What is it like to be home on a cold winter evening and smell the aroma of slow cooker? When it’s filled with something as comforting and flavorful as this Slow Cooker Steak Soup. Think of it as a French onion soup’s more relaxed, heartier cousin – all the rich, savory goodness. What is the best way to prepare a steak with chunks of tender meat instead of croutons swimming in it? What is the kind of meal that just warms you from the inside out, perfect for those days when you need a break from your routine. What is extra love? Is it ridiculously easy to make?
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What is slow cooker steak soup?
Slow Cooker Steak Soup, at its core, is exactly what it sounds like. a hearty soup brimming with tender chunks of steak, slowly simmered to perfection in an incredibly rich, creamy broth. What is the best broth What’s more than steak and broth? Think of it as a blank canvas, where you can layer in all sorts of delicious flavors – from sour to spicy. What are some of the best vegetables to eat: onions, mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, etc.? Is it a beef stew? What makes slow cooking so special is that it allows all the flavors to meld together. Is it a symphony of deliciousness You know that feeling when you make something and it tastes even better the next day? What is this soup?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this Slow Cooker Steak Soup. For starters, the **flavor** is simply incredible. We’re talking deeply savory, rich beef broth infused with the sweetness of caramelized onions, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the subtle tang of tomatoes. The steak becomes unbelievably tender, practically melting in your mouth. What I love most about this is how **simple** it is to throw together. Seriously, it’s mostly just chopping some veggies, browning the steak (which, let’s be honest, is the hardest part), and then letting the slow cooker do its magic. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Another thing that’s great about this recipe is how **cost-efficient** it is. You don’t need a super expensive cut of steak – a chuck roast works perfectly. And the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. It feels like a gourmet meal without breaking the bank!
Finally, it’s incredibly **versatile**. You can easily customize it to your liking – add different veggies, swap out the steak for another protein, or adjust the seasonings to your preference. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables, too. I’ve even added a splash of red wine before, and it just takes it to another level! It reminds me a little of my grandma’s beef stew, but this one’s quicker and easier, which, let’s face it, is always a bonus.
How do I make slow cooker Steak Soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make slow cooker steak soup? You’ll start by browning your steak for that rich, caramelized flavor. What are some ways to sauté onions and mushrooms until they’re softened and fragrant? After that, you just toss everything into the slow cooker with broth, tomatoes, and your favorite cheese. Let it simmer until the steak is fall-apart tender. Then cut into pieces and serve. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a soup that’s perfect for parties. What is greater than the sum of its parts? Is it really as easy as it sounds?
Ingredients
For the Steak:
* 2 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes. I always trim off any excess fat.
* 2 tablespoons olive oil. You can use vegetable oil, but I prefer the flavor of olive.
* 1 teaspoon salt.
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
For the Soup:
* 2 large onions, chopped. I like to use yellow onions for their sweetness.
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced. Cremini mushrooms are my go-to, but white button mushrooms work too.
* 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is a must!.
* 6 cups beef broth. Low-sodium is best so you can control the salt
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. I sometimes use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
* 2 celery stalks, chopped.
* 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed. Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape well.
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme. You can use fresh thyme, just double the amount.
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
* 1 bay leaf. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
* Salt and pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the steak in batches until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the steak will steam instead of sear. This step is important for developing a rich, deep flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the onions and mushrooms really brings out their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared steak, sautéed onions and mushrooms, and garlic to a slow cooker. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is very tender. I usually go for low and slow because I think it gives the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, high works just fine! If you’re using a tougher cut of steak, like a round roast, the longer cooking time is crucial.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. I sometimes like to add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness!
What should I serve it with?
Slow Cooker Steak Soup is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments.
What is a good cozy lunch?A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth. What are some good grilled cheese sandwiches for kids?
For a Hearty Dinner:A side salad with vinaigrette dressing adds a nice bit of freshness and crunch. Cornbread is also a great option.
For Game Night: What are some good Add grilled hot dogs.
My family loves this soup with a big hunk of sourdough bread. I like to make garlic bread. And sometimes, I make a batch of them. What is the ultimate comfort food?
How do I make slow cooker Steak Soup?
What are some tricks to take your slow cooker steak to the next level? What is soup to the next level?
Browning is the key to aDon’t skip the step of browning the steak. It adds so much flavor to the soup. How do you cook a skillet?
Don’t be afraid to customise: What are some good This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to add different vegetables, such as green beans, peas, or corn. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices.
Low and Slow is the Way to Go: If you have the time, cooking the soup on low for 6-8 hours will result in the most tender steak and the richest flavor. But if you’re short on time, high for 3-4 hours works too.
Deglaze the Skillet: After browning the steak and sautéing the vegetables, deglaze the skillet with a little beef broth or red wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and add them to the slow cooker. This will add even more flavor to the soup.
Thicken it Up (If you want): If you prefer a thicker soup, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Or, you can mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup naturally.
Don’t Forget the Acid: A splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity. I find that it really enhances the overall taste.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Slow Cooker Steak Soup is fantastic for meal prepping because it stores so well.
Refrigerator Storage: Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen) and then heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Steak Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a cold day, a comforting bowl of goodness that brings the whole family together. Its ease of preparation and incredible flavor make it a must-try for any home cook. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my Slow Cooker Beef Stew or my Creamy Tomato Soup.
So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a hearty and delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Steak Soup! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Steak Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Beef Stew Meat
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 1 cup Diced Carrots
- 1 cup Diced Celery
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a slow cooker, combine beef stew meat, onion, beef broth, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Serve hot.
