Can I put raw steak in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! One of the best things about making slow cooker steak and potatoes is that you don’t need to pre-cook anything. Simply add raw cubed steak directly into the slow cooker with your other ingredients. As it cooks low and slow, the beef becomes incredibly tender and full of flavor—no searing required.

Should I cook potatoes or steak first in the slow cooker?

When assembling slow cooker steak and potatoes , always place the potatoes on the bottom . Potatoes take longer to cook than beef, so keeping them closer to the heat source ensures they cook through evenly. Stack the steak on top, followed by seasonings and broth for the perfect one-pot meal.

Do you have to brown steak before slow cooking it?

Not at all. Browning the meat is totally optional when making slow cooker steak and potatoes . While searing can add a bit of extra flavor through caramelization, the long, slow cook time infuses the meat with plenty of savory goodness on its own. You’ll still get deliciously tender results without that extra step.

Can I put raw potatoes in the slow cooker?

Yes—you should! Raw potatoes are a key part of slow cooker steak and potatoes . There’s no need to parboil or pre-cook them. Just chop into even chunks (about 1.5 to 2 inches), use a firm variety like Yukon Gold or red potatoes , and they’ll cook to perfection as the dish simmers throughout the day.

Slow Cooker Steak and Potatoes – The Best Easy Dinner Recipe (2025) -

Description

Slow cooker steak and potatoes make the best meal idea. Steak bites and potatoes is the perfect combination and a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
▢3 pounds potatoes (cut into chunks (use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes))
▢6 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced)
▢1 ounce onion soup mix (1 packet)
▢4 cloves garlic (minced )
▢1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
▢black pepper (to taste)
▢salt (to taste (optional))
▢fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

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Instructions

Place the potato chunks at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the beef stew meat on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle the entire packet of onion soup mix evenly over the meat and potatoes. Add the minced garlic on top. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Go easy on the salt initially, as the onion soup mix can be salty.

Distribute the sliced butter evenly over the top of the ingredients. Pour the beef broth over everything. This is optional but recommended for a richer sauce and to prevent drying. Toss everything, this is optional.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.

Once cooked, gently stir the mixture to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Cut the potatoes into even chunks so they’ll cook through evenly. Smaller pieces will get softer, while larger ones hold their shape better.

If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, mash a few potato chunks into the sauce to thicken it naturally.

Taste and adjust the seasoning after cooking, especially the salt, as the onion soup mix adds a lot of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 506kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 553mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 124mg