If you’re on the lookout for a warm and inviting dinner dish, then look no further than the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak. This sumptuous recipe captures the essence of home-cooked meals that evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. With tender cube steaks slow-cooked in a rich onion and mushroom gravy, this dish is not only simple to make but also provides a hearty satisfaction that will please even the pickiest eaters. The ease of preparing this in a slow cooker makes it perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with family and friends.
Using minimal ingredients, the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak gives maximum flavor while being budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for economical yet flavorful meal ideas. Pair it with classic sides like fluffy mashed potatoes or satisfying egg noodles, and you’re set for a delightful dinner that warms the soul. Plus, with the opportunity to prep everything in advance, you’ll have a fantastic homemade dinner waiting for you when you’re ready to eat. Dive into this delightful experience of taste and comfort, and treat your loved ones to a dinner they won’t soon forget!
Why You’ll Love This Best Crock Pot Cube Steak
- Tender, juicy cube steaks cooked to perfection.
- A rich, savory gravy made with cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix.
- Great for busy schedules as it cooks slowly with minimal supervision.
- Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
- Budget-friendly and utilizes simple ingredients.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before starting your culinary adventure with the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for a seamless cooking experience. Begin by gathering all your ingredients — cube steaks, onion, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. You may also want to keep cornstarch and water handy, in case you’d like to thicken the gravy later. For tools, a slow cooker is vital, and it’s also helpful to have a good skillet if you decide to sear the steaks for added flavor. A mixing bowl for your gravy mixture and a whisk are also required for easy blending. Ensure your workspace is clean and organized to make the process flow smoothly. Keep everything close at hand, and you’re ready to embark on this delicious cooking journey!
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for slurry)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cube Steaks
Start by patting the cube steaks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps in achieving a better sear and enhances the overall flavor. Following this, season both sides of the steaks generously with garlic powder and black pepper, ensuring all surfaces are well coated for maximum taste.
Step 2: Optional Searing for Enhanced Flavor
If you desire to add an extra depth of flavor to your cube steaks, consider searing them in a skillet before slow cooking. Heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned steaks. Sear them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step is optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy rich, caramelized flavors.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, begin by layering the thinly sliced onions at the bottom. The onions will caramelize gently during cooking and impart a sweet, savory flavor to the gravy and the steak. Once layered, place the seared or raw cube steaks on top of the onions, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
Step 4: Mix the Gravy
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. This mixture will create a rich and hearty gravy that will soak into the meat and impart deep flavors as they cook together. Pour this gravy mixture evenly over the cube steaks and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is coated well.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. For fork-tender steak, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for about 4-5 hours. This slow and low technique allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the cube steaks become incredibly tender and juicy. Resist the temptation to lift the lid during the cooking process as this will release heat and affect cooking time.
Step 6: Optional Gravy Thickening
If you prefer a thicker gravy, after the cooking time is up, carefully remove the cube steaks from the slow cooker. Then, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the hot gravy in the slow cooker and turn the heat to HIGH. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Finally, return the steaks to the pot to bathe in the thickened gravy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked to perfection, your Best Crock Pot Cube Steak is ready to serve! Dish it out hot alongside creamy mashed potatoes or cozy egg noodles, spooning the delicious gravy generously over the top. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Variations
- Protein: Swap cube steak for other cuts like round steak or chuck steak for a different texture and taste.
- Vegetables: Add in bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for enhanced flavor and health benefits.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a splash of soy sauce for variation.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The gravy flavors improve a day later; consider making it ahead of time!
Serving Suggestions
- Delicious with a side of fresh steamed vegetables for added nutrients.
- Serve with crusty bread to mop up the savory gravy.
Tips
- Let your steak rest after cooking for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
- You can also add a splash of white wine to the gravy mixture for a sophisticated taste.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the slow cooker?
Yes! You can cover it in a baking dish and cook at 325°F for about 2-2.5 hours or until the steak is tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I freeze the cooked cube steak?
Absolutely! The cooked cube steak can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container or freezer bag.
What should I serve with cube steak?
Cube steak is delicious when served with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles and a side of vegetables or salad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak is not just a dish; it’s an experience that will leave you and your loved ones feeling warm and fulfilled. This simple yet flavorful recipe guarantees satisfaction and nourishment, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you crave comfort food. The beauty of this meal lies not only in its ease of preparation but also in its ability to bring people together. So why not give it a try? Your kitchen will fill with mouthwatering scents, and you’ll soon find it becoming a beloved regular in your dining repertoire. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and any variations you tried in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Best Crock Pot Cube Steak
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A warm and inviting dish featuring tender cube steaks slow-cooked in a rich onion and mushroom gravy.
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for slurry)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Start by patting the cube steaks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the steaks generously with garlic powder and black pepper.
- If you desire to add an extra depth of flavor, consider searing the steaks in a skillet before slow cooking.
- In your slow cooker, layer the thinly sliced onions at the bottom then place the cube steaks on top.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cube steaks and onions.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for about 4-5 hours.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, after cooking time is up, carefully remove the steaks and mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the hot gravy and return the steaks to the pot to bathe in the thickened gravy.
- Serve hot alongside creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles, garnishing with chopped parsley.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 25 g