Cooking cube steak in a crock pot is a fantastic way to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results. This versatile and budget-friendly cut of beef, often tenderized to perfection, benefits greatly from slow-cooking methods. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or a simple yet impressive dinner for guests, crock pot cube steak recipes offer the ideal solution.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover various methods to cook cube steak in a crock pot, showcase creative recipe variations, and share essential tips to ensure your cube steak comes out perfectly tender every time.
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef, typically from the top round or top sirloin, that has been mechanically tenderized. This process gives the meat a distinctive cubed pattern, which is how it gets its name. Because it’s a tougher cut, cube steak is perfect for slow-cooking methods like the crock pot, which break down the fibers, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
For a detailed recipe guide, check out this how-to-cook cube steak post for tips on cooking cube steak and other cuts in a slow cooker.
If you’re curious about different ways to prepare this versatile cut of beef, you might also want to check out other slow cooker beef recipes or try this crockpot cube steak recipe for even more inspiration.
Why Use a Crock Pot for Cube Steak?
Slow cooking cube steak in a crock pot has several advantages:
- Effortless cooking: Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and walk away.
- Tender results: Slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers, leaving the steak tender and juicy.
- Infused flavors: The long cooking time allows the steak to absorb the flavors of the broth, spices, and vegetables.
- Time-saver: A crock pot meal is perfect for busy families who need a hands-off approach to dinner.
You can try other easy slow cooker recipes like this one for additional ideas on making comforting meals.
If you’re looking for easy-to-make, flavor-packed meals, try this crock pot cube steak with gravy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Classic Cube Steak with Gravy in the Crock Pot
A popular way to enjoy cube steak is with rich, savory gravy. Here’s a simple yet classic cube steak with gravy recipe to try in your crock pot.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 cube steaks
- 1 packet of onion soup mix
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 sliced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prep the Cube Steaks: Season your cube steaks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. For extra flavor, lightly dredge them in flour and brown them in a skillet before placing them in the crock pot.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of your crock pot, then layer the cube steaks on top.
- Add Liquids: Combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth. Pour over the cube steaks.
- Slow Cook: Set the crock pot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
- Serve: Serve the cube steaks with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles and spoon the gravy on top.
For additional flavor inspiration, consider pairing this dish with a side of garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Recipe Variations for cube steak recipes crock pot
There are many ways to add variety to your cube steak recipes. Below are a few delicious twists to try.
Southern-Style Cube Steak with Onion Gravy
This Southern-style variation brings the comfort of rich, savory onion gravy to your cube steak.
- Key Ingredients: Cube steak, onions, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and flour.
- Cooking Tip: Dredge the cube steak in flour and brown in a hot skillet for added flavor.
- Side Suggestions: This pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and honey butter skillet corn.
Cube Steak with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy
Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to this classic cube steak recipe.
- Key Ingredients: Mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, and cube steak.
- Flavor Note: The combination of mushrooms and onions creates a deliciously savory gravy perfect for any family dinner.
- Serving Suggestion: Try serving this with a simple skillet corn for a well-rounded meal.
French Onion Cube Steak
For a twist on traditional flavors, try using French onion soup mix in your gravy for added depth and richness.
- Key Ingredients: French onion soup mix, beef broth, caramelized onions, cube steak.
- Best Side: This dish pairs well with a crusty bread or even cheesy mashed potatoes.
Best Practices for Cooking Cube Steak in a Crock Pot
For perfect results, it’s important to follow some best practices when cooking cube steak in the crock pot.
Choosing the Right Cut
While cube steak is the most common choice, you can also substitute with other slow-cooking beef cuts like chuck roast or even sirloin. Learn more about cuts and slow cooking in this guide.
Seasoning and Prepping the Meat
Season your cube steaks generously with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs. Browning the steaks in a skillet before placing them in the crock pot can lock in juices and add extra flavor.
Slow Cooking Times and Temperatures
The secret to tender cube steak is cooking it low and slow. Always set your crock pot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid the temptation to cook on high, as this may make the meat tough.
Enhancing Flavor
Consider adding ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, red wine, or beef broth for a richer gravy. Alternatively, use seasoning rubs like this Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning for an extra punch of flavor.
Creative Add-Ons and Customizations
Cube steak is incredibly versatile and can be paired with various add-ons and ingredients to customize your dish.
Adding Vegetables
Incorporating vegetables into your crock pot cube steak is a great way to make a complete meal. Here are some popular vegetable options:
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Green beans
For a twist, you can also add bell peppers or even sweet potatoes, which add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Customizing the Gravy
If you want to customize the flavor of your gravy, consider these variations:
- Mushroom Gravy: Add mushrooms to the broth for a more earthy taste.
- Tomato-Based Gravy: For a richer, tangy flavor, add a can of crushed tomatoes.
- Creamy Gravy: If you prefer a creamier gravy, mix in some heavy cream or sour cream toward the end of cooking.
Substituting Different Meats
While beef cube steak is the traditional choice, you can also substitute:
- Chicken: Use chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter version of the dish.
- Pork: Pork chops work beautifully in the crock pot and soak up flavors well.
Try experimenting with these options to find the version that suits your taste preferences.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Even seasoned home cooks can encounter issues when slow-cooking cube steak. Here are some common problems and solutions.
Tough Cube Steak
If your cube steak comes out tough, it may have been cooked at too high a temperature. Always cook on low and check the meat at the 6-hour mark. Overcooking or using the high setting can cause the meat to toughen.
Watery Gravy
If the gravy is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the crock pot about 30 minutes before serving. This will thicken the gravy without affecting the flavor.
Bland Taste
If your dish lacks flavor, try adding more seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce. A pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes can also add depth to the dish.
Serving Ideas for Cube Steak
Here are some great ways to serve your crock pot cube steak:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich gravy.
- With Rice: Rice is a neutral base that absorbs all the delicious flavors from the gravy.
- With Buttered Noodles: This is a simple yet tasty side that complements the dish well.
- With Dinner Rolls: Use dinner rolls to sop up the extra gravy.
For a complete family meal, try pairing this dish with sides like buttered corn or even a skillet cornbread.
FAQs About cube steak recipes crock pot
How Long Does It Take to Cook Cube Steak in a Crock Pot?
Typically, cube steak takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat to cook properly. Cooking it on high may result in tough meat, so it’s best to stick with the low setting.
Do You Need to Brown Cube Steak Before Putting it in the Crock Pot?
While it’s not necessary, browning the cube steak in a skillet before placing it in the crock pot enhances the flavor and adds a bit of texture to the final dish.
Can You Freeze Cube Steak After Cooking it in a Crock Pot?
Yes, cooked cube steak can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container before freezing.
Conclusion
Crock pot cube steak recipes are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a budget-friendly cut of beef. Whether you’re sticking with the classic cube steak and gravy or exploring creative variations like Southern-style or French onion, this dish is versatile, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals.
By following the best practices and customizing with your favorite flavors, you’ll have a go-to slow cooker recipe that everyone will love.