Growing up, my family loved cube steak and gravy. The beef was tender, and the sauce was rich and savory. It was a comforting dish we all enjoyed. I still love budget-friendly meat as an adult and seek new cooking methods.
If you enjoy cube steak’s flavor and versatility, you’ll love this Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe. It’s easy to make and needs just a few ingredients. The slow cooking makes the steak tender and flavorful.
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What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a unique and affordable cut of beef. It’s great for easy, tasty meals. This meat comes from the top round or top sirloin. It’s then tenderized, leaving a cube-like pattern on its surface.
The tenderizing process makes the steak tender and easy to chew. It’s perfect for quick cooking like pan-frying or slow cooking in a crock pot. Plus, it’s cheap, making it a smart choice for those on a budget.
Cube Steak Defined
Cube steak, also known as minute steak or beef cubes, is a special cut of beef. A mechanical process makes it tender. This leaves a unique pattern of indentations or “cubes” on the steak’s surface.
This beef comes from the top round or top sirloin, which are stricter parts of the cow. The tenderizing process softens these areas. This makes the steak tender and great for fast or slow cooking in a crock pot.
Cube steak is a budget-friendly and versatile choice for home cooks. It can be cooked in many ways, still offering a rich, beefy flavor. It’s an excellent option for saving time and money while enjoying a delicious meal.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking Cube Steak
Cooking cube steak low for about eight hours in the crockpot makes it tender. Quick cooking can make it challenging. But slow cooking breaks down the meat, making it tender and flavorful.
Slow cooking makes the cube steak fork tender. It also lets the meat soak up all the flavors. This results in a rich, savory gravy that goes well with the beef.
This cube steak recipe has a 5-star rating from 7 reviews. Slow cooking is critical to its great texture and flavor. The dish is also nutritious, with 660 kcal, 21g carbs, 42g protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 660 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Protein | 42g |
| Fat | 44g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 152mg |
| Iron | 4.5mg |
| Sodium | 712mg |
| Potassium | 1160mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 480IU |
| Vitamin C | 1.7mg |
| Calcium | 47mg |
The slow cooking process tenderizes the cube steak and infuses it with rich flavors. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a comforting Sunday dinner. Slow cooking cube steak is the best way to get tender cube steak in the crockpot.
A Simple “Dump and Go” Cube Steak in Crock Pot Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious cube steak recipe, this “dump and go” crock pot version is perfect. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, great for busy weeknights. You don’t need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
This easy cube steak crock pot recipe is simple. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and walk away. No need to brown the meat or do complex prep. You’ll have a tender dump-and-go cube steak ready to eat in a few hours.
This minimal prep cube steak in slow cooker recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses 2 pounds of cube steak, a cheap cut of beef that gets tender when slow-cooked. With onions, garlic, beef broth, and seasonings, you can make a tasty meal for under $10.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 747kcal | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 52g | 104% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 125% |
| Cholesterol | 211mg | 70% |
| Sodium | 2600mg | 113% |
| Potassium | 2246mg | 64% |
| Fiber | 4g | 17% |
| Sugar | 6g | 7% |
Place the cube steak in the slow cooker to ma:
- Place easy cube steak crock pot recipe.
- Dd broth, gravy mix, and seasonings.
- Cook on low for 6 hours until the meat is tender.
Serve with French green beans and rice pilaf for a complete meal.
Or, for a healthier twist, use homemade cream of chicken soup instead of the store-bought kind. Replace onions with two teaspoons of onion powder to save time. Serve the minimal prep cube steak in the slow cooker over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a kid-friendly option.
This easy cube steak crock pot recipe will be a hit no matter how you serve it. Enjoy the convenience and delicious taste of this “dump and go” cube steak dish!
Customize the Flavor with Condensed Soups
While cream of mushroom soup is a classic choice for this delectable cube steak in the crock pot, you don’t have to limit yourself to that. You can switch up the flavor using different condensed cream soups. If you’re not a mushrooms fan or want to try something new, you can substitute the soup with a cream of chicken or celery.
This lets you personalize the dish to your taste or use what you have in your pantry. The recipe calls for just six ingredients, making it simple and budget-friendly. Unlike many other cube steak recipes, it’s also unique because it doesn’t use canned soup to thicken the gravy.
| Condensed Soup Variety | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Cream of Mushroom | Classic, earthy mushroom flavor | Pair with sautéed mushrooms, onions, or green beans |
| Cream of Chicken | Creamy chicken-based sauce | Complement with chicken broth, carrots, and celery |
| Cream of Celery | Savory, aromatic celery flavor | Combine with additional celery, onions, and potatoes |
The cooking time for this cube steak in the crockpot recipe is about 3.5-4 hours on low heat. This ensures the meat becomes tender and the flavors blend well. Feel free to experiment with different condensed soup varieties to find the perfect combination for your taste.
Serving Suggestions for Cube Steak in Crock Pot
There are many tasty ways to serve your crock pot cube steak. Pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy is a classic choice. This combo is pure comfort food.
Try the cube steak with egg noodles or fluffy white rice for a change. These sides soak up the flavorful gravy, enhancing every bite.
Adding steamed or roasted veggies like green beans, carrots, or broccoli is also great. They add freshness and nutrition to the meal.
For a lighter option, serve the cube steak and gravy over a green salad. The salad’s crispness contrasts nicely with the warm steak, making for a balanced dinner.
Choose any options to let the slow-cooked cube steak’s flavors take center stage. This humble meat becomes a comforting, exceptional meal with the right sides.
| Serving Suggestion | Description |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | The classic pairing, with the tender cube steak and rich gravy over creamy mashed potatoes. |
| Egg Noodles | The cube steak and gravy complement the texture and flavor of egg noodles. |
| White Rice | The fluffy white rice provides a neutral base to soak up the delicious cube steak gravy. |
| Steamed or Roasted Vegetables | Fresh, vibrant sides like green beans, carrots, or broccoli balance the richness of the cube steak. |
| Green Salad | A crisp green salad offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty cube steak and gravy. |
“The key to a great cube steak in crock pot meal is finding the perfect side dish to complement the tender, flavorful meat and its delectable gravy.”
Cube Steak in Crock Pot Recipe
Make your weeknight dinner special with this cube steak in crock pot recipe. It uses just four ingredients: cube steak, dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. This slow-cooked dish is comforting and flavorful, perfect for any night.
You’ll need four cube steaks for this recipe. Start by coating the meat in a seasoned flour mix. Use 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, one teaspoon garlic powder, one teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Then, sear the steaks in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until they’re golden brown on both sides.
Place the seared cube steaks in your slow cooker. Add one large thinly sliced onion, two cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of beef broth, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon dried thyme, and one dried rosemary on top. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the steak is tender and the gravy thickens.
To finish:
- Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Add one tablespoon of cornstarch and two tablespoons of cold water if the gravy needs thickening.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the cube steak and gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal.
This crock pot cube steak dish is easy to make and great for leftovers. Store any leftover cube steak and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It tastes best within 3-4 days.
“This slow cooker cube steak recipe is a budget-friendly and comforting family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights.”
This cube steak in crock pot recipe is a new favorite. It has tender beef, rich gravy, and many serving options. Enjoy the ease of a “dump and go” recipe while savoring a hearty slow cooker cube steak and gravy meal.
Tips for Perfect Cube Steak in Crock Pot
Follow a few easy tips to get the best cube steak in your crockpot. First, thaw the meat before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly, avoiding tough or dry spots. If the gravy is too thin, mix a cornstarch slurry and stir it in during the last hour.
For a full meal, add veggies to the crockpot with the steak. Carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, or onions are great choices. They soak up the gravy, making the dish hearty and easy to prepare.
Thaw the Meat Before Cooking
Thawing the meat before cooking is vital for tender, evenly cooked cube steak. It prevents the steak from becoming rigid or dry in some spots.
Thicken the Gravy if Needed
If your gravy is too thin, it’s easy to thicken it. Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with water. Stir it into the crockpot in the last hour to achieve a velvety consistency.
Add Vegetables for a Complete Meal
Adding veggies to the crockpot turns your cube steak into a complete, one-pot dinner. Chopped carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, or onions cook well with the steak, absorbing the gravy. This makes for a balanced meal and simplifies prep.
You’ll make the most tender, flavorful cube steak in your crockpot using these tips. Enjoy this comforting “dump and go” dish any night of the week!
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Good news: you can make cube steak in the crockpot beforehand. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing is also an option. Cool the dish entirely before putting it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Cube Steak in Gravy
- Refrigerate leftover cube steak and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave the leftovers for 1-2 minutes or bake in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag for freezing. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen cube steak in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
These make-ahead and storage tips make enjoying cube steak in the crockpot easy, even when busy. Whether you’re reheating cube steak in crock pot or can freeze cube steak in gravy, these tips will help you enjoy this comforting dish anytime.
Variations and Substsituations
The classic cube steak in crock pot recipe uses cream of mushroom soup. But, you can try other soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery. You can also use different gravy mixes, like onion or mushroom. Or, make your own gravy with beef broth and cornstarch or flour.
Toss sliced mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes to add more veggies into the crockpot. These will make the dish healthier and soak up the gravy.
Swapping Cube Steak for Pork Chops
Want to try something different? Use pork chops instead of cube steak. Remember, cooking time might change based on the thickness of the pork chops.
Dietary Considerations
- For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium beef broth. Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery.
- Use xanthan gum instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy in a keto-friendly version.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or arrowroot powder instead of flour.
- Use a dairy-free butter substitute instead of regular butter.
This recipe is all about trying new things. Feel free to mix and match flavors and ingredients. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy making a tasty cube steak dish in your crockpot.
Conclusion
Making tasty, easy cube steak crock pot recipes is a great way to save money and enjoy good food. Your crockpot can turn cheap tender cube steak in a slow cooker into a meal everyone will enjoy. You can choose from classic recipes or try new flavors, making it a favorite for weeknights.
With a few ingredients and a little effort, you can make a filling and flavorful meal. The slow cooking makes the beef tender, and the gravy adds a rich taste. Serve it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
Try easy cube steak crock pot recipes for a hassle-free, delicious meal. With some prep and your crockpot, you can make budget-friendly cube steak meals that your family will love.
FAQ
What is cube steak in crock pot?
Cube steak in crock pot is a tender cut of beef, usually from the top round or sirloin, cooked slowly for maximum flavor and tenderness. The meat is mechanically tenderized, creating a distinct texture perfect for crockpot meals.
Why is low and slow cooking cube steak in crock pot the key to tenderness?
Cooking cube steak in crock pot on a low setting for about 8 hours allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. The slow-cooking process ensures the cube steak in crock pot becomes fork-tender while absorbing all the flavors.
What makes this cube steak in crock pot recipe so easy to prepare?
This cube steak in crock pot recipe is a “dump and go” meal, where you simply add the ingredients to the crockpot and let it cook without needing to brown the meat. It’s perfect for busy days!
Can I use other condensed soups besides cream of mushroom in my cube steak in crock pot recipe?
Yes, you can switch up the flavors in your cube steak in crock pot recipe using condensed soups like cream of chicken or celery. This adds variety and allows you to make the recipe your own.
What are some excellent serving suggestions for cube steak in crock pot and gravy?
Serve your cube steak in crock pot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal. Add roasted or steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced plate.
How can I ensure the best results when making cube steak in crock pot?
To ensure your cube steak in crock pot turns out perfectly, thaw the meat before adding it to the crockpot. If the gravy is too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Adding vegetables also makes it a more complete meal.
How long will leftover cube steak in crock pot and gravy last, and how can I store it?
Leftover cube steak in crock pot can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or oven after thawing.
What variations or substitutions can I try with this cube steak in crock pot recipe?
You can customize your cube steak in crock pot recipe by trying different gravy mixes or creating your own with beef broth and thickening agents. Adding vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes adds flavor and nutrients to the dish.