Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
You can use 1 1/2 lbs of boneless beef round steak or beef cube steaks.
Can I use frozen beef in the slow cooker?
Yes, the recipe allows for either frozen or thawed beef round or cube steaks.
How much beef broth is required?
The recipe calls for two 14 1/2 ounce cans of beef broth.
When do I season the meat?
Season the beef with salt and pepper immediately after placing it in the bottom of the crock pot.
How many onions should I use?
Use one large chopped sweet onion layered over the beef.
How long should the beef cook initially?
Set your crock pot to low and cook the beef, onions, and broth for 5 to 6 hours.
When should I add the cream of mushroom soup?
Add the cream of mushroom soup after the initial 5 to 6 hours of cooking time.
Is the brown gravy mix added at the start?
No, the brown gravy mix is added near the end along with the soup and optional mushrooms.
How do I thicken the gravy?
After adding the final ingredients, cook for an additional hour on low or 30 minutes on high to thicken.
Are the canned mushrooms mandatory?
No, the 4 ounce can of mushrooms is an optional addition to the recipe.
What side dishes pair well with this steak?
This dish is best served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or rice.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much pepper is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of pepper.
Is garlic powder included in the recipe?
Yes, the ingredients include 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What size is the cream of mushroom soup can?
Use one 10 1/2 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
What size is the brown gravy mix packet?
The recipe uses one 7/8 ounce envelope of brown gravy mix.
Should the beef be submerged during cooking?
Yes, ensure the meat is well submerged in the two cans of beef broth before starting the slow cooker.
Can I use cube steaks instead of round steak?
Yes, beef cube steaks are a perfectly acceptable alternative listed in the recipe.
How do I prepare the onion?
The sweet onion should be chopped before being layered over the beef.
What is the total approximate cooking time?
The total cook time is approximately 6 to 7 hours when using the low setting.
Can I cook this on high heat?
The recipe suggests low for the main cook, but you can switch to high for the last 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed for effortless preparation so you can come home to a warm meal.
Do I need to sear the meat first?
No, the instructions indicate you can place the beef directly into the crock pot without prior searing.
How much beef is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of beef round steak or cube steaks.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for canned, you can substitute fresh mushrooms if you prefer.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on 1.5 lbs of meat, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people.
What gives the gravy its savory flavor?
The savory flavor comes from the combination of beef broth, sweet onions, and brown gravy mix.
Do I need to stir the ingredients at the beginning?
No, you layer the ingredients and only stir once you add the soup and gravy mix later on.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, the description describes it as a heart meal that feels like a comforting hug.
What kind of onion is recommended?
A large sweet onion is recommended to help infuse the dish with natural sweetness.