If you’re craving a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that practically cooks itself, you’re going to want to tuck into this Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe. I absolutely love how tender and flavorful the steaks turn out after slow-cooking all day. Seriously, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at your table ask for seconds without you even having to hover in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: You just set it and forget it, which means more time for you to relax.
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak: Slow-cooking transforms even budget-friendly cube steak into something special.
- Rich, savory gravy: The homemade sauce is creamy without any added fuss, perfect spooned over mashed potatoes.
- Family-friendly comfort food: My family goes crazy for this recipe and I know yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe is that it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in a way that’s so satisfying. I always keep these on hand for an easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Cube steaks: These are affordable and become incredibly tender with slow cooking.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and depth; you can swap for cream of celery or chicken if you prefer.
- Beef broth: Provides a savory liquid base that keeps the steak moist and flavors balanced.
- Red onion: Minced finely to spread a sweet onion layer that enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Homemade beef bouillon powder (or onion soup mix): This is the secret umami booster in the sauce.
Variations
One of the best parts about my Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or prefer. Don’t be shy—make it your own, and it’ll feel like a fresh dish each time.
- Use different soups: I sometimes swap cream of mushroom with cream of celery for a slightly lighter flavor my family enjoys.
- Add mushrooms: If you love mushrooms, toss in sliced fresh ones for extra earthiness and texture.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives this dish a gentle heat that’s surprisingly delicious.
- Herb boost: Throwing in fresh thyme or rosemary elevates the gravy with lovely herbal notes.
How to Make Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base of Flavor
First, finely mince your red onion (or white/yellow if that’s what you have) and spread it evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This layer forms the flavor foundation for the sauce and keeps your steaks from sitting directly on the pot, preventing sticking. I learned this little trick after once ending up with a scorched bottom—definitely a mistake you want to avoid.
Step 2: Layer the Cube Steaks
Next, lay your cube steaks over the onions in a single layer. Don’t crowd them too much—you want each steak to get cozy but not smushed. It’s amazing how these tougher cuts turn buttery soft after slow cooking for hours; patience here is key.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Sprinkle the homemade beef bouillon powder or onion soup mix over the steaks. Then pour in the beef broth. Afterward, add both cans of your condensed cream of mushroom soup. Use a fork to gently mix the soup with the bouillon and broth; it doesn’t need to be perfect because the slow cooker will do the work of melding flavors flawlessly.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crock pot and set it to low. Let the magic happen for 6 to 8 hours, depending on your schedule. Trust me, the longer it cooks, the more tender your steaks become—“melt-in-your-mouth” is no exaggeration here. When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe such a simple prep would yield restaurant-quality results.
Step 5: Finish the Gravy
Once the steaks are tender, carefully remove them from the crock pot and set aside to keep warm. Now use a stick blender to whiz up the onions in the leftover sauce, turning it into a thicker, luscious gravy. You could also use a regular blender for this step if needed. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip blending—it still tastes fantastic.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle that rich gravy over your steaks and serve with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles. I promise you, everyone around your table will be smiling and coming back for seconds.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
- Don’t skip the onion layer: It adds sweetness and depth, plus prevents sticking—something I learned the hard way.
- Low and slow wins the race: Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours will give you consistently tender meat every time.
- Blend the sauce for smooth gravy: Using a stick blender creates a luscious finish that your family will rave about.
- Don’t rush serving: Let the dish rest a few minutes after cooking so the flavors settle and thicken up nicely.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the finished plate—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the rich gravy beautifully. Sometimes a light drizzle of sour cream on top is a nice creamy contrast too.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my go-to side because they soak up all that savory gravy wonderfully. Buttered egg noodles or steamed green beans work great too, adding variety and a touch of brightness to the plate. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll throw in roasted carrots or a simple garden salad for a fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like plating the steak slices fanned out on a large serving dish with the gravy poured over the top, surrounded by colorful veggies. It looks inviting and festive without much extra effort. You could also serve individual portions in rustic cast-iron skillets for a cozy, homey vibe that guests adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up overnight, which some people love because it’s even more flavorful the next day. Just give the gravy a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe freezes amazingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend warming the leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to bring the gravy back to silky perfection. If it seems too thick, splash a bit of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave works in a pinch but heat in short bursts so the meat stays juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for this Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe?
Absolutely! While cube steak is perfect because it breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker, you can also use inexpensive cuts like round steak or chuck steak. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed—tougher cuts might benefit from a bit longer on low heat.
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Can I make this Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a simple roux-based gravy with fresh mushrooms, onions, and beef broth, thickened with a bit of flour or cornstarch. I love the convenience of the canned soup, but homemade gravy is delicious too.
- How do I know when the cube steak is done?
The best indicator is tenderness—when the meat easily pulls apart with a fork and feels melt-in-your-mouth soft. The slow cooker timer of 6 to 8 hours on low usually nails this perfectly. Be careful not to overcook longer than that, as the texture can become a bit mushy.
- Can I cook this Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe on high?
You can, but keep in mind the texture and flavor develop best with low and slow cooking. If you use the high setting, aim for about 3 to 4 hours and check the meat early to avoid tough or dry results.
- What should I serve with Crock Pot Cube Steak?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice are wonderful to soak up the rich gravy. I also like steamed or roasted veggies like green beans, carrots, or broccoli to provide a fresh contrast and balance to this hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for a reason—it’s so simple, comforting, and reliably delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an easy dinner that feels special with minimal effort, this recipe delivers. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple in your home like it has in mine!
Print
Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 6 hr
- Total Time: 6 hr 5 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crock Pot Cube Steak is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked meal featuring tender cube steaks simmered in a savory mushroom gravy with onions. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients for a melt-in-your-mouth beef dish served best over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 cube steaks
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery or chicken)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 Tablespoons homemade beef bouillon powder (or 1 packet onion soup mix)
Vegetables
- 1 large red onion, minced (white or yellow onions work as well)
Instructions
- Prepare the onion base: Small dice the onion and spread it evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker insert. This will form a flavorful base for the cube steaks.
- Layer the cube steaks: Lay the cube steaks directly over the diced onions in the slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged evenly.
- Add seasonings and broth: Sprinkle the homemade beef bouillon powder or onion soup mix over the steaks. Pour the beef broth on top, distributing it evenly.
- Combine the soups: Add both cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Use a fork to gently mix the soup and bouillon powder together; it does not have to be fully blended as they will meld during cooking.
- Slow cook the meat: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the heat to low. Cook for 6 to 8 hours until the cube steaks become tender and easily pull apart.
- Make the gravy: Once cooking is complete, remove the steaks from the crock pot. Use an immersion (stick) blender to puree the onions and sauce left in the pot until thickened and smooth, creating a rich gravy. Alternatively, blend in a regular blender or serve as is for a thinner sauce with onion chunks.
- Serve: Plate the cube steaks and ladle the onion gravy over them. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles with your favorite vegetable sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, soaking up the delicious gravy.
- The slow cooker method makes this recipe perfect for busy days—set it in the morning, and dinner is ready when you come home.
- Onion soup mix can be used as a convenient substitute for homemade beef bouillon powder.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated and served with other meals or reheated as a sauce.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your slow cooker model and steak thickness to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 321
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 1768 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.4 g
- Fiber: 2.2 g
- Protein: 35.7 g
- Cholesterol: 86.5 mg
