When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to the hearty satisfaction of a cube steak crock pot recipe. Cube steak, typically tenderized round steak, is an economical and delicious choice, and when slow-cooked in a crock pot, it transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s both simple and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a no-fuss dinner with big flavors.
Why Choose Cube Steak?
Cube steak gets its name from the cube-shaped indentations created by tenderizing the meat. These indentations allow the steak to soak up flavors from sauces and seasonings, making it an excellent choice for slow-cooking. When cooked in a crock pot, cube steak becomes tender and juicy, absorbing the rich flavors of the surrounding ingredients.
Ingredients for Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a satisfying cube steak meal:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cube Steaks
Before adding the cube steaks to the crock pot, sear them lightly in a hot pan with olive oil. Searing locks in the juices and adds a rich flavor to the meat. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, just until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Layer the Crock Pot
In the bottom of the crock pot, place a layer of sliced onions and garlic. These will release moisture and flavors during the cooking process, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir well until the ingredients are blended into a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cube Steaks
Place the seared cube steaks over the layer of onions and garlic in the crock pot. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the steaks, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Set your crock pot to low heat and cook the cube steaks for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low will result in more tender meat, so if possible, opt for the low setting.
Step 6: Serve
Once the cube steaks are tender and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve. Carefully remove the steaks from the crock pot and spoon some of the rich onion-mushroom gravy over the top. Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice to complete your meal.
Tips for the Best Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Searing: While this step is optional, searing the cube steak adds an
extra layer of flavor and helps to lock in the juices, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream towards the end of the cooking process. For a richer, more savory sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine.
- Choose Low Sodium Options: Using low sodium beef broth and a low-sodium onion soup mix helps you control the saltiness of the dish, especially if you want to season to taste at the end.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the crock pot. These will soak up the flavors of the sauce and make for a heartier meal.
- Thicken the Gravy: If you want the sauce to be thicker, whisk in a slurry made of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
This cube steak crock pot recipe is a comforting, hands-off meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The combination of tender cube steak and rich gravy makes it a family favorite that can easily be scaled for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, making this recipe perfect for busy schedules. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s not only budget-friendly but also incredibly satisfying.
Serving Suggestions for Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your cube steak with:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect complement to soak up the flavorful gravy.
- Buttered Noodles: Simple and delicious, these add a bit of texture to the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans provide a healthy, colorful side.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Great for dipping in the savory sauce.
Final Thoughts on Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
There’s something about a slow-cooked meal that brings out the best flavors in simple ingredients, and this cube steak crock pot recipe is no exception. The combination of cube steak, savory onion-mushroom gravy, and a slow cooking process results in a dish that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
If you’re looking for an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also delivers a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.