If you are searching for a comforting and effortless homemade meal, then the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth cube steaks with a rich, savory mushroom onion gravy, all slow-cooked to perfection so each bite bursts with flavor. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for busy days or cozy weekend dinners. It’s simple, hearty, and just downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s success. Each item plays a crucial role in building that deep, homey flavor and comforting texture that makes the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe stand out.
- Cube steaks: The star of the dish, these cuts become tender gems once slow-cooked, soaking up all the wonderful flavors.
- Large onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and body to the base, perfectly complementing the beef’s richness.
- Onion soup mix packet: A quick way to layer in savory depth and umami without extra fuss.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Creates a luscious, creamy gravy with an earthy mushroom undertone.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Keeps everything moist and infuses warm, meaty flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy, slightly sweet complexity that rounds out the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses subtle aromatic notes enhancing every savory bite.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of gentle heat and balance.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional): Mixes with water to thicken the gravy if you want it extra luscious.
- Water (1 tablespoon, optional): Used to make the cornstarch slurry to improve gravy texture without lumps.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous brightness at serving.
How to Make Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
Step 1: Season and Optional Sear
Start by patting your cube steaks dry. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder and black pepper to create a well-rounded flavor base. If you want to take your meal up a notch, quickly sear the steaks in a hot skillet with a little oil for about 1-2 minutes per side. This step is optional, but it locks in juices and adds a beautiful golden crust that intensifies the taste.
Step 2: Layer Onions and Steaks
Next, spread the thinly sliced onions on the bottom of your slow cooker. The onions act as a flavorful bed, helping to keep the steaks moist from underneath. Lay the cube steaks on top of this onion layer, allowing them to soak up the sweet onion essence during cooking.
Step 3: Prepare and Pour the Gravy
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything together until smooth and shiny. Pour this rich gravy all over your steaks and onions in the crock pot, ensuring they are nicely bathed for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours if you’re short on time. The long, gentle cooking will render the cube steaks fork-tender, allowing the gravy to thicken naturally and the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 5: Optional Gravy Thickening
If you prefer a thicker gravy, once cooking is complete, carefully remove the steaks and mix a slurry of cornstarch and water. Stir this into the hot liquid in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy becomes silky and thick. Then, return the steaks to the pot to warm through.
How to Serve Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving. This simple garnish adds a burst of green freshness and a lovely contrast in color that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that soak up the luscious gravy. For a veggie boost, a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots adds a wonderful balance of texture and color.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, consider serving the cube steak slices over fluffy polenta or atop a bed of buttery rice pilaf. You can also turn leftovers into a savory sandwich by placing thin steak slices and gravy on a crusty roll for an irresistible lunch treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover cube steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy reheats during the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion the cube steaks along with the gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, ready to defrost and reheat for a quick, comforting meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently either in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Make sure to stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth if the gravy seems too thick. This will bring back that just-cooked tenderness and flavor you love in the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of meat instead of cube steak?
While cube steak is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can experiment with thinly sliced round steak or sirloin. Just note that cooking times might vary to achieve the same tender results.
Do I have to sear the steaks first?
Searing is optional but recommended if you want extra flavor and a richer color. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still enjoy a delicious meal.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?
Yes! You can use the slow cook function on an Instant Pot or use the pressure cooker function. For pressure cooking, reduce the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes and use natural pressure release for best tenderness.
How thick should I slice the onions?
Thin slices will cook down nicely and create a flavorful base without large chunks that overpower the dish. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick.
Is there a way to make the gravy gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix, and substitute regular Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free version. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for thickening.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe a try because it effortlessly turns simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal that feels like a loving hug on a plate. Slow-cooked to tender perfection with a creamy, flavorful gravy, it’s perfect for family dinners, casual nights, or special occasions. Once you make it, it might just become one of those treasured recipes you hold onto forever—enjoy every bite!
Print
Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Crock Pot Cube Steak recipe offers tender, flavorful cube steaks cooked low and slow in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. Perfectly seasoned and optionally seared for added depth, this comforting slow cooker dish delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef ideal for serving over mashed potatoes or noodles. The easy, hands-off approach makes it a perfect weeknight dinner to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 4 cube steaks
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing, optional)
Onion and Gravy
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional Thickener and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for slurry)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with garlic powder and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Optional Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little vegetable oil. Sear the steaks for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned to add extra depth of flavor.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Layer the thinly sliced onions evenly at the bottom of the crock pot, then place the seasoned (and optionally seared) cube steaks on top of the onions.
- Mix the Gravy: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Assemble and Cook: Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the steaks and onions in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until the steaks are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Optional Thicken Gravy: Remove the steaks from the crock pot and stir in a cornstarch slurry made by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water into the cooking liquid. Cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens, then return the steaks to the crock pot to heat through.
- Serve: Serve the cube steaks hot over mashed potatoes or noodles, spooning plenty of the mushroom-onion gravy on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Searing the cube steaks before slow cooking is optional but adds a richer flavor and better color.
- Use gluten-free soup mix and broth for a gluten-free version.
- For thicker gravy without cornstarch, cook uncovered in the slow cooker for extra time to reduce liquid.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated and reheat nicely in a microwave or on the stovetop.
- Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
