Crock Pot Steak Soup Recipe

Steak soup, a hearty and flavorful dish, is the perfect way to transform tough cuts of meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. When you add the convenience of a Crock Pot, or slow cooker, to the mix, the result is an effortless, rich, and savory meal that practically cooks itself. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as the steak, vegetables, and seasonings come together in a delicious symphony of flavors.

This Crock Pot Steak Soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress guests, this slow-cooked stew-like soup delivers on all fronts. Let’s dive into the ingredients, the cooking process, and some expert tips that will help you elevate this recipe to a whole new level.

What You’ll Need

This steak soup recipe is all about layers of flavor, so gathering a good variety of fresh, wholesome ingredients is key. You’ll find that the steak is the star of the show, but the vegetables and broth help balance it all out, making every spoonful a satisfying experience.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low

Serves: 6-8 people

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make your Crock Pot Steak Soup:

1.5 lbs beef stew meat or chuck steak (cut into 1-inch cubes):

This is the primary source of protein in the dish, and selecting a tougher cut that’s well-marbled, like chuck steak, is ideal for slow cooking. The slow cooker will tenderize it perfectly, turning it into a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
1 large onion, diced:

Onions are essential for flavor building. The natural sweetness and aroma they release during cooking add a lovely depth to the soup.
3 cloves garlic, minced:

Garlic is a must for adding depth and a savory kick to the dish. It pairs beautifully with the richness of the beef.
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed:

Potatoes give the soup a creamy texture as they cook down, while also serving as a filling base for the soup.
3 large carrots, sliced:

Carrots add both sweetness and color, balancing out the richness of the steak.
2 celery stalks, chopped:

Celery brings a subtle earthy flavor and a nice crunch that contrasts with the softness of the potatoes.
4 Cups Beef Broth

Beef broth forms the soup’s base, adding a hearty, umami-rich backdrop. You can use low-sodium broth if you want to control the salt level.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained:

Diced tomatoes add acidity and brightness, cutting through the richness of the beef and creating a more complex flavor profile.
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

Thyme is a fantastic herb for slow-cooked dishes. It imparts a slightly earthy, lemony aroma that ties everything together.
1 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary

Rosemary has a strong, piney flavor that complements the savory notes of the beef. It pairs well with the other herbs and spices in this dish.
Salt and pepper, to taste:

Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning accordingly. A pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper can go a long way in enhancing all the flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this mouthwatering Crock Pot Steak Soup:

Prepare The Ingredients
- Start by chopping all the vegetables. Cube the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and dice the onion.
- Cut the steak or stew meat into bite-sized cubes.
- Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside.
Layer The Ingredients In The Crock Pot
- Place the cubed steak at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions over the beef.
- Add the minced garlic on top of the vegetables.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), then add the beef broth over the top.
- Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
Cook The Soup
- Cover the Crock Pot with the lid, and set the temperature to low.
- Let the soup cook for 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally if you can. If you’re short on time, you can set it to cook on high for about 4 hours, but low is preferred for the best flavor.
Finishing Touches
- After cooking, check for seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the purpose of each ingredient can really elevate your cooking experience:

Beef stew meat/chuck steak: These cuts are typically tough, but because they are slow-cooked, they break down and become tender, releasing a lot of flavor into the broth.
Potatoes and carrots: These vegetables act as both flavor enhancers and texture builders. As they cook, they release starches and sugars that naturally thicken the soup.
Herbs like thyme and rosemary: Slow cooking is an excellent way to extract the essential oils from dried herbs, making them perfect for dishes like this. Their flavors become more intense and nuanced as they cook over a long period.
Tomatoes: The acidity from the tomatoes contrasts the richness of the beef, while the liquid helps create a more broth-like consistency.

Expert Tips

To ensure your Crock Pot Steak Soup turns out as delicious as possible, here are some expert tips to help:

Brown the meat first: While you can throw everything into the Crock Pot raw, browning the steak cubes in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker will enhance the depth of flavor. It creates a nice caramelized crust on the beef that adds a layer of richness.
Don’t skip the garlic: Garlic is one of the key aromatic ingredients that bring warmth and depth to the dish. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount!
Avoid overcooking the potatoes: Potatoes can become mushy if cooked for too long. If you’re worried about this, consider adding them later in the cooking process (around the 4-hour mark) to maintain their shape and texture.
Use homemade beef broth: If possible, use homemade beef broth or stock. It’s richer and more flavorful, which will enhance the overall taste of your soup. Store-bought broth works fine, but homemade is always a winner.

Recipe Variations

While this Crock Pot Steak Soup recipe is already delicious as is, you can personalize it and create variations to suit your tastes:

Add more vegetables: Feel free to add in more vegetables like parsnips, peas, or green beans for additional flavor and nutrition.
Spicy kick: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup.
Use different meat: If you want a different flavor, try using pork shoulder, lamb, or even ground beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat.
Make it creamy: For a creamier version of this soup, stir in a cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

Final Words

This Crock Pot Steak Soup recipe is not only comforting and satisfying but also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, and the simplicity of the ingredients makes it accessible to even beginner cooks.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a dish to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With just a bit of prep and patience, you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful, tender, and comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Crock Pot Steak Soup Recipe