This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Slow-cooked for hours, the cube steak becomes incredibly tender while soaking up rich, savory gravy. With onions that melt in your mouth and a creamy sauce made with two types of soup, every bite is pure comfort.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing Sunday dinner, this recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. The best part? It requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. Enjoy a satisfying, stress-free meal that the whole family will lov
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thicker gravy)
Directions:
- Place the sliced onions at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Lay the cube steaks on top of the onions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Pour the mixture over the cube steaks, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
- (Optional) If you prefer thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve the cube steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or over egg noodles for a comforting meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy: A Comfort Food Classic
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dinner, Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is a fantastic choice. This dish is a staple in many households because of its rich flavor, tender meat, and minimal preparation time. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or someone who just loves classic comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef, typically top round or top sirloin, that has been tenderized with a mechanical tenderizer. This process leaves the meat with distinctive cube-shaped indentations, giving it its name. While cube steak is an affordable cut of meat, it can sometimes be tough if not cooked properly. This is where the slow cooker becomes a game-changer. Cooking cube steak low and slow allows it to become incredibly tender, absorbing the flavors of the rich gravy.
Why Use a Crock Pot?
The Crock Pot (or slow cooker) is ideal for this recipe because it slowly breaks down the meat fibers, resulting in melt in your mouth tenderness. Additionally, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply, making each bite more satisfying. Best of all, Crock Pot meals are known for their convenience simply set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while your dinner cooks itself.
The Perfect Gravy
The gravy in this recipe is what truly elevates the dish. Made from a combination of beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and seasonings, the gravy is rich, savory, and loaded with flavor. As the steak simmers in the Crock Pot, the meat juices blend with the gravy to create a sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Key Tips for Success
To ensure your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Sear the Meat First: While this step isn’t strictly necessary, searing the cube steak before placing it in the slow cooker enhances the flavor by adding a rich, caramelized crust.
- Layer Wisely: Place the cube steak at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor from the gravy.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Cube steak is naturally lean, so seasoning generously will ensure a flavorful final dish.
- Cook on Low for Best Results: Cooking cube steak on low heat for several hours is the best way to achieve fall-apart tenderness.
- Thicken the Gravy if Needed: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a cornstarch slurry during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, as they soak up the rich gravy beautifully. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with buttered egg noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables. Adding a side salad or steamed greens can help balance the richness of the dish.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for customizing your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy:
- Add Onions and Mushrooms: For extra flavor and texture, sauté some onions and mushrooms before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the dish some heat.
- Creamier Gravy: Stir in a bit of sour cream or heavy cream near the end of cooking for an extra creamy finish.
- Garlic Lovers: Add fresh minced garlic or garlic powder to enhance the savory notes in the dish.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Days
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Since preparation is minimal, you can quickly assemble everything in the morning, let it cook throughout the day, and come home to a warm, comforting meal. It’s also an excellent choice for meal prepping, as the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Healthier Options
While this dish is indulgent by nature, you can make it a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. Consider using low-sodium broth and reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup. Additionally, you can add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas to boost the nutritional value.
Storing and Reheating
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy stores well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer the steak and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is a timeless comfort food that’s perfect for anyone seeking a satisfying yet simple meal. Its tender texture, rich gravy, and versatility make it a go-to option for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread to soak up the savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this slow cooked classic deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a beloved staple for so many home cooks.