If you’re searching for a crock pot cube steak recipe that’s rich, flavorful, and practically effortless to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. By using a crock pot, you can turn this humble steak into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. This recipe combines tender cube steak with savory gravy and vegetables for a hearty, home-cooked dish.
Why Choose Cube Steak?
Cube steak is usually made from tougher cuts of beef like top round or sirloin that have been tenderized by pounding. The result is a steak that has a textured surface, making it ideal for slow cooking, which breaks down the muscle fibers and results in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. When cooked in the crock pot, cube steak soaks up the flavors of the gravy, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this tasty crock pot cube steak recipe:
- 4-6 pieces of cube steak
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet of onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions for Crock Pot Cube Steak
Now, let’s get cooking! This slow-cooked cube steak recipe is easy to prepare, allowing you to let the crock pot do all the work while you go about your day.
Step 1: Season and Sear the Cube Steak
Before adding the cube steak to the crock pot, it’s important to season and sear it for extra flavor.
- Season the cube steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear each piece of cube steak for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. This helps to lock in the juices and adds a nice caramelized flavor to the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Crock Pot
Once the cube steak is seared, it’s time to transfer everything to the crock pot.
- Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Lay the seared cube steak pieces on top of the onions and garlic.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
To create a rich and savory gravy, we’ll combine a few pantry staples.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the cube steak in the crock pot, making sure each piece of steak is covered.
Step 4: Cook the Cube Steak
Now, it’s time to let the crock pot work its magic.
- Cover the crock pot and cook the cube steak on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it on low, the more tender the meat will become.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cube steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate it up.
- Serve the cube steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up all the delicious gravy.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak
- Don’t skip the searing: While you can technically skip the step of searing the cube steak, it adds an extra depth of flavor that makes a big difference.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving, and add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed to suit your taste.
- Choose your side dish wisely: Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, but rice or buttered noodles work just as well for soaking up the gravy.
Variations of Crock Pot Cube Steak
This crock pot cube steak recipe is versatile, and you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Creamy Ranch Cube Steak: Instead of onion soup mix, use a packet of ranch seasoning mix for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Mushroom and Herb Cube Steak: Add fresh mushrooms and herbs like thyme or rosemary to the crock pot for an earthy, savory flavor.
- Spicy Cube Steak: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy for a spicy kick.
Why Crock Pot Cube Steak is Perfect for Busy Days
There’s nothing better than coming home to a fully cooked meal at the end of a long day. With this crock pot cube steak recipe, you can prepare everything in the morning, set the slow cooker, and forget about it until dinner time. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and results in incredibly tender meat without much effort.
Conclusion
This crock pot cube steak recipe is a perfect way to turn an affordable cut of beef into a delicious and satisfying meal. The slow-cooking process ensures that the cube steak is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the rich gravy makes it comforting and hearty. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a family dinner, this recipe is sure to please.