Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
If you’re juggling a busy schedule but crave a home-cooked, comforting meal, this Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a tender, flavorful slow cooker dish that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re new to slow cookers or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to customize and makes dinnertime stress-free and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Just a few simple steps and ingredients before letting the crock pot work its magic throughout the day.
- Perfect tenderness: Slow cooking transforms cube steak into melt-in-your-mouth goodness every time.
- Versatile flavors: Easily adaptable with herbs, spices, or sauces to suit your family’s tastes.
- Low maintenance cooking: Ideal for busy days when you don’t have time to hover over the stove.
- Budget-friendly meal: Cube steak is affordable yet packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in building deep, savory flavors and satisfying textures without overwhelming your pantry.
- Cube steak: Choose fresh or thawed for the best tenderness after slow cooking.
- Onion soup mix: Adds savory depth and a boost of umami with minimal effort.
- Beef broth: Keeps the meat juicy while enriching the sauce with hearty flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a warm aroma and subtle pungency.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight the natural flavors of the beef.
- Optional herbs (thyme, rosemary): Fresh or dried variants enhance the earthy, savory profile.
Variations for Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Swap, add, or omit ingredients for diet preferences or to keep things exciting every time you cook.
- Italian twist: Add tomato sauce, basil, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired slow cooker meal.
- Mushroom gravy: Incorporate sliced mushrooms and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deep, earthy flavor.
- Spicy kick: Mix in chili powder or hot sauce to give your dish a fiery flair.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to turn it into a full one-pot dinner.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free onion soup mix and cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
How to Make Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cube steak
Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels to ensure better browning and flavor absorption before placing it in the crock pot.
Step 2: Layer your ingredients
Place the cube steaks in the crock pot, sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the meat, and add fresh garlic cloves and any herbs you are using.
Step 3: Add liquid
Pour beef broth over the steak and seasoning to keep everything moist and infuse the meat with rich flavors during cooking.
Step 4: Slow cook low and slow
Set your crock pot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the cube steak to become tender and soak up all those savory aromas.
Step 5: Finish and thicken
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the steak at the end, stir in a cornstarch slurry into the crock pot liquid, and cook on high for an additional 10–15 minutes until it reaches desired consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
- Brown before slow cooking: Searing the cube steak adds extra flavor but is optional for a true no-fuss meal.
- Don’t lift the lid: Avoid opening the crock pot to keep heat steady and speed consistent during cooking.
- Choose the right cut: Cube steak is specially tenderized beef that’s perfect for slow cooking—avoid substituting with other tougher cuts unless you’re prepared for a different texture.
- Adjust liquid levels: Too much broth can dilute flavors, so add just enough to cover the meat halfway.
- Rest before serving: Let the steak sit for 5 minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute evenly.
How to Serve Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chopped green onions work wonders to add a pop of color and fresh flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal that pleases any crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve cube steak over rice or creamy polenta, or slice it thin for sandwiches or wraps with a dollop of horseradish sauce for a delightful lunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring flavor and tenderness remain intact.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well—portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the cube steak, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cube steak in this crock pot recipe?
It’s best to thaw the cube steak fully before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking on high to thicken the sauce.
Can I substitute onion soup mix with fresh ingredients?
Yes! Use finely chopped onions, garlic powder, and beef bouillon as a homemade alternative that’s fresh and flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, provided you use a gluten-free onion soup mix and thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead of flour.
How long does it take to cook cube steak in a crock pot?
Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours yields the best tender, juicy results for cube steak.
Final Thoughts
This Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe is a warm hug on a plate—simple to prepare, packed with comforting flavors, and nurturing for any busy day. Give it a try and discover how easy slow cooker meals can become your favorite weekly go-to!
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Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe is an easy, comforting slow cooker meal that results in tender, flavorful beef with minimal prep. Perfect for busy days, it uses simple ingredients like cube steak, onion soup mix, and beef broth, and can be easily customized with herbs, spices, or additional vegetables. Slow cooking brings out melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich savory flavors, making dinnertime effortless and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds cube steak (fresh or thawed)
- 1 packet onion soup mix (or equivalent homemade blend)
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs: 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary (fresh or dried)
Instructions
- Prepare the cube steak: Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels to ensure better browning and flavor absorption before placing it in the crock pot.
- Layer your ingredients: Place the cube steaks in the crock pot, sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the meat, and add fresh garlic cloves and any herbs you are using.
- Add liquid: Pour beef broth over the steak and seasoning to keep everything moist and infuse the meat with rich flavors during cooking.
- Slow cook low and slow: Set your crock pot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the cube steak to become tender and soak up all those savory aromas.
- Finish and thicken: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the steak at the end, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) into the crock pot liquid, and cook on high for an additional 10–15 minutes until it reaches desired consistency.
Notes
- Brown before slow cooking: Searing the cube steak adds extra flavor but is optional for a true no-fuss meal.
- Don’t lift the lid: Avoid opening the crock pot too often to keep heat steady and cooking consistent.
- Choose the right cut: Use cube steak, a tenderized beef cut ideal for slow cooking, for best texture.
- Adjust liquid levels: Add just enough broth to cover the meat halfway to avoid diluting flavors.
- Rest before serving: Let the steak sit for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute evenly.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free onion soup mix and cornstarch to thicken instead of flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: cube steak, crock pot, slow cooker, easy dinner, budget-friendly, comfort food, gluten free
