steak meal that pleases everyone!

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooked Round Steak

Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving for this flavorful slow cooked round steak:

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 950mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the brand of onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup. For more information on food safety and nutrition, please refer to our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooked Round Steak

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious slow cooked round steak for days to come. Once the meat has cooled slightly, transfer it and the gravy into an airtight container. For the best results, I recommend using glass containers, which don’t retain odors. You can keep this tender slow cooked round steak in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled steak and gravy tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. You can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until heated through. This simple slow cooker round steak meal is just as good as leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooked Round Steak

Can I use a different cut of beef for this slow cooker round steak meal?

While this recipe is specifically designed for round steak, you can try other tougher cuts like chuck roast or brisket. However, cooking times might vary, and the flavor profile could change slightly. Always aim for cuts that benefit from slow, moist cooking to achieve that tender result. For more details on cooking, please see our contact us page.

What’s the best way to make round steak tender in the slow cooker?

The key to a tender slow cooked round steak is the low and slow cooking method. Combining the steak with acidic or enzymatic ingredients like the cream of mushroom soup helps to break down the connective tissues. Cooking on the LOW setting for 7-8 hours is generally better than a shorter time on HIGH for maximum tenderness.

How do I thicken the gravy for my slow cooked beef round steak?

If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like after cooking, you can easily thicken it. In a small bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or after you’ve removed the steak, and cook until thickened.

Can I add vegetables to my slow cooked round steak?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to make this an all-in-one meal. I love tossing in some chopped carrots, celery, and onions during the last 2-3 hours of cooking on LOW. If you add them too early, they can become mushy. This adds extra flavor and makes your meal even more hearty.

Variations of Slow Cooked Round Steak You Can Try

While this classic recipe is amazing as is, don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own favorite version of this slow cooker round steak meal! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker along with the soup mixture for a bit of heat. This adds a wonderful complexity to the tender slow cooked round steak.

Vegetable Medley: Toss in your favorite root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery during the last 2-3 hours of cooking on LOW. This turns it into a hearty, all-in-one slow cooked round steak with vegetables.
Mushroom Lover’s Dream: Add a pound of sliced cremini or button mushrooms to the slow cooker. They’ll soften and release their earthy flavor, complementing the already flavorful slow cooked beef round steak beautifully.

Herb Garden Fresh: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley during the last hour of cooking for a brighter, more aromatic finish to your melt in your mouth round steak slow cooker dish.