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Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onion Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://cookwithsophie.com/slow-cooker-braised-steak-and-onion-recipe/