Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe (Slow Cooker): Tender, Flavorful Comfort Food Ready in Hours

Looking for a simple, tasty way to cook cube steak? This crock pot cube steak recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

The secret to tender, flavorful cube steak is letting it cook low and slow in a crock pot with onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth for 6-8 hours.

I’ve tried a lot of cube steak recipes, but the slow cooker always gives me the most tender results. The meat turns fall-apart soft and soaks up all those savory flavors as it simmers away.

Setup is a breeze. Just toss your cube steaks in the crock pot, add the soup mix and other ingredients, and let your slow cooker do its thing.

By dinnertime, you’ll have a hearty meal that practically makes itself. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice—trust me, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll crave again.

What Is Cube Steak?

Cube steak is beef that’s been tenderized with a meat mallet or a mechanical tenderizer. You’ll see those signature little “cubes” on the surface, which help the meat cook up more tender and easy to eat.

Selecting Quality Cube Steak

When I’m picking out cube steak, I look for even thickness and plenty of those tenderizing marks. The color should be bright red, not brown or gray, around the edges.

Fresh cube steak feels just a bit moist—never slimy. Cuts like top round or bottom round are usually best, offering good flavor and tenderness after slow cooking.

I steer clear of packages with lots of liquid at the bottom; that’s usually not a great sign. For the slow cooker, I like steaks about 1/2 inch thick. Any thicker and they might not get as tender as I want.

Essentials of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is one of my favorite methods for preparing cube steak. A crock pot (also called a slow cooker) transforms tough cuts into tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort.

The most important rule when using a slow cooker is to set the right temperature. For cube steak, I recommend you cook on low for 6-8 hours rather than on high. This longer, gentler cooking breaks down the tough fibers without drying out the meat.

Browning the cube steak before placing it in the crockpot isn’t strictly necessary, but I find it adds deeper flavor. Just a quick sear on each side in a hot pan makes a big difference in the final dish.

Layering ingredients properly helps everything cook evenly. I place onions on the bottom of the crock pot, then add the meat, and pour the liquid ingredients on top.

Liquids are crucial in slow-cooking cube steak. The search results show popular options include:

• Cream of chicken soup
• French onion soup
• Au jus gravy mix
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Beef broth

Avoid opening the lid during cooking as this releases heat and can add 30 minutes to your cooking time. Trust the process and keep the lid closed!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Making cube steak in a slow cooker requires just a few simple ingredients that create rich, savory flavors. The gravy base and vegetable additions can be customized based on what you have in your pantry.

Creating the Perfect Gravy

The gravy is what makes this dish so flavorful. Most recipes call for condensed soups as the base. I typically use cream of mushroom soup, but cream of chicken or cream of celery works great too. These provide thickness and flavor without extra work.

For extra richness, I add beef broth. If you don’t have broth, water with beef bouillon works fine.

Flavor enhancers make a big difference. I recommend:

• Onion soup mix (adds depth)
• Garlic powder (1-2 teaspoons)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon)

For thickening the gravy, you have options:

• Add 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water during the last 30 minutes
• Use brown gravy mix or mushroom gravy packets for convenience

A splash of soy sauce (1-2 tablespoons) adds umami flavor that enhances the beef’s taste.

Vegetable Additions & Variations

Vegetables add nutrition and flavor to your cube steak dish. Onions are essential – I slice a yellow onion and place it either under or over the meat. They break down during cooking, adding sweetness to the gravy.

Potatoes turn this into a complete meal. I recommend:

• Russet potatoes (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• Red potatoes (halved or quartered)
• Yellow potatoes (less starchy but hold their shape well)

Mushrooms are a perfect match with cube steak. I add 8oz of sliced mushrooms during the last 2 hours of cooking for the best texture.

Other vegetable options include:

• Carrots (add early with potatoes)
• Celery (adds subtle flavor)
• Bell peppers (add halfway through cooking)

For a complete one-pot meal, I sometimes add frozen peas or green beans during the final 30 minutes of cooking time.

Preparing for the Crock Pot

Getting your cube steak ready for the slow cooker takes a few simple steps. Proper preparation ensures your meat will be tender and flavorful after cooking.

Meat Preparation and Browning

I recommend starting with room temperature cube steaks. Take them out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

While this step is optional, I find that searing the cube steaks creates a deeper flavor. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown each steak for about 2 minutes per side until you see a nice crust form.

The browning process takes about 10 minutes total, but makes a big difference in the final dish. If you’re short on prep time, you can skip this step and place the raw cube steaks directly in the crock pot.

Layering Ingredients

The order of ingredients in your crock pot matters for even cooking. I start by combining the liquid ingredients at the bottom of the 6-quart slow cooker. Mix together:

• 1 can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1-2 cups beef broth or water

Stir these ingredients until well blended. Next, place your prepared cube steaks into the liquid mixture. Make sure the steaks are at least partially submerged in the liquid.

For extra flavor, I like to add sliced onions on top of the meat. If using additional vegetables, add them now. The total kitchen prep time usually takes about 15 minutes before your crock pot is ready to start cooking.

Crock Pot Cooking Instructions

Cooking cube steak in a crock pot is straightforward but requires attention to key details for the best results. The right temperature settings and occasional monitoring will ensure your meat turns out tender and flavorful.

Setting the Temperature and Timer

When preparing cube steak in your slow cooker, I recommend using the low temperature setting. Cook the cube steak on low for 6-8 hours for the most tender results. This slow, gentle cooking breaks down the tough connective tissues in the meat.

If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but the meat might not be quite as tender. For cube steak with gravy, I find the following approach works best:

1. Place cube steaks at the bottom of your 6-quart crock pot
2. Add your liquid ingredients (soups, broth) over the meat
3. Sprinkle any seasoning packets (onion soup mix, gravy mix) on top
4. Cover with a lid and set the timer according to your schedule

Don’t lift the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time.

Monitoring the Cooking Process

While crock pots are designed for “set it and forget it” cooking, I check my cube steak about 30 minutes before the end of cooking time. This allows me to make any needed adjustments.

The meat is done when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart. If your cube steak feels tough after the recommended time, cook for an additional 30-60 minutes on low.

For recipes with gravy, I sometimes stir once during the last hour to ensure even flavor distribution. If the gravy seems too thin, I mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in.

You’ll know your cube steak is perfectly cooked when:

• It’s tender enough to cut with a fork
• The meat has absorbed the flavors of the gravy
• Internal temperature reaches at least 160°F for food safety

Serving Suggestions

Once your cube steak has slow-cooked to tender perfection, pairing it with the right sides will complete your meal. The rich gravy that develops in the crock pot works wonderfully with starchy sides that can soak up all that flavor.

Accompaniment Options

Mashed potatoes are my top recommendation for cube steak from the slow cooker. The smooth, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the meat, and they’re perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy. I like to make them with a bit of butter and sour cream for extra richness.

Rice is another excellent option that pairs wonderfully with cube steak. A simple white rice works well, but rice pilaf adds more flavor. I often use a boxed rice pilaf for convenience when I’m short on time.

Egg noodles are a classic pairing for any beef dish with gravy. They cook quickly, and their tender texture complements the meat perfectly. Just boil them until al dente and serve the cube steak right on top.

For vegetables, green beans are my go-to choice. The simple flavor balances the richness of the meat and gravy. Canned green beans work well for a quick dinner, but fresh or frozen ones steamed with a bit of salt and butter are even better.

Making the Dish Ahead

Cube steak in the slow cooker is perfect for making ahead of time. I often prepare this dish a day in advance when I know I’ll have a busy schedule.

The prep time is only about 15 minutes. I simply season and brown the steaks, then place them in the slow cooker with the gravy ingredients. After cooking, I let it cool completely before storing.

You can store the cooked cube steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making it taste even better the next day.

For longer storage, I freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months. I divide it into portion-sized containers for easy reheating. Just be sure to label with the date.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then warm it in a covered pan on low heat or microwave on 50% power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy seems too thick.

I find this dish is excellent for meal prep. You can make a double batch on Sunday and enjoy tender cube steaks throughout the week with different side dishes for variety.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover cube steak from your crock pot makes fantastic meals later in the week. I recommend storing the meat and gravy together in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. I like to portion the leftovers into meal-sized containers before freezing, making it easier to thaw just what I need.

When reheating, use gentle heat to prevent the meat from becoming tough. The microwave works well on a low or medium-low setting. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Stovetop reheating is my preferred method. Simply place the leftovers in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy seems too thick.

Food Safety Tips:

• Cool the cube steak completely before refrigerating
• Don’t leave cooked cube steak at room temperature for more than 2 hours
• Make sure to reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) for safety

If your gravy has separated after storage, a quick whisk while reheating will help restore its consistency. The flavors often deepen after a day in the refrigerator, making leftovers especially delicious!

Nutritional Information

According to the search results, a serving of crock pot cubed steak contains approximately 245.6 calories. This makes it a relatively moderate calorie option for a protein-rich main dish.

The macronutrient breakdown shows that a serving contains about 41g of protein, which is excellent for muscle maintenance and satiety. Fat content is around 13g per serving, with 3g being saturated fat.

Carbohydrates are relatively low at 20g per serving, with 2g coming from sugars and 3g from fiber. This makes the recipe a good option for those watching their carb intake.

I should note that the sodium content is quite high at 2118mg per serving. This is something to be mindful of if you’re watching your salt intake or have high blood pressure.

Remember that nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used in your preparation. Using lower-sodium broths or soups can help reduce the overall sodium content.

If you’re tracking macros, this dish provides a good balance of protein with moderate fat and lower carbohydrates, making it suitable for various dietary approaches.

Tips for Perfect Cube Steak Every Time

Making tender cube steak in a slow cooker requires attention to key details that affect the final texture and flavor. Proper preparation and cooking techniques will transform this budget-friendly cut into a delicious meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip the searing step before adding the cube steak to your crockpot. I always take time to season the meat with salt and pepper, dust it with flour, and sear both sides in a hot pan. This creates a flavorful crust and helps the meat retain moisture during slow cooking.

Avoid overcrowding your slow cooker. I place cube steaks in a single layer when possible for even cooking. Adding too much liquid is another common error – you only need enough to create steam and gravy. The cream of chicken or mushroom soup, combined with onion soup mix or au jus packe,t provides plenty of moisture.

Cooking time matters significantly. I set my crockpot to low for 6-8 hours rather than high for a shorter period. The “low and slow” method breaks down tough muscle fibers more effectively, resulting in tender meat every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking cube steak in a slow cooker creates tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort. These common questions address preparation methods, cooking times, and techniques to ensure delicious results every time.

What is the simplest way to prepare cube steak in a crock pot?

The simplest cube steak crock pot recipe requires just placing the meat on a bed of sliced onions in your slow cooker. Add a packet of au jus or onion soup mix and pour beef broth over everything.

Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. This method breaks down the tough meat fibers, resulting in fork-tender cube steak with minimal preparation.

Can cube steak be cooked in a slow cooker with just three ingredients?

Yes, cube steak can be delicious with just three ingredients. Use cube steak, a can of condensed mushroom soup, and an onion soup mix packet.

Layer the ingredients in your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The soup creates a rich gravy while the onion mix adds depth of flavor without needing additional seasonings.

How long does it typically take to cook a cube steak in a crockpot?

Cube steak typically needs 6-8 hours on the low setting for best results. Cooking on high is not recommended as it can make the meat tough.

The slow, gentle cooking process is essential for breaking down the connective tissues in cube steak. This longer cooking time transforms the meat into tender pieces you can cut with a fork.

What steps are involved in making a flavorful gravy for cube steak in a slow cooker?

Start by mixing gravy packets like brown gravy or au jus with beef stock or water. Pour this mixture over your cube steak in the crock pot.

For richer flavor, add condensed mushroom soup and onion soup mix. The meat juices will combine with these ingredients during cooking, creating a delicious gravy without additional thickening required.

Is it possible to make a Swiss steak-style dish using cube steak in a crock pot?

Yes, Swiss steak style cube steak is simple to make in a crock pot. Add cube steak, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce to your slow cooker.

Cook on low for 7-8 hours until the meat is tender. This preparation mimics traditional Swiss steak with the convenience of slow cooking and results in a savory, tomato-based dish.

Are there any tips for ensuring cube steak remains tender when cooked in a slow cooker?

Always cook cube steak on the low setting, never high. High heat can make the meat tough and chewy rather than tender.

Place onions on the bottom of your crock pot to create a cushion for the meat. This prevents sticking and helps distribute heat evenly.

Make sure there’s enough liquid to cover at least half the meat. The moisture is essential for breaking down the tough fibers in cube steak during the slow-cooking process.