Best cube steak recipes for your crock pot

As the sun sets, the thought of a home-cooked meal is tempting. But cooking after a long day can be daunting. The crock pot comes to the rescue, turning tough meat into tender, tasty dishes. Cube steak, a budget-friendly option, is especially great when slow-cooked.

We’ll share the best cube steak recipes for your crock pot. From classic gravy dishes to new flavor ideas, your family will love them. Learn how to make tough, cheap meat into a soft, delicious meal. This way, you save time and money while enjoying a comforting dinner.

Understanding Cube Steak: What Makes It Perfect for Slow Cooking

Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef perfect for slow cooking. It comes from the cow’s shoulder, a tough muscle. But slow cooking makes it tender and flavorful, almost falling apart.

What Part of the Cow is Cube Steak?

Cube steak comes from the cow’s shoulder or chuck. This area is tough because of constant movement. The meat gets its unique texture from a tenderizing process, making it softer.

Why Cube Steak Benefits from Slow Cooking

Slow cooking in a crock pot is perfect for cube steak. It breaks down tough tissues, making the meat tender. Recipes often cook it on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to get the right texture.

Tenderizing Methods for Cube Steak

• Mechanical tenderizing: This process uses blades or metal hammers to create tiny perforations in the meat, breaking down the muscle fibers.
• Marinading: Soaking the cube steak in an acidic marinade, such as wine, vinegar, or citrus juice, can help tenderize the meat.
• Pounding: Gently pounding the steak with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy pan can also help tenderize the tough cut.

Understanding cube steak and slow cooking benefits let you make tasty slow cooker cube steak dishes. Your family will love them.

Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak Success

Creating a tasty crock pot cube steak dish starts with the right ingredients. The Slow Cooker Cube Steak recipe needs just 4 main items: cube steaks, onion, gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup. This mix makes the cube steak tender and the gravy rich and savory.

This recipe is easy to make. Brown the cube steaks first, then layer the ingredients in your slow cooker. Simmer on low heat for six hours. The cube steak will become incredibly tender.

If the gravy seems too thin, a cornstarch slurry can help. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then whisk it into the crock pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken the gravy.

These key ingredients make a comforting crock pot cube steak and gravy dish. It’s great for a cozy family dinner. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy tender cube steak in a rich gravy, all made in your slow cooker.

Classic Cube Steak Recipes Crock Pot with Gravy

Craving a comforting, classic cube steak dish made in the slow cooker? Look no further! This recipe for slow cooker cube steak with a rich, flavorful gravy is the perfect solution for a hassle-free, mouthwatering meal.

Preparation Steps

To get started, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: cube steak, cream of mushroom soup, beef gravy mix, and a bit of olive oil for searing. Begin by lightly browning the cube steak in the oil over medium-high heat. This helps lock in the flavor and tenderness as the meat cooks low and slow in the crock pot.

Next, place the seared cube steak in your slow cooker and pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef gravy mix over the top. Give it a gentle stir to ensure the meat is evenly coated. No need to add any additional liquid – the soup and gravy mix will create a delicious, velvety sauce as the dish cooks.

Cooking Tips and Timing

For optimal tenderness, set your slow cooker to low and let the cube steak simmer for 6-8 hours. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook it on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and give it a gentle stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Gravy Thickening Techniques

Once the cube steak is fork-tender, it’s time to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). Slowly pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stirring constantly, and allow the gravy to simmer on high for an additional 30 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve this classic cube steak recipe over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice for a truly comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Mushroom and Onion Cube Steak in Slow Cooker

Take your cube steak to the next level with this mushroom and onion cube steak in a slow cooker recipe. Layering onions and mushrooms with the steak creates a rich, earthy taste. It’s sure to please your taste buds.

You’ll need 1.5 pounds of cube steak, about 6 steaks. Slice 1 large yellow onion and 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms. Put the onion and mushroom slices at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, place the cube steaks on top.

In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of beef bone broth or beef stock, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 teaspoons of homemade herb and garlic seasoning. Drizzle this mixture over the steaks and vegetables.

Cover and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The steak should be tender when done. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water. Add this to the slow cooker and stir to thicken the gravy.

Serve this cube steak in the crock pot with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. The gravy is perfect for soaking up. The tender steak, mushrooms, and caramelized onions make for a comforting meal. Enjoy!

French Onion Soup Inspired Cube Steak

Do you love the rich flavors of French onion soup? You can get those same tastes in your slow-cooked cube steak. By making a few simple changes, you can turn the classic cube steak recipe into a French-inspired dish. Your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredient Modifications

To give your crock pot cube steak a French twist, start with a packet of French onion soup mix. It adds that special onion flavor. Slice a few onions thinly and add them to the slow cooker with the steak, gravy mix, and other ingredients. The onions will create a delicious base that goes well with the tender steak.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the finished French onion-inspired cube steak over crusty French bread or garlic-buttered baguette.
• Top each serving with melted Swiss cheese for an extra indulgent touch, just like the classic French onion soup.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of freshness.

This cozy, comforting crock pot cube steak dish is a mix of the best. It combines the hearty taste of cube steak with the beloved flavors of French onion soup. This is a perfect pairing that’s bound to be a new family favorite.

With just a few simple tweaks, you can turn a classic crock pot cube steak into a delightful French onion-inspired masterpiece. Serve it over crusty bread and top with melted Swiss cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Cube Steak Meals

Enjoying tasty and filling cube steak in crock pot or slow cooker cube steak meals doesn’t have to cost a lot. By looking for sales on cube steak and using cheaper, generic brands, you can make affordable slow cooker meals. These meals are sure to please.

One way to save money is to watch for cube steak sales and buy in bulk when it’s cheap. Cube steak is usually a low-cost meat, perfect for slow cooker recipes. Use generic cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth to make a tasty dish that saves you money.

To save even more, serve the cube steak in crock pot over cheap starches like rice or pasta. This simple trick can make a small amount of cube steak into a big, satisfying meal for everyone. Best of all, it costs under $10.

With a few cheap ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have delicious slow cooker cube steak meals without spending a lot. The secret is to plan, use sales, and get creative with cheap sides. This way, you can make a healthy and tasty dinner without breaking the bank.

“Slow cooker cube steak is a lifesaver for busy weeknight dinners. It’s so easy to prep and the results are always tender and flavorful.”

Time-Saving Tips for Crock Pot Cube Steak Preparation

Preparing delicious cube steak in your slow cooker can be quick and easy. A bit of planning ahead can save you a lot of time and effort. Follow these simple tips to make a tasty, home-cooked meal with less work.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Start by preparing your ingredients the night before. Chop the onions and mince the garlic. Mix all the other ingredients in a container or bag. Place it in the refrigerator overnight to keep it fresh.

When it’s time to cook, just put the ingredients in your crock pot. Add any extra liquids and let it cook. This way, you can enjoy a great meal with hardly any effort.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Leftover cube steak can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven. Add a bit of broth to keep the meat moist.

These tips help you enjoy tender, slow-cooked cube steak with less prep. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that everyone will love.

Perfect Side Dishes for Crock Pot Cube Steak

When you have a crock pot cube steak and gravy dish cooking, you’ll want the best sides. You can choose from classic comfort foods or lighter options. These can elevate your meal to the next level.

Mashed potatoes are a top choice for cube steak. They’re creamy and buttery, perfect for the rich gravy. You can also serve it over white rice or egg noodles for a different twist.

For a healthier side, try roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower. They’re sweet and tender, matching the savory steak well. Cauliflower rice is another low-carb option.

A fresh green salad or steamed green beans are great for a light side. They enhance the dish with a pleasant crunch.

Choose sides that let the crock pot cube steak and gravy be the main attraction. The right sides make the dish comforting and balanced, pleasing everyone.

Low-Sodium Alternatives for Healthier Cube Steak Dishes

Cube steak is tasty and affordable, perfect for slow cooking. But, many recipes use high-sodium ingredients like canned soups. To make healthier versions, you can easily swap out these ingredients.

Try using low-sodium soups or no-sodium gravy mixes instead. For example, use low-sodium beef consommé instead of canned French onion soup. Make your gravy with low-sodium beef broth. You can also add flavor with fresh herbs and spices, avoiding extra salt.

Another good choice is Campbell’s Healthy Request cream soups. They have less sodium than regular canned soups. These can be added to your slow cooker cube steak recipes for a tasty, healthier gravy.

With a few simple changes, you can enjoy slow cooker cube steak dishes without too much sodium. Serve these dishes with sides like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. This way, you get a complete and satisfying meal.

Troubleshooting Common Cube Steak Cooking Issues

Cooking cube steak in a slow cooker or crock pot is tasty and easy. But, you might face some common problems. Don’t worry, with these tips, you’ll get great at slow cooker cube steak recipes and crock pot cube steak and gravy quickly.

Preventing Tough Meat

To keep your cube steak tender, cook it low and slow. Don’t turn up the heat too high, as it can make the meat tough. Cook your slow cooker cube steak recipe on low for 6-8 hours. This way, it will be tender enough to fork.

Fixing Watery Gravy

If your crock pot cube steak and gravy is too watery, there’s a simple solution. Combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a cornstarch slurry. Add this to your slow cooker for the last 30 minutes. Your gravy will thicken up nicely.

For the best results, get a digital slow cooker with an automatic warm setting. It prevents overcooking and keeps your cube steak and gravy just right until you serve it.

Seasonal Variations for Cube Steak Recipes

Adding seasonal touches to your cube steak dishes keeps meals exciting. As seasons change, use fresh ingredients that match cube steak’s rich flavor.

In fall, carrots and parsnips go great with cube steak. Add them to your slow cooker for a cozy dish. For summer, pair cube steak with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad. In winter, add diced potatoes or winter squash for a fuller meal.

Always use local produce to highlight the cube steak’s tenderness. Simple swaps can turn your cube steak recipes into seasonal hits.

Seasonal cube steak recipes make meals more satisfying and true to the season. Let nature’s bounty enhance your cube steak recipes in the crock pot or slow cooker cube steak dishes.

Scaling Recipes for Large Family Gatherings

Hosting a big family gathering means you’ll need to make more of your favorite cube steak in crock pot or slow cooker cube steak recipe. Doubling or tripling the recipe might be a good idea. Make sure your crock pot is big enough for the extra food.

Adjust the cooking time if needed. Using multiple slow cookers can help you make enough tender, tasty cube steak. This way, you can serve everyone without losing flavor or quality. Add sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and fresh bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Scaling up your cube steak in crock pot or slow cooker cube steak recipe and serving it buffet-style makes big gatherings easy. Everyone will leave with happy, full bellies.