Slow cooker braised steak and onions

This Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions features tender steak simmered with caramelised onions and a rich gravy, enhanced with Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme. Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker makes preparation effortless while developing deep flavors.

17 Dec 2025
Cook time 335 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 onions
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 cups chicken gravy
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp fresh thyme
3 bay leafs
1 tbsp corn flour
Slow cooker braised steak and onions

Elevate your home-cooked meals with this Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions recipe. With a delicious blend of hearty steak, aromatic onions, and a rich gravy enhanced by Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme, this dish promises to be a showstopper. Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxing weekends, this recipe is simple to prepare and allows the slow cooker to work its magic while you carry on with your day. Let’s get started on making your kitchen smell irresistibly inviting!

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- Slice the onions and mince the garlic.
- If needed, trim excess fat from the steak and cut into portions.
2. Sear the Steak:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak pieces on both sides until they are browned. This helps to lock in the flavor. Once browned, transfer the steak to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook for another couple of minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker over the steak.
- Add the chicken gravy, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything well.
5. Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded nicely.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, make a slurry with the cornflour and water.
- Stir the cornflour slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Continue to cook for the remaining time with the lid on.
7. Serve:
- Once done, remove the bay leaves from the slow cooker.
- Serve the braised steak and onions hot, with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

There you have it—an incredibly flavorful and tender Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions dish that's sure to become a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of a slow cooker, which ensures that the steak comes out perfectly cooked every time. Serve this dish with a side of your favorite vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal.

Slow cooker braised steak and onions FAQ:

What is the best cooking time for braised steak in a slow cooker?

For optimal tenderness, cook the steak on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become as the collagen breaks down.

How can I tell if the steak is done?

The steak is done when it is fork-tender and can be easily shredded. If it feels tough, it likely needs more time in the slow cooker.

Can I substitute chicken gravy with other types of gravy?

Yes, you can substitute chicken gravy with beef or vegetable gravy depending on your taste preference. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.

How should I store leftover braised steak?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What can I use instead of corn flour to thicken the sauce?

If you don't have corn flour, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as alternatives. Mix it with water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce.

Cooking Tips:

- Brown the Steak: Before adding the steak to the slow cooker, brown it in a skillet with some olive oil to lock in the flavors and juices.

- Layering: Ensure that you place the onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the steak.

- Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, mix the corn flour with a bit of water to create a slurry, then add it to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

- Herb Infusion: For an enhanced flavor, add a few more sprigs of fresh thyme and an extra bay leaf, but remember to remove them before serving.

- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste once the dish is fully cooked.

Nutrition Facts

6 Servings
Calories 90kcal
Protein 1.37g
Carbohydrates 11g
Fiber 1.66g
Sugar 3.85g
Fat 6g

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