Introduction to Crock Pot Cube Steak
Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef that’s usually taken from the top round or top sirloin. This cut is mechanically tenderized, giving it a unique texture with a signature pattern. However, cube steak is known to be a bit tough, making it ideal for slow cooking methods like using a crock pot. The slow cooker’s low and steady heat tenderizes the meat over several hours, breaking down the fibers to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Benefits of Cooking Cube Steak in a Crock Pot
Cooking cube steak in a crock pot provides numerous benefits. First, the long, slow cooking process helps break down the toughness of the meat, making it tender and flavorful. The constant moisture in the crock pot prevents the steak from drying out, ensuring each bite is juicy. Slow cooking is especially effective for tougher cuts like cube steak, which become incredibly tender when given enough time.
Using a crock pot is also ideal for busy days because it requires minimal effort. Simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the crock pot do all the work. This low-maintenance method means you can go about your day while a hearty, rich meal cooks in the background.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The key ingredients for a classic crock pot cube steak recipe are simple yet flavorful. You’ll need cube steak, which can be easily found at most grocery stores. For the sauce, use cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix—these provide richness and a savory base that complements the steak. Add beef broth to enhance the dish’s depth, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Optional add-ins like onions and mushrooms can elevate the dish, adding texture and a touch of earthiness. You can use either fresh or canned mushrooms depending on convenience. These ingredients cook down beautifully in the slow cooker, blending with the steak and sauce for an even more flavorful meal.
When choosing between fresh or canned ingredients, consider convenience versus freshness. Canned soup mixes and mushrooms are convenient, but using fresh onions and garlic adds a sharper, more pronounced flavor. Seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika can round out the dish, making it customizable based on your taste preferences.
Classic Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy Recipe
This classic crock pot cube steak with rich gravy is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces cube steak
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Layer the cube steak: Place the cube steak at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add soups and broth: In a bowl, mix the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Pour this mixture over the cube steaks, ensuring they’re well-covered for that rich, savory gravy.
- Cook on low: Set your crock pot on low heat and cook for 6-8 hours until the cube steak is tender and the flavors are blended.
- Thicken the gravy: If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the crock pot. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Pro Tips:
- To avoid overcooking, ensure you don’t cook past 8 hours, especially if using high heat.
- Add vegetables like potatoes and carrots midway through cooking to avoid mushy textures.
Creamy Mushroom and Onion Cube Steak
This variation adds a creamy twist to the traditional recipe by incorporating cream cheese for a rich and luxurious sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces cube steak
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup cream cheese
Instructions:
- Sauté onions and mushrooms: In a skillet, lightly sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until they soften and release their flavors.
- Add cream cheese: Add the sautéed mixture to the crock pot, then stir in the cream cheese for a rich sauce.
- Slow cook: Place the cube steak in the crock pot, cover with the mushroom mixture, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Pro Tips:
- Searing the cube steak before placing it in the slow cooker can help lock in flavor and add a deeper caramelized taste.
- Using fresh mushrooms gives the sauce a more natural, earthy flavor.
Cube Steak with Vegetables in the Crock Pot
For a full meal in one dish, this recipe adds vegetables to the crock pot for a hearty, well-rounded dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces cube steak
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 potatoes (cubed)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Layer the vegetables: Place carrots, potatoes, and celery at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add cube steak: Layer the cube steak on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the broth: Mix onion soup mix with beef broth and pour over the steak and vegetables.
- Cook on low: Set the crock pot on low and cook for 6-8 hours.
Pro Tips:
- For the best results, chop the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid adding delicate vegetables like zucchini too early, as they may overcook. For more vegetable cooking tips, check here.
Lightened-Up Cube Steak Recipe
For a lighter version of crock pot cube steak, you can make a few simple substitutions.
Ingredients:
- Substituting cream-based ingredients with low-sodium broth or a mixture of Greek yogurt creates a healthier sauce.
- Use whole wheat flour or cornstarch for thickening the gravy instead of heavy cream.
These adjustments will reduce fat content while keeping the dish flavorful and rich.
FAQs for Crock Pot Cube Steak
Can I use a different type of steak?
Yes, you can substitute cube steak with other cuts like top sirloin or ribeye if you prefer a different texture. Both of these cuts are more tender, and ribeye offers a richer, fattier flavor. However, they may cook faster in the crock pot, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.
Can I freeze crock pot cube steak?
Absolutely! Crock pot cube steak freezes well for up to 3 months, but it’s best to consume it within 1-2 months to retain optimal quality. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the crock pot or on the stovetop.
How long should I cook cube steak?
For the best results, cook cube steak on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows enough time for the meat to tenderize fully while absorbing the flavors of the broth and seasonings. If using a thicker cut of steak or adding more vegetables, you may want to err on the side of a longer cook time.
Can I cook cube steak from frozen?
While it’s possible to cook cube steak from frozen, it’s generally recommended to thaw the steak first for more even cooking and to control the liquid content better. If you must cook it from frozen, be prepared to extend the cooking time and monitor the sauce, as it may become too watery.
Tips for the Best Cube Steak in the Crock Pot
- Sear the steak beforehand: Searing the cube steak in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side can enhance its flavor by caramelizing the surface. This adds a deeper, richer taste to the dish.
- Layer the steak evenly: When adding the cube steak to your crock pot, make sure to layer it evenly to ensure even cooking. Avoid stacking pieces too high, as this can result in unevenly cooked portions.
- Use cornstarch to thicken the gravy: If your gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crock pot about 20 minutes before serving. Let it simmer with the lid off until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
- Avoid removing the lid: To retain the heat and moisture inside the crock pot, try not to lift the lid during the cooking process. Each time the lid is removed, the cooking time can extend by about 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Crock pot cube steak is an easy and versatile dish, ideal for creating tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re opting for the classic recipe with rich gravy, incorporating vegetables for a hearty meal, or lightening things up with low-fat ingredients, this dish adapts to various preferences and dietary needs. Slow cooking ensures that the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while simple ingredients like onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup create a delicious, savory sauce.