Introduction to Crock Pot Cube Steak
Let’s be real, some days feel like a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and family activities, it’s tough to find time to prepare a hearty meal. That’s where my beloved Crock Pot Cube Steak comes into play! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. Imagine tender steak swimming in a luscious gravy, with earthy mushrooms and sweet onions joining the party. It’s the kind of recipe that turns busy nights into cozy family dinners, perfect for impressing your loved ones without breaking a sweat.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cube Steak
This Crock Pot Cube Steak is a lifesaver for anyone with a packed schedule. Not only does it require minimal effort, but it also fills your home with an inviting aroma that teases your taste buds. It cooks gently while you’re busy, ensuring tender, flavorful meat every single time. Plus, the gravy is perfect for soaking into rice or mashed potatoes, making every bite a delightful experience. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for crafting the perfect Crock Pot Cube Steak. It’s simple yet satisfying, featuring a delightful combination of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Onion: A large, sliced onion adds sweetness and depth, making the gravy rich and flavorful.
- Mushrooms: Use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a savory touch. They soak up the sauce beautifully and add earthiness.
- Cube Steak: This tender cut of meat is the star of the dish. It benefits from long, slow cooking, becoming melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Onion Soup Mix: Adds a savory boost and a touch of seasoning. You can also make your own mix if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creamy base will be a game-changer, lending to the luscious gravy. Feel free to use a healthier version or a substitute if desired.
- Water: Keeps everything moist and helps blend the flavors together into a delightful sauce.
- Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper adds just the right amount of heat. Adjust to your liking!
- Seasoned Salt: This enhances the overall flavor profile. If you prefer, regular salt will do the trick, but don’t skip this step!
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic kick that complements the dish perfectly.
- Cornstarch: A bit of dissolved cornstarch will thicken your gravy toward the end, making it irresistibly luscious.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mix! You’ll find that the exact measurements for each ingredient are at the bottom of the article, where you can easily print them out for your next cooking adventure.
How to Make Crock Pot Cube Steak
Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by gathering your onion and mushrooms. Slice the onion into thin rings, letting its natural sweetness shine through. For the mushrooms, a simple slice will do! I love using cremini or baby bella varieties for their depth and flavor. Once you’ve got them ready, it’s time to set the stage in your slow cooker. Lay the sliced onions first, as they create a delightful foundation. Then, sprinkle the mushrooms on top, creating a colorful bed for the delicious cube steak that’s to follow.
Layer the Cube Steak
Next comes the star of the show—the cube steak! Place the steaks over the layered vegetables, ensuring they’re spread out evenly. If your slow cooker is a bit small, don’t hesitate to layer the steaks on top of each other. Each chunk of meat will soak up the fantastic flavors from the veggies and the gravy. As I layer, I always hope to create that perfect meld of textures—tenderness from the steak, and the richness from the onions and mushrooms. Your slow cooker will work its magic soon!
Mix the Sauce
Time to whip up the sauce! In a medium bowl, combine the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and a cup of water. I like to whisk it together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the heart of your gravy, so make sure it’s blended well! Add a dash of black pepper, seasoned salt, and the minced garlic to enhance the mix. It’s that blend of flavors that pulls everything together seamlessly. As you mix, close your eyes and imagine that aroma filling your kitchen!
Pour and Cook
Now, pour your freshly made sauce over the steak like a warm blanket. Make sure every piece is coated well; this is where the magic happens! After covering the slow cooker, set it on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours. I prefer the low setting for busy days; it allows the flavors to mingle beautifully while I tackle my to-do list. Just imagine returning home to a house that smells like a cozy diner—who wouldn’t love that?
Thicken the Gravy
In the last hour of cooking, it’s time to make that gravy heavenly! Dissolve a tablespoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of water. This is your secret weapon for achieving that luscious texture. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. Let it cook on high for another 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the gravy to thicken nicely. The aroma will have your mouth watering, and the gravy will be irresistibly rich—perfect for slathering over rice or mashed potatoes!
Tips for Success
- Prep the ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
- For a flavor boost, experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch step; it’s crucial for that perfect gravy consistency!
- Check meat’s tenderness in the last hour to avoid overcooking.
- Let leftovers cool fully before refrigerating for the best storage.
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart is ideal, but any size will work for smaller batches.
- Cutting Board: Essential for safely slicing your veggies and steak.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing onions and mushrooms a breeze.
- Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together your gravy ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Don’t skip these for accuracy in seasoning!
Variations of Crock Pot Cube Steak
- Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, carrots, or peas for a colorful and nutrient-rich dish. They’ll blend beautifully with the sauce.
- Southwestern Twist: Incorporate black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a zesty flavor. Top with some shredded cheese before serving for an extra indulgence.
- Herbal Infusion: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant touch that elevates the flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Ensure your onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup are gluten-free or make your own to suit dietary needs.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to the sauce for a little heat. This is perfect for those who love a bit of spice!
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice: Serve the cube steak and gravy over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty base.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that rich gravy.
- Green Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the flavors beautifully.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness on your plate.
FAQs about Crock Pot Cube Steak
Curious about my Crock Pot Cube Steak? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of this tender, tasty dish!
How do I know when the cube steak is done?
When cooked properly, the cube steak should be fork-tender and easily shred apart. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F for safety. Since we’re slow cooking, checking around the 6-hour mark on high or 8-hour mark on low will help ensure it’s perfect.
Can I use frozen cube steak?
Absolutely! You can start with frozen cube steak; just extend the cooking time by an hour or so. The slow cooker will thaw and cook it beautifully, but always check for tenderness.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
For the best results, cool the leftover Crock Pot Cube Steak completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! For a spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mix. You’ll love the kick it brings to the cozy flavors of the gravy!
What do I serve with this dish?
This meal pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the rich gravy. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans make fantastic sides for added color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Cooking my Crock Pot Cube Steak brings an unparalleled joy that revitalizes my busy evenings. With each tender bite, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners and how a simple dish can unite loved ones. The rich gravy and melt-in-your-mouth steak transform an ordinary night into a delightful culinary experience. Whether it’s a chaotic weekday or a special occasion, this recipe promises comfort and satisfaction. I hope you share in the warm, inviting joy it brings—and create delicious memories around your dinner table. Let the flavors embrace you and your family in their cozy culinary hug!
Print
Crock Pot Cube Steak
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and tender cube steak dish cooked in a slow cooker, layered with onions and mushrooms, and complemented by a creamy mushroom gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1½ to 2 pounds cube steak
- 1 ounce onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, arrange the sliced onion and mushrooms. Place the cube steak over the top of the vegetables, layering if necessary.
- In a bowl, combine onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, water, black pepper, seasoned salt, and minced garlic. Whisk together until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the cube steak in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours.
- In the last hour of cooking, whisk together the dissolved cornstarch and water. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the gravy thickens.
Notes
- Ensure the cube steak is not overcrowded in the slow cooker for even cooking.
- You can serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
