Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onion Recipe

Introduction

This braised steak and onion recipe slow cooks tender chunks of beef with sweet, caramelized onions for a comforting, flavorful meal. Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker does most of the work, delivering rich, melt-in-your-mouth results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs beef braising steak (cut into large chunks)
• 3 yellow onions (sliced)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp oil or butter (for browning)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 1 splash red wine (optional)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the beef dry, season with salt and pepper, then lightly coat each piece with flour.
2. Step 2: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions for 8–10 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Add minced garlic if using and cook for another minute.
4. Step 4: Layer half the onions in the slow cooker’s bottom. Add the browned beef on top, then cover with the remaining onions.
5. Step 5: Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, and the optional red wine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours.
6. Step 6: For thicker gravy, 30 minutes before the end, mix a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the cooking liquid. Cook with the lid off.

Tips & Variations

• Use a cast iron skillet for browning to get better color and flavor on the beef.
• Add mushrooms or carrots with the onions for extra depth and texture.
• Substitute red wine vinegar for the red wine for a different tangy note.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, other braising cuts like chuck roast or brisket work well due to their tenderness when slow-cooked.

Do I have to brown the meat before slow cooking?

Browning adds flavor and color, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. The dish will still be tasty, though less rich.

Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onion Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty Braised Steak and Onion recipe is a comforting slow cooker dish that features tender beef braising steak cooked low and slow with sweet, caramelized onions and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft while soaking up the rich flavors of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and optional red wine. Ideal for easy meal prep, this recipe is sure to please lovers of classic braised beef dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Seasoning

• 2.5 lbs beef braising steak (cut into large chunks)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 3 yellow onions (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Liquids and Fats

• 2 tbsp oil or butter (for browning)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 splash red wine (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare and season the beef: Pat the beef braising steak dry with paper towels. Season the pieces evenly with salt and pepper. Lightly toss the beef chunks in all-purpose flour to coat them, which helps develop a rich crust when browning.
2. Brown the beef: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, add the floured beef pieces and brown them on each side for 2–3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Remove browned beef and set aside to keep warm.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until they are soft and lightly golden. If using, stir in the minced garlic during the last couple of minutes to release its fragrance without burning.
4. Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: Spread half of the sautéed onions evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the browned beef in an even layer over the onions. Top the beef with the remaining onions.
5. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and optional red wine over the layered ingredients. Sprinkle dried thyme and place the bay leaf on top if using.
6. Slow cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Thicken the gravy (optional): About 30 minutes before serving, if you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and stir in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water mixed until smooth). Continue cooking with the lid off to let the sauce thicken.

Notes

• For best flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Adding garlic and bay leaf is optional but recommended for deeper aroma.
• If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar can be substituted.
• The slow cooker temperature and timing may vary slightly; meat should be fork-tender.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze nicely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: braised beef, slow cooker steak, comfort food, beef stew, braised steak and onion