Try these delicious cube steak recipes in your crockpot today!

Are you looking for a hearty, comforting meal that can be prepared with minimal effort? Slow cooking is an excellent way to achieve tender and flavorful results, especially when working with tougher cuts of meat.

Cooking tender cube steak in a crock pot is a game-changer for busy weeknights. This method transforms the typically tough cut into fork-tender meat, making it perfect for a comforting meal.

By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to create restaurant-quality dishes with minimal effort using your crockpot.

Key Takeaways

• Discover the benefits of slow cooking cube steak in a crockpot.
• Explore multiple delicious recipes specifically designed for the crockpot.
• Learn how to achieve tender and flavorful results with minimal effort.
• Get detailed ingredients lists and step-by-step instructions for each recipe.
• Find helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time.

What Is Cube Steak and Why It’s Perfect for Slow Cooking

Cube steak, a cut often overlooked, transforms into a tender delight when slow-cooked. This transformation is not just about tenderness; it’s also about the rich flavors that develop over time. When you cook cube steak in a slow cooker, you’re allowing the meat to absorb all the flavors of your chosen seasonings and sauces.

Understanding Cube Steak

Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized and flattened. It’s typically made from top round or top sirloin cuts. The process of tenderizing involves pounding the meat to break down the fibers, making it more palatable. However, it can still be somewhat tough if not cooked properly. That’s where slow cooking comes in – it’s the perfect method to make cube steak tender and flavorful.

Benefits of Cooking Cube Steak Recipes for Your Crockpot

Cooking cube steak in a crockpot offers several benefits. The slow, gentle heat breaks down the tough connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender product. Here are some key advantages:

• The slow cooking process allows flavors to intensify and develop.
• The moist environment prevents the lean cube steak from drying out.
• It’s a hands-off method, perfect for busy days.

A comparison of different cooking methods for cube steak is shown below:

As you can see, using a slow cooker yields the best results in terms of tenderness and flavor. This makes it an ideal choice for cooking cube steak, turning it into a delicious comfort food that’s sure to please.

Essential Ingredients for Cube Steak Recipes Crockpot

To create a mouth-watering cube steak dish in your crockpot, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients. The beauty of cooking cube steak in a crockpot lies in its simplicity and the rich flavors that develop over time.

The basic ingredients you’ll need include cube steak, beef broth, and onion soup mix. These ingredients form the foundation of your dish, providing the necessary moisture and flavor. You will also need cream mushroom soup to create a rich and creamy gravy. Serving your cube steak over egg noodles is a classic choice, as they soak up the flavorful gravy beautifully.

Basic Ingredients You’ll Need

For a basic cube steak crockpot recipe, start with the essentials: cube steak, beef broth, onion soup mix, and cream mushroom soup. These ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets and provide a solid foundation for your dish. You can serve your cube steak over egg noodles, which are a popular choice because they complement the dish well.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

To elevate your cube steak dish, consider adding some optional ingredients. You can add sliced mushrooms to complement the cream of mushroom soup, or try using cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. Adding vegetables like sliced onions, carrots, or potatoes directly to the crockpot can create a complete one-pot meal. For added depth, a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor of your dish. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add aromatic complexity to the gravy.

Classic Cube Steak and Gravy Crockpot Recipe

Get ready to indulge in a mouth-watering Classic Cube Steak and Gravy Crockpot Recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is a staple of comfort food, offering tender cube steak smothered in a rich, savory gravy, all made effortlessly in your crockpot.

Ingredients List

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1-2 cube steaks
• 1 can of mushroom soup
• 1 packet of onion soup mix
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Classic Cube Steak and Gravy:

First, if you prefer, you can brown the cube steaks slightly in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot. This step enhances the flavor but is optional.

Next, place the cube steaks in the crockpot and sprinkle the onion soup mix over them. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mushroom soup and beef broth until smooth, then pour this mixture over the cube steaks.

Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, and stir it into the gravy to thicken.

Tips for Perfect Results

For the best results, avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can add 20-30 minutes to your cooking time. If your gravy is too thin, you can make and add a second slurry. Allowing the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving helps the gravy reach its optimal thickness.

Creamy Mushroom Cube Steak Crockpot Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort dish with our Creamy Mushroom Cube Steak Crockpot Recipe, where cube steak meets a luscious mushroom gravy. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients List

To make this delicious Creamy Mushroom Cube Steak Crockpot Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1-2 cans of cream of mushroom soup with garlic
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 8 ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 cube steaks

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Creamy Mushroom Cube Steak Crockpot Recipe:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the cube steaks on both sides, then set them aside.
2. In the same skillet, caramelize the sliced onions for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the browned cube steaks, caramelized onions, cream of mushroom soup, water, and thyme to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
4. If using fresh mushrooms, add them to the crockpot as well.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Perfect Results

To enhance your Creamy Mushroom Cube Steak Crockpot Recipe, consider the following tips:

• For an even richer mushroom flavor, add 8 ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms to the crockpot along with the browned cube steaks.
• The caramelization of the onions is crucial for depth of flavor, so don’t rush this step—the full 20 minutes creates sweet, complex notes that enhance the entire dish.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the water to 3/4 cup or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• For a more pronounced garlic flavor, use 2 cans of the garlic-enhanced cream of mushroom soup instead of just one.
• This recipe freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for a future quick meal.

French Onion Cube Steak Crockpot Recipe

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Elevate your dinner game with the French Onion Cube Steak Crockpot Recipe, a dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and tender beef. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a hearty, comforting meal with minimal preparation.

Ingredients List

To make this delicious French Onion Cube Steak, you’ll need:

• 1-2 cube steaks
• 1 can of French Onion Soup (or substitute with Beef Consommé or beef broth mixed with Worcestershire sauce and caramelized onions)
• 1 packet of au jus mix (or beef bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water)
• 1 cup of water
• Optional: toasted French bread and shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your French Onion Cube Steak:

1. Season the cube steaks with your preferred seasonings.
2. Place the steaks in the crockpot.
3. Pour the French Onion Soup and au jus mix (or their substitutes) over the steaks.
4. Add 1 cup of water to the crockpot.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the steak is tender.
6. Serve hot, optionally topped with toasted French bread and melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese.

Tips for Perfect Results

For an authentic French onion flavor, consider the following tips:

• If you can’t find French onion soup, substitute with beef consommé or beef broth mixed with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and ¼ cup of caramelized onions.
• Top each serving with a slice of toasted French bread and a sprinkle of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
• Use beef bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water as a substitute for the au jus mix if needed.
• Opt for low-sodium versions of canned ingredients and adjust seasoning at the end of cooking for those monitoring sodium intake.
• Note that the leftovers from this recipe improve in flavor overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Cube Steak

The key to a well-rounded meal is choosing the perfect accompaniments for your cube steak. Cube steak, with its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked in a crockpot, can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a satisfying meal.

Traditional Side Dishes

Classic options like mashed potatoes and egg noodles are always a hit. Mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that soaks up the savory gravy perfectly. Egg noodles, on the other hand, offer a delightful texture contrast. You can also consider serving it with green beans for a balanced meal.

For a more comforting meal, mashed potatoes are an excellent choice. They complement the cube steak’s flavor and provide a filling accompaniment.

Creative Alternatives

If you’re looking to innovate, consider alternatives like cauliflower mash or buttered zucchini noodles (zoodles). Cauliflower mash is a lower-carb alternative that still offers a creamy texture. Buttered zoodles provide a fresh and lighter option, with the added benefit of being a low-carb alternative to traditional noodles.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon bits add a sophisticated twist.
• Sweet potato mash brings a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory cube steak.
• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the meal.
• Creamed spinach offers a luxurious side that complements the cube steak while adding nutrients.

Troubleshooting Common Cube Steak Crockpot Issues

While crockpot cube steak recipes are generally simple, there are a few potential issues that cooks should be aware of to ensure a delicious meal. Two common problems that may arise are tough meat and gravy that’s either too thin or overly salty.

Preventing Tough Meat

To avoid tough cube steak, it’s essential to cook it for the right amount of time. Cooking on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours typically yields tender results. Overcooking can lead to toughness, so monitoring the steak’s tenderness after the minimum recommended cooking time is crucial.

Fixing Thin or Overly Salty Gravy

If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by creating a cornstarch slurry. For overly salty gravy, consider adding a peeled, quartered potato to absorb excess sodium during the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, you can dilute the gravy with low-sodium broth or water. Being mindful of the sodium content in canned soups and broths can also help prevent overly salty gravy.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Weeknights

Busy weeknights just got a whole lot easier with these time-saving tips for your crockpot cube steak recipes. You can save a significant amount of time by preparing your meals in advance.

Prep-Ahead Strategies

One of the best ways to save time during busy weeknights is to prep your ingredients ahead of time. Simply season the cube steak, prepare the vegetables, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. This way, you’ll come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Freezer Meal Options

Cube steak recipes are excellent candidates for freezer meal prep. Combine the raw cube steak, soups, and seasonings in a gallon-sized freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label your freezer bags with the recipe name, date prepared, and cooking instructions.

When you’re ready to cook, thaw your freezer meal in the refrigerator overnight, then transfer the contents to your slow cooker in the morning. You can even prepare and freeze the cornstarch slurry in a separate small container to thaw and add during the last hour of cooking, making it a convenient time-saving step.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Cube Steak

You can breathe new life into leftover cube steak with a few simple ideas. One of the best ways to reuse leftover cube steak is to make open-faced sandwiches. Simply place a slice of loaf bread on a plate, top it with the leftover meat, steak gravy, and some potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Next-Day Lunch Ideas

For a quick and easy lunch, consider repurposing your leftover pot cube steak into a savory pot pie. Add some mixed vegetables and top with refrigerated biscuit dough or puff pastry before baking. Alternatively, create a hearty breakfast hash by dicing the leftover cube steak and combining it with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, topped with a fried egg.

Transforming Leftovers into New Meals

Other creative options include transforming your leftovers into a rustic steak gravy soup by adding extra beef broth, diced vegetables, and barley or pasta. You can also stuff leftover cube steak and a small amount of gravy into bell peppers with rice and cheese for a creative take on stuffed peppers. For a low-carb option, use leftover crock pot cube steak as the filling for lettuce wraps, adding fresh vegetables for crunch and a drizzle of the warmed steak gravy as a sauce. Be mindful of the fat content when reheating to keep the meal healthy.

Conclusion: Enjoying Comfort Food Made Easy

Embracing the simplicity of crockpot cube steak recipes can revolutionize your approach to meal planning and dinner preparation. These recipes represent the perfect blend of convenience, affordability, and delicious comfort food that your whole family will enjoy.

By cooking cube steak low and slow for hours in your crock pot, you transform an economical cut of meat into a tender, flavorful dinner centerpiece. The versatility of these recipes allows you to customize flavors to suit your family’s preferences, whether you prefer classic gravy, creamy mushroom, or French onion-inspired variations.

These dishes not only provide an excellent protein source but also create satisfying meals that can be stretched with sides like potatoes, noodles, or rice. With the make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature of these recipes, you’ll have a valuable tool for busy weeknights, ensuring a delicious dinner with minimal effort.