Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe

Crock Pot Cube Steak is a comforting meal that turns tough meat into tender, flavorful dinner. This easy recipe uses a slow cooker to create a delicious gravy-covered dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal preparation and yielding fork-tender results.

With just a few simple ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying cube steak dish. The whole family will love it.

Understanding Cube Steak: A Budget-Friendly Cut

Cube steak is a great choice for those looking for affordable, versatile beef. It comes from the cow’s shoulder, which makes it naturally tougher. But, when it’s tenderized, it becomes tender and easy to chew.

What Makes Cube Steak Different

The tenderizing process makes cube steak special. It creates tiny holes that make the meat tender. This makes it perfect for budget-friendly cube steak dishes or crockpot cube steak meals.

Why It’s Perfect for Slow Cooking

Slow cooking and tenderizing are key to cube steak’s success. In a crockpot, it becomes even more tender. This method brings out the best in this affordable beef cut.

“Cube steak is a true unsung hero in the world of beef. With a little bit of tenderization and slow cooking, this affordable cut can transform into a mouthwatering, tender delight.”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crock Pot Cube Steak

Making a tasty easy cube steak dinner in your slow cooker is about the right ingredients. The secret is a mix of flavors that make the meat tender and the gravy rich. Let’s look at what makes this crock pot cube steak recipe a winner.

The dish starts with 6 cube steaks, about 1.5 pounds. These affordable beef cuts are great for slow cooking. They become tender and delicious. The yellow onion and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms add flavor and depth.

To make the gravy, you need 1 1/2 cups of beef bone broth or beef stock, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients create a flavorful base that sticks well to the steak.

Seasoning is crucial. This recipe uses 2 teaspoons of homemade herb and garlic seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika for warmth. 2 tablespoons of cornstarch thicken the gravy just right.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious cube steak meal for your family. Now, let’s follow the steps to make this easy cube steak dinner a success.

Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe – Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing a delicious cube steak in your crock pot is easy. Just follow these simple steps to make a tender and tasty dish. Your whole family will love it.

Preparation Tips

Begin by putting the cube steak in the crock pot. Cube steak comes from the top round or sirloin, tenderized mechanically. It’s a budget-friendly beef cut that’s great for slow cooking.

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 ounce of dry onion soup mix, 10.5 ounces of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of beef broth.
2. Pour the soup mixture over the cube steak in the crock pot, making sure the meat is fully covered.
3. Cook the cube steak on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking low and slow makes it extra tender.

Gravy Thickening Techniques

To thicken the gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. This makes a slurry. Add it to the crock pot in the last hour, stirring well to mix it into the sauce.

Serve the tender cube steak and rich gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with your favorite sides. It’s a comforting and fulfilling meal. Enjoy!

The Secret to Tender Slow Cooker Cube Steak

The secret to tender cube steak in your slow cooker is the cooking method. Unlike other beef cuts, cube steak needs a low and slow approach. This method breaks down tough connective tissues over time. By avoiding high heat, you unlock the steak’s true potential, making it melt-in-your-mouth.

The recipe suggests using 1 ½ lbs. of cubed steak, which is about 6 pieces. You can increase it to 2 lbs. for a bigger meal. The cooking time is 4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. This ensures the meat is tender and flavorful.

“The secret to tender slow cooker cube steak is all in the low and slow cooking method. This allows the tough connective tissues to break down, resulting in meat that’s so tender, it can be cut with a fork.”

The key to tender cube steak is the cooking technique. By using the slow cooker cube steak method, you can turn this affordable cut into a delicious, fork-tender dish. It’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Creating the Perfect Gravy Base

The secret to a comforting cube steak crock pot recipe is the gravy base. By mixing a few simple ingredients, you can make a rich, flavorful sauce. This sauce complements the tender cube steak perfectly.

Mixing the Sauce Components

Begin by mixing one packet of onion soup mix, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and 2 cups of beef broth. This mix forms the base of the gravy. It adds depth of flavor and a velvety texture.

Seasoning Recommendations

• For more flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a touch of red wine vinegar.
• Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the soup mixes have sodium.
• If you want thicker gravy, whisk in a tablespoon or two of flour. This will thicken it to your liking.

This cube steak crock pot recipe makes the dish more flavorful. It also keeps the meat tender and juicy during cooking.

By following these steps, you’ll make a comforting cube steak entrée. Your family will love it.

Time and Temperature Guidelines

Creating the perfect cube steak in your slow cooker requires attention to time and temperature. For tender and flavorful results, cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. Or, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours.

The low-temperature method is best for tender cube steak. It breaks down tough fibers, making the meat tender. A digital crock pot with a keep-warm setting is great for cooking longer than 8 hours.

If you’re in a hurry, the high-heat setting works too. But, watch the steak closely to avoid dryness. Overcooking can make the meat tough.

“The secret to tender, slow-cooked cube steak lies in the patience of the low and slow method. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a meal that melts in your mouth.”

Always thaw the cube steak before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor.

By following these guidelines, you’ll make a delicious cube steak. Slow cooking makes it easy to achieve tender perfection.

Best Side Dishes for Cube Steak

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate a family-friendly cube steak meal. Whether you prefer classic or modern options, there’s something for everyone. These dishes can enhance the tender, savory taste of the cube steak.

Traditional Pairings

For a comforting meal, try serving cube steak with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles. The gravy from the steak pairs perfectly with these sides. Steamed or sautéed green beans also make a great choice, offering a fresh contrast to the beef.

Modern Alternatives

Looking for lighter options? Cube steak goes well with cauliflower rice or roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. These choices add a sweet and earthy flavor to your meal.

Remember, the goal is to find sides that complement the steak’s rich flavors. This way, you’ll create a balanced and enjoyable meal for your family.

Storage and Reheating Tips

After enjoying the tender cube steak crock pot recipe, you’ll want to keep leftovers tasty. Here are easy tips for storing and reheating your easy cube steak dinner. This way, you can enjoy it for more than one meal.

Storing Leftover Cube Steak

Keep your cube steak crock pot recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Reheating Cube Steak

1. To keep the texture right, reheat your cube steak crock pot recipe on the stovetop. Put the leftover steak and gravy in a saucepan. Heat it over medium, stirring now and then, until it’s warm.
2. Or, you can reheat it in the microwave. Start with 1-2 minutes, then heat in 30-second bursts until it’s hot. Add a bit of broth or water to keep it moist.

Don’t freeze your cube steak crock pot recipe. The meat and gravy’s texture might change when thawed.

By using these simple tips, you can enjoy your cube steak crock pot recipe for days. Reheat with confidence and enjoy every bite!

Money-Saving Tips for Ingredients

Making a tasty cube steak dish in your crockpot doesn’t have to cost a lot. Smart shopping can help you enjoy this meal without spending too much.

Where to Buy Cube Steak

Watch for cube steak sales at your local stores or bulk shops. When it’s cheap, buy more and freeze it for later. This way, you save money and always have this meat on hand.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

• If cube steak is too expensive, try using chuck roast or pork chops instead. They taste similar when slow-cooked in your crockpot.
• Choose generic or store-brand cream soups and gravy mixes. They’re cheaper than the big brands but just as good.

With these tips, you can make a delicious and affordable cube steak dish in your crockpot. You’ll save money and enjoy a great meal.

Customizing Your Cube Steak Recipe

Make your cube steak crock pot recipe even better by trying new things. Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or chicken. This will give your dish a fresh taste.

Add fresh veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes to the crock pot. This makes your easy cube steak dinner a full meal. It adds nutrients and texture to your steak.

Top your dish with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This cheesy touch makes your steak even richer and more indulgent.

With these easy changes, you can make your cube steak crock pot recipe special. Your family will love it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cooking cube steak in the crock pot is easy and tasty. But, sometimes problems can happen. Don’t worry, we have tips to make your cube steak crock pot dish tender and flavorful every time.

Texture Problems

If your cube steak is tough or chewy, it might need more time. Cube steak is tough, so slow cooking helps. Try cooking it for 1-2 more hours to get it soft.

Seasoning Adjustments

Maybe your dish tastes bland or too salty. If it’s too salty, use low-sodium ingredients or add potatoes. They soak up salt. For more flavor, add herbs, spices, or Worcestershire sauce.

Remember these tips to make your cube steak crock pot dish perfect. A little experimentation will make it a family favorite.

Health and Nutrition Information

When you make a cube steak crock pot recipe or a family-friendly cube steak meal, think about health and nutrition. Cube steak is full of protein and iron. It’s a good choice for a healthy diet.

To make your cube steak crock pot recipe healthier, follow some easy tips. Use low-sodium or reduced-fat soups and broths to cut down on salt. Add more veggies to the recipe or serve it with healthy sides like:

• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli or cauliflower
• Fresh salad greens

For better portion control, serve smaller cube steak portions with bigger veggie servings. This way, you get a balanced meal with lots of nutrients.

The cube steak crock pot recipe can be a healthy and tasty meal if you’re careful. With a few tweaks, you can enjoy tender cube steak. Plus, you’ll give your family a nutritious and family-friendly cube steak meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Preparing your easy cube steak dinner ahead of time can save you a lot of effort. With a few simple tips, you can have a tasty crockpot cube steak meal ready with little last-minute work.

Freeze for Future Convenience

1. Put all the ingredients for your cube steak recipe, except for the cornstarch, in a gallon-size freezer bag.
2. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and lay it flat in the freezer.
3. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the bag overnight in the fridge. Then, transfer the contents to your crockpot and follow the recipe.

Make-Ahead Crockpot Prep

For quicker weeknight meals, prepare the ingredients in your crockpot insert the night before. Refrigerate it. In the morning, turn on your slow cooker. Let the easy cube steak dinner cook while you’re busy.

When you get home, a delicious and tender crockpot cube steak meal will be ready for you.

By using these make-ahead and freezer tips, you can enjoy a delicious easy cube steak dinner or crockpot cube steak meal with little effort. Just prepare your ingredients in advance and let your slow cooker do the rest.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Want to change up the flavors in your cube steak crock pot recipe? There are many ways to do it. Try using different soup mixes like beefy onion or mushroom for new tastes. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken for a unique twist on this cube steak entrée.

For a tomato-based version, just use canned diced tomatoes instead of the cream soup. Try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to make your own flavor. The options are endless for making this dish your own.

Looking to cut down on fat? Use low-fat or fat-free dairy like cream cheese and sour cream. Also, cook the cube steak on the low setting in your slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours. This makes it super tender.

FAQ

What is cube steak and why is it ideal for slow cooking?

Cube steak is beef from the cow’s shoulder. It’s tough because it’s used a lot. But, it’s made tender by a meat tenderizer.

This cut is perfect for slow cooking. The long, low heat breaks down the tough fibers. This makes the meat melt in your mouth.

What are the key ingredients for this crock pot cube steak recipe?

You’ll need cube steak, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and cornstarch. You can also add sliced onions or more seasonings for extra flavor.

How do I prepare and cook the cube steak in the crock pot?

Put the cube steak in the crock pot first. Then, mix onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Pour this over the meat.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water. Add it to the crock pot in the last hour, stirring well.

What is the key to getting tender cube steak in the crock pot?

The secret to tender cube steak is slow cooking at a low temperature. This breaks down the tough tissues, making the meat tender. Avoid high heat, as low and slow is best for this meat.

How do I make the gravy base for the cube steak dish?

The gravy base is made from onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. This mix creates a rich, flavorful sauce. For more flavor, add Worcestershire sauce or red wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How long should I cook the cube steak in the crock pot?

Cook the cube steak on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For the tenderest meat, choose the longer, low-temperature method. A digital crock pot with keep-warm can help cook it longer.

What are some good side dishes to serve with crock pot cube steak?

Serve it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the gravy. Green beans, steamed veggies, or a salad add nutrition. Try it over cauliflower rice for less carbs or with roasted root veggies for more flavor.

How should I store and reheat leftover cube steak?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding broth if needed. Don’t freeze it, as it can change the meat and gravy’s texture.

Where can I find cube steak and what are some budget-friendly alternatives?

Find cube steak on sale at local supermarkets or bulk stores. Buy in bulk when it’s cheap and freeze for later. Use generic brands for soups and mixes to save money. Chuck roast or pork chops are cheaper alternatives to cube steak.