Easy Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Table of Contents
Winter brings a cozy feeling, and nothing beats a warm, homemade meal from the slow cooker. The Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Gravy is a classic choice. It’s not only budget-friendly but also fills your home with delicious smells. Your family will love the tender, flavorful results, asking for more.
This recipe is quick to make, needing just six hours on low. It requires only a few ingredients: cube steak, brown gravy mix, and creamy mushroom soup. Plus, it’s under ten dollars to make. It’s perfect for busy nights or weekend meals, satisfying everyone’s taste buds.
Understanding Cube Steak: Cut, Texture, and Preparation
Cube steak comes from the cow’s shoulder area. It’s tough and well-exercised. A meat tenderizer makes it special, with tiny holes.
This makes cube steak perfect for slow cooking. It turns tough into tender meat.
What Makes Cube Steak Unique
Cube steak is a budget-friendly option. It’s cheaper than other steaks. The tenderizing process makes it tender, despite its toughness.
This unique texture makes it stand out. It’s a favorite for home cooks.
Why Slow Cooking Works Best
Slow cooking is best for cube steak. It breaks down the meat slowly. This makes it tender and soft.
The long cooking time at low heat tenderizes it more. It’s great for stews, braises, and crock pot recipes.
Proper Meat Selection Tips
- Look for cube steak with evenly distributed tenderizing marks, indicating a consistent texture throughout the cut.
- Consider purchasing cube steak in bulk when it’s on sale, as it can be a budget-friendly protein option.
- Opt for cube steak that appears fresh, with a bright red color and no signs of discoloration or dryness.
Understanding cube steak’s unique traits helps you make tender, tasty dishes. It’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crock Pot Cube Steak
Making a delicious crock pot cube steak starts with the right ingredients. At the core is the cube steaks. These are tenderized cuts from the top round or sirloin. They’re perfect for slow cooking.
For flavor, use a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup. These soups add richness and create a tasty gravy. Adding au jus gravy mix or French onion soup mix boosts the flavor even more.
Don’t forget water to keep the sauce thin and the meat moist. And use cornstarch to thicken the gravy just right.
For more flavor, add sliced onions or mushrooms. If you want less sodium, choose low-sodium soups and mixes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef cube steaks | 6 (4 ounces each) |
| Cream of mushroom or chicken soup | 1 can |
| Au jus gravy mix or French onion soup mix | 1 package |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Onions (optional) | Sliced |
| Mushrooms (optional) | Sliced |
“The key to perfect crock pot cube steak is using high-quality, tenderized beef and letting it slowly simmer in a flavorful sauce for hours on end.”
With these ingredients, you’re set to make a crock pot cube steak that will warm your heart.
Simple Steps for Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Making tender and flavorful cube steak in your slow cooker is easy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Enjoy a delicious one-pot meal.
Preparation and Seasoning
Begin by mixing 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, a packet of onion gravy mix, and 2 cups of beef stock in your slow cooker. This creates a rich base for your cube steak. Then, season the cube steaks with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
Layering Ingredients
Put the seasoned cube steaks in the slow cooker, covering them with the soup and gravy mix. You can also add sliced onions on top for extra flavor. This layering is key for a tasty one-pot meal.
Cooking Time and Temperature Settings
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours. For a quicker option, use high heat for 3-4 hours. To thicken the gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook for 30 minutes on high.
By following these steps, you’ll get a tender and flavorful easy crock pot meal. The slow cooker cube steak recipe is a one-pot meal that will be a family favorite.
Creating the Perfect Gravy Base
Take your cube steak crock pot dish to the next level with a delicious gravy base. The key to a smooth, creamy gravy is mixing cream-based soups, savory broth, and spices. By picking the right ingredients, you can turn your cube steak into a cozy slow cooker sauce. This comfort food will make everyone look forward to each bite.
The gravy starts with cream of chicken or mushroom soup and French onion soup. This mix avoids a watery gravy, making it thick and rich. For a deeper flavor, try using beef consommé or beef broth instead of French onion soup.
Adding a packet or two of brown gravy mix enhances the flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, remembering the salt in the mixes. A bit of Worcestershire sauce adds a unique taste to the cube steak gravy.
With a few easy steps, you can make a gravy base that turns your cube steak into a slow cooker sauce sensation. Serve it with your favorite sides for a wonderful comfort food meal that will excite your taste buds.
Tips for Achieving Fork-Tender Results
To get your cube steak tender in the crock pot, you need to know a few tricks. Follow these tips to make your tender cube steak recipe a hit:
Temperature Control
For tender slow-cooked beef, keep it low and slow. Cook your cube steak on the low setting, around 200-250°F. Don’t raise the heat, as it can make the meat tough.
Moisture Management
It’s important to keep the cube steak moist. Make sure it’s covered in a tasty broth or sauce. Add more liquid as needed to keep it from drying out.
Timing Considerations
Use a digital crock pot for better timing. Cook the cube steak for 4-6 hours on low. Check if it’s done after the minimum time. Cooking times can vary, so watch it closely.
By controlling the temperature, keeping it moist, and watching the time, you’ll get tender results. Your crock pot tips for cube steak will pay off.
Budget-Friendly Meal Planning with Cube Steak
Cube steak is a great choice for affordable, tasty meals. It’s a budget-friendly cut of beef that turns into a tender, flavorful dish. Cooking it in a crock pot makes it perfect for feeding the whole family without spending a lot.
One of the best things about cube steak is how affordable it is. It’s cheaper than other steak types, making it perfect for those looking for budget-friendly beef dishes. Keep an eye out for sales to make it even more affordable.
Stock up on pantry staples like cream of chicken soup and au jus gravy mix when they’re on sale. These ingredients are versatile and can be used in many recipes, including this delicious cube steak dish. They’re a smart choice for your affordable protein meals.
Pairing this recipe with affordable sides like rice pilaf and canned green beans can feed a family of four for under $10. Planning ahead and using sales can make this budget-friendly beef dish both tasty and budget-friendly.
“Slow-cooked cube steak in a rich, savory gravy is the ultimate economical dinner idea – tender, delicious, and surprisingly easy on the budget.”
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cube Steak | $4.99 |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | $1.25 |
| French Onion Soup | $1.50 |
| Au Jus Gravy Mix | $0.75 |
| Rice Pilaf | $2.00 |
| Canned Green Beans | $1.00 |
| Total Cost | $9.49 |
Embracing cube steak’s versatility and affordability can lead to delicious, budget-friendly beef dishes. With a bit of planning and smart shopping, you can enjoy a tasty, economical dinner idea that will become a family favorite.
Best Side Dishes to Complement Your Cube Steak
There are countless ways to make your cube steak dinner special. You can choose from classic comfort foods or fresh veggies. These choices will make your family dinner unforgettable. Try out different cube steak sides, comfort food pairings, and family dinner ideas to find your favorites.
Classic Pairings
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, and rice are great with cube steak. They soak up the rich gravy perfectly. These cube steak sides are loved by all, making your meal a hit.
Vegetable Options
Adding fresh veggies like green beans, carrots, or corn on the cob is a great idea. They offer a nice contrast to the tender steak. You can also top your steak with sautéed zucchini or spinach, or serve it over riced cauliflower. These vegetable options not only enhance the cube steak but also add to a balanced family dinner idea.
Don’t forget a warm dinner roll to enjoy with your meal. For a healthier option, choose low-sodium soups and plenty of fresh veggies.
“The perfect side dish can transform a good meal into an exceptional one. With so many delicious options, the possibilities are endless when it comes to complementing your cube steak.”
Storage and Leftover Management
Proper storage is crucial for leftover cube steak. After enjoying your crock pot cube steak, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
For longer storage, freeze your leftover cube steak and gravy. Divide into portions, making sure each has enough gravy. Then, put them in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy the dish later without losing its quality.
When reheating, choose the right method. Use the microwave on low or warm it gently on the stovetop. This prevents the meat from drying out. If frozen, thaw in the fridge before reheating for the best taste and texture.
FAQ
What makes cube steak unique?
Cube steak comes from the cow’s shoulder. It’s tough because of constant use. A meat tenderizer makes tiny holes to make it tender.
Why is slow cooking the best method for cube steak?
Slow cooking is best for cube steak. It breaks down muscle fibers, making it tender. The low heat tenderizes the meat.
What should I look for when selecting cube steak?
Look for even tenderizing marks when picking cube steak. Buying in bulk when it’s on sale can save money.
What are the key ingredients for this crock pot cube steak recipe?
Key ingredients are cube steaks, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and French onion soup. You’ll also need au jus gravy mix, water, and cornstarch for thickening. Optional additions are sliced onions or mushrooms.
How do I prepare and layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
Mix soups, gravy mix, and water in the slow cooker. Place cube steaks in the cooker, coating them with the mixture. Add sliced onions if you like. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What makes the gravy in this recipe so delicious?
The gravy is made from cream of chicken or mushroom soup, French onion soup, and au jus gravy mix. This mix prevents it from being too watery, making it thick and tasty.
What is the key to achieving the most tender cube steak in the crock pot?
For the tenderest steak, cook on low heat. Make sure the meat is covered in liquid throughout cooking. Avoid high heat, as it can make the meat tough.
How can I make this cube steak recipe more budget-friendly?
Cube steak is cheaper than other steak cuts. Look for sales at stores like Walmart to save money. Stock up on cream soups and gravy mixes when they’re on sale. Using generic brands can also help you save more.
What are some good side dish options to serve with this crock pot cube steak?
Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the gravy. For veggies, try French green beans, oven-roasted carrots, or corn on the cob. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice or add chopped zucchini or spinach to the crock pot.
How can I store and reheat leftover cube steak and gravy?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave on low or on the stove to avoid overcooking.