How to Make Cube Steak in a Crock Pot
As the sun sets, the call for a comforting meal grows strong. But who has time for complex recipes? Cube steak, a budget-friendly beef cut, becomes tender and delicious in a Crock Pot.
Picture coming home to the comforting aroma of slow-cooked cube steak. The savory gravy makes every bite a delight. It’s a meal that warms the soul and is easy on the wallet. With simple ingredients and little effort, you’ll have a dish everyone will love.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make perfect Cube Steak in a Crock Pot. Say goodbye to tough steaks and hello to a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Table of Contents
Cube Steak Explained : What It Is and Why It’s Ideal for Slow Cooking
Looking for a tasty and affordable beef cut for slow cooking? Cube steak is your answer. The foundation is cube steak, a cut taken from the cow’s shoulder. Its unique tenderizing process makes it tender and flavorful.
The Tenderizing Process
Cube steak is made tender by pounding it with a meat mallet or a special machine. This breaks down tough fibers, making it soft and tasty. Slow cooking makes it even more tender, perfect for a delicious meal.
Best Cuts for Cube Steak
- Top Round: A lean and budget-friendly option, top round cube steak becomes exceptionally tender when slow-cooked.
- Top Sirloin: This slightly more expensive cut offers a richer beef flavor and tenderness that pairs well with slow cooking.
Budget-Friendly Benefits
Cube steak is affordable because it comes from the cow’s shoulder area. It’s cheaper than cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. This makes it great for those watching their budget but still want a tasty beef dish. Slow-cooked, it becomes a tender and flavorful meal that’s easy on the wallet.
“Cube steak is an affordable cut, making it perfect for slow cooking. This recipe calls for cooking on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.”
Must-Have Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Making a tasty cube steak dish in your crock pot needs the right ingredients. The base is the cube steak itself, a cut from the cow’s shoulder. It’s known for its strong texture and taste.
To add flavor, you’ll need a mix of crock pot seasonings. Use cream of chicken or mushroom soup, French onion soup, and au jus gravy mix. These create a smooth, tasty gravy that covers the steak.
For a healthier option, pick low-sodium soups and broths. You can substitute French onion soup with beef consommé or broth. To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch and cold water.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cube steak | 6 patties (approximately 1.5 lbs) |
| Cream of chicken or mushroom soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| French onion soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| Au jus gravy mix | 1 packet |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Cold water (for cornstarch slurry) | 2 tbsp |
With these key cube steak ingredients, crock pot seasonings, and slow cooker gravy, you’re ready to make a delicious cube steak dish. It’s sure to make a memorable impression on your family and friends.
Preparing Your Cube Steak in a Crock Pot
To make the perfect cube steak in your slow cooker, start by combining the essential ingredients in the bottom of the pot.
Stir together two cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, one packet of onion soup mix, and 1 1/4 cups of beef broth. This flavorful base will infuse your cube steak with delectable taste as it simmers.
Seasoning and Layering Tips
Place your cube steak directly into the prepared liquid, ensuring each piece is well-coated. For added depth of flavor, consider sprinkling in some dried onion flakes or sautéed fresh onions. Proper layering is key – arrange the cube steak in a single layer, allowing the ingredients to surround and envelop the meat.
Proper Placement in Slow Cooker
Once the cube steak is nestled in the slow cooker, resist the urge to overfill the pot. Leave enough space for the ingredients to circulate and the meat to cook evenly. Place the lid on the slow cooker and select high for 4 hours or low for 6–8 hours, depending on your timing preferences.
By following these easy steps for preparing cube steak, layering in the slow cooker, and applying crock pot tips, you’ll create a tender and flavorful cube steak dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Creating the Perfect Gravy Base
Making cube steak in your crock pot is all about the gravy. A mix of condensed soups, au jus mix, and beef broth makes a rich, flavorful gravy. This gravy complements the tender cube steak perfectly.
While cream of mushroom soup is a classic, you can try cream of chicken or celery for a twist. Incorporating au jus mix and beef broth adds a rich, savory depth of flavor. This balances the creaminess of the soup.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Au Jus Mix | 1 packet (1 oz) |
| Beef Broth | 2 cups |
To make the perfect crock pot gravy, whisk the ingredients well before adding them to the slow cooker. This ensures the flavors blend well. You’ll get a slow cooker sauce that pairs well with the cube steak gravy.
This simple yet flavorful gravy base will help you enjoy a delicious crock pot cube steak dish. It’s sure to please the whole family.
The Best Cooking Time and Temperature Settings
Preparing cube steak in a crock pot requires the right cooking time and temperature. To get tender and flavorful results, cook it on the low setting for 6-8 hours.
Low vs. High Temperature Options
Cooking cube steak on the high setting for 4-5 hours is possible. But, the low and slow method is better. It makes the meat tender and flavorful, soaking up all the gravy and seasonings.
Optimal Cooking Duration
For the best results, cook your cube steak for 6-8 hours on the low setting. This long cooking time is key for a tender texture. If you’re short on time, cooking it on high for 4-5 hours works too. But, the low and slow method is the best for tender and flavorful cube steak.
| Cooking Temperature | Cooking Time | Texture and Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 6-8 hours | Tender, flavorful, and fall-apart soft |
| High | 4-5 hours | Slightly less tender, but still delicious |
For easy cooking, use a digital crock pot with an automatic warm setting. It keeps your cube steak warm until you’re ready to eat.
“The low and slow method is the key to achieving the most tender and flavorful cube steak. The extended cooking time allows the meat to break down and absorb all the delicious flavors.”
How to Achieve Fork-Tender Results Every Time
Cooking tender cube steak in your slow cooker is key to a delicious meal. The slow and steady cooking method breaks down the connective tissues. This makes the beef tender and full of flavor.
To get the best results, cook the cube steak on low for about 8 hours. This long time lets the meat soak up all the gravy flavors. It becomes melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Remember, don’t cook the cube steak on high heat. High heat can make it tough. Let the low heat tenderize the meat slowly for a tender result.
Make sure the cube steak is fully covered in gravy. This helps ensure consistent cooking and prevents any dry areas. By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a tender cube steak full of flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef Cube Steak | 2 lbs |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 can |
| Onion, sliced | 1 large |
| Cremini or Baby Bella Mushrooms, sliced | 8 oz |
| Cooking Time | 8 hours on low |
| Servings | 4 |
“The slow cooking process allows the cube steak to become tender, achieving a melt-in-your-mouth texture.”
Making Rich and Flavorful Gravy
Improving your crock pot cube steak dish starts with the gravy. A few simple steps can make a rich, velvety gravy that pairs well with the beef. Let’s explore how to thicken and season your slow cooker gravy just right.
Thickening Techniques
To get the perfect gravy, thicken the liquid in the crock pot in the last 30 minutes. First, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth. Then, slowly add this mixture to the crock pot and switch to high. Let it simmer and thicken for the next 30 minutes.
For an even smoother gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. This step removes any lumps or impurities, leaving you with a silky gravy that goes great with the crock pot gravy.
Seasoning Adjustments
As the cube steak gravy tips come together, taste and adjust the seasonings. You might want to add more salt, black pepper, or a bit of Worcestershire sauce. The thickening slow cooker sauce should be seasoned well to balance the beef’s richness and create a great taste experience.
With these easy techniques, you’ll make a crock pot gravy that impresses everyone. Serve it over the tender cube steak, and your family will ask for more.
Delicious Side Dish Pairings
When you serve your crock pot cube steak, think about pairing it with tasty sides. This will make your cube steak sides even better. It will also make your crock pot meal pairings more satisfying.
Try serving the cube steak over creamy mashed potatoes. The crock pot cube steak and gravy goes great with the potatoes. For a fuller meal, serve it with rice or egg noodles.
Don’t forget the veggies. Green beans, carrots, and broccoli are great with the steak. They add color and freshness. A simple green salad can also balance the meal.
For more flavor, add new potatoes or mushrooms to the crock pot. They soak up the juices, making the dish more complete.
| Side Dish | Total Time |
|---|---|
| Grilled Corn | 40 minutes |
| Au Gratin Potatoes | 1 hour, 30 minutes |
| Peach, Bacon, Arugula, and Wild Rice Salad | 30 minutes |
| White Wine Sautéed Vegetables | 30 minutes |
| Garlic Butter Mushrooms | 15 minutes |
| Brussels Sprouts with Dried Cranberries, Blue Cheese, and Bacon | 35 minutes |
| Cauliflower and Asiago Cheese Side Dish | 30 minutes |
| Smashed Red Potatoes with Gruyere, Bacon, and Sweet Onions | 1 hour, 20 minutes |
| Sweet Red Pepper and Corn with White Miso Paste | 20 minutes |
| Roasted Artichokes with Greek Yogurt and Lemon Zest | 1 hour, 10 minutes |
| Panzanella Salad with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes | 1 hour |
| Rosemary and Caramelized Onion Roasted Potatoes | 1 hour |
| Green Beans with Sesame Seeds and Lemon | 20 minutes |
| Romaine, Bacon, Tomato, and Onion Salad | 25 minutes |
| Tangy Yogurt Dip for Roasted Artichokes | 1 hour |
| Lemon Zest and Parmesan Broccoli | 30 minutes |
With these delicious cube steak sides, crock pot meal pairings, and slow cooker dinner ideas, you’ll make a meal everyone will love.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying crock pot cube steak doesn’t have to stop after the meal. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy leftovers for several days. Store leftover cube steak in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezing can make the meat and gravy less tender.
To reheat, use low heat to keep the meat tender. Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. If it’s dry, add beef broth to keep it moist. Refrain from microwaving, as it can cause the steak to dry out.
Follow these tips to enjoy your crock pot cube steak for longer. Make sure it’s hot before serving. You can also use leftover steak in sandwiches, scrambles, or stir-fries.
Source Links
- Crockpot Cube Steak with French Onion Gravy – https://temeculablogs.com/slow-cooker-cube-steak/
- Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Gravy Easy Dinner Recipe! – Bowl Me Over – https://bowl-me-over.com/slow-cooker-cube-steak/
- Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy – https://www.backtomysouthernroots.com/crock-pot-cube-steak-and-gravy/
- Slow Cooker Cube Steak | When is Dinner – https://whenisdinner.com/slow-cooker-cube-steak/
- Slow Cooker Cube Steak – https://bellyfull.net/slow-cooker-cube-steak/
- Crock Pot Cube Steak – https://www.thecountrycook.net/crock-pot-cubed-steak-with-gravy/
- Slow Cooker Cube Steak – https://slowcookergourmet.net/slow-cooker-cube-steak/
- Slow-Cooker Cubed Steak – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/slow-cooker-cubed-steak/?srsltid=AfmBOooUupC_1fO2_7wKKX0l9PPmTlzOfQKL_ixOMHUvRS-SCiCXBLUN
- Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe – https://icookfortwo.com/crock-pot-cube-steak-and-gravy/
- Crock Pot Beef Cube Steaks and Homemade Gravy – Easy Recipe – Julias Simply Southern – https://juliassimplysouthern.com/2024/06/crock-pot-beef-cube-steaks-and-homemade-gravy.html
- Slow Cooker Cube Steak – https://www.dinnerin321.com/crockpot-cube-steak/
- Cube Steak Recipe {Stovetop or Slow Cooker} – The Big Man’s World ® – https://thebigmansworld.com/cube-steak-recipe/
- Crockpot Cubed Steak – House of Nash Eats – https://houseofnasheats.com/crockpot-cubed-steak/
- Tender Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe – https://wearychef.com/recipe/cube-steak-and-gravy-over-rice/
- Slow Cooker Cube Steakrn – https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/slow-cooker-cube-steak/
- Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Rice – https://southernbite.com/slow-cooker-beef-tips-rice/
- The Best Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe I’ve Ever Tried – Meals With Maria – https://mealswithmaria.site/slow-cooker-cube-steak/
- Slow Cooker Cube Steak With Gravy – https://thequickerkitchen.com/slow-cooker-cube-steak-with-gravy/
- 25 Steak Sides That Are Just as Tasty as the Main Event – https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/steak-sides/?srsltid=AfmBOop1SE8Ap9WMHNLVCl7r1KZVzQYq-DeoRGH7–rtrpTPA9w6aPbD
- Crock Pot Cube Steak – https://dinnersdishesanddesserts.com/crock-pot-cube-steak/
- Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy – https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/crock-pot-cube-steak-and-gravy/
- Easy Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe Ready in 6 Hours – https://www.meatrecipes.org/cube-steak-crock-pot-recipe/
- Crock Pot Cube Steak : The Ultimate Guide to a Tender and Flavorful Meal – https://recipesmason.com/crock-pot-cube-steak-the-ultimate-guide-to-a-tender-and-flavorful-meal/
