Crockpot Chop Steak {Easy Family Dinner Idea}

As soon as the leaves start to change and there’s a crispness in the air, I find myself reaching for my slow cooker more and more. There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty meal simmering all day while you go about your routine—especially when you're juggling school drop-offs, work deadlines, and the never-ending laundry pile.

This Crockpot Chop Steak Recipe has quickly become a favorite in our home. It’s savory, simple to throw together, and always leaves the whole family asking for seconds. I’ve found it’s especially great for those busy weekdays when you want dinner to basically cook itself.

Why Chop Steak?

We used deer chop steak for this recipe because it’s something we already had in the freezer. But don’t worry—this recipe works beautifully with any kind of chop steak, whether it’s beef or another lean cut. I’m all about using what’s already available in your kitchen to save time, money, and energy. If you’re trying to make meals stretch a little further, this is one of those slow cooker recipes that can be made very budget-friendly without sacrificing taste.

If you’ve never cooked with deer meat before, you might be surprised by how mild it tastes in this dish. The slow cooking process combined with the seasoning packet blend really mellows out any strong flavors and creates a tender, flavorful result. But again, don’t let that stop you if you don’t have venison on hand—just go with any chop steak your family enjoys.

A Cozy Crockpot Classic for Fall

One of the best things about this meal is how easy it is to prep. Seriously—it takes less than 10 minutes to get everything into the slow cooker, and then you’re free to go about your day. Whether you're helping with homework, catching up on laundry, or working from home, knowing dinner is taken care of takes one major thing off your plate.

There’s something about slow cooker meals that feels nostalgic too. I remember the comfort of a warm, savory meal after school, especially in the fall. Now, I love recreating that same cozy vibe for my own kids.

A Healthier Twist (Optional)

I’ve added links to the seasoning packets I use, but if you prefer to avoid preservatives or want to make your own blends at home, it’s super easy to do. DIY seasoning mixes are a great way to control sodium and additives—and they usually taste even better.

Homemade onion soup mix, brown gravy, or au jus can all be made with basic pantry spices, and it’s a great way to involve your little kitchen helpers if they enjoy measuring and mixing.

What You Need:

- 1 1/2 lb. chop steak

- can beef flavored broth

- reduced sodium brown gravy mix

- packet au jus gravy mix

- packet onion soup mix

- optional chopped mushrooms

What You Do:

1. Lightly spray your crock pot with nonstick spray.

2. Place a layer of chop steak on the bottom.

3. In a bowl, mix together the seasoning packets.

4. Sprinkle a portion of the mixed seasonings over the chop steak layer.

5. Continue layering chop steak and seasoning until all the meat is used.

6. Top with the remaining seasonings, pour in the beef broth, and add mushrooms if using.

7. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

8. Serve over mashed potatoes, with a side of vegetables, or try something different like quinoa or cauliflower mash.

This dish is rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of gravy to smother over mashed potatoes—definitely a kid-approved dinner. You can also slice up any leftovers and use them in wraps or sandwiches the next day. It’s the kind of recipe that stretches across meals, which is always a win in a busy household.

Make It Your Own

One of my favorite things about crockpot meals is how customizable they are. You can easily add sliced onions, carrots, or even bell peppers to this one for a little veggie boost. If you want to make it even more filling, throw in some cubed potatoes directly into the crockpot for a one-pot meal.

This is also a great meal prep recipe. You can assemble everything in a freezer bag ahead of time and freeze it flat. Then, on those hectic mornings, just thaw slightly and toss it in the crockpot. Instant stress relief!

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner for Fall

Fall is such a busy season—back-to-school routines, after-school activities, and all the planning that comes before the holidays. That’s why I’m all about easy weeknight crockpot recipes that save time and energy. This Crockpot Chop Steak is definitely one to keep in your recipe rotation.

Let me know if you try it and how you serve it in your home! Do you stick with the mashed potatoes and veggie combo or try something more adventurous? I’d love to hear your tweaks and creative spins on this cozy family favorite.

And don’t forget to check out the other weeknight slow cooker recipes we love—perfect for fall and perfect for parents who are doing all the things. 🧡

Nanny to Mommy