Easy Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy for Busy Weeknights

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy recipe. It’s perfect for busy families. This slow cooker cube steak dish turns an affordable cut of meat into a tender, mouthwatering meal. It cooks itself, making it a breeze.

Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, savory aromas. Your meal is ready to serve. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy recipe will be your new favorite dinner solution.

Key Takeaways

• Perfect for busy families with minimal preparation time
• Transforms budget-friendly cube steak into a tender meal
• Slow cooker method ensures consistent, delicious results
• High protein content with low preparation effort
• Versatile dish that pairs well with multiple side dishes

Understanding Cube Steak: A Budget-Friendly Cut

Cube steak is a cheap and versatile beef option. It turns affordable meat into a tasty meal. This special cut comes from top sirloin or top round. It’s tenderized to be perfect for crock pot recipes.

What Makes Cube Steak Special

Cube steak is special for a few reasons:

• It’s a cheap meat option for families on a budget
• It’s pre-tenderized through a special process
• Its thin cut soaks up flavors fast
• It’s great for slow cooking

How the Tenderizing Process Works

The unique texture of cube steak comes from a special tenderizing method. Butchers use a machine with sharp blades to puncture the meat. This breaks down tough fibers, making the meat tender and giving it a cubed look.

Why It’s Perfect for Slow Cooking

Cube steak and gravy are great in crock pot recipes. Slow cooking makes the meat tender. Recipes suggest cooking for 6-8 hours on low heat. This turns the cheap cut into a delicious dish.

“Slow cooking turns an affordable cut into a restaurant-quality meal.” – Home Cooking Expert

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

To make a tasty slow cooker cubed steak, you need the right ingredients. These ingredients turn a cheap cut into a delicious meal. Together, they make the meat tender and the gravy rich and flavorful.

• Cube Steak: 2 pounds (approximately 6 pieces)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 10.25 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 gravy mix packets (1 brown gravy, 1 onion gravy)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Nutrition experts love this slow cooker cubed steak recipe. It’s packed with protein and has only 411 calories per serving. The cream of mushroom soup and gravy mixes make the sauce incredibly savory.

“The secret to perfect Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy lies in the quality of ingredients and slow cooking process.”

For the tenderest steak, use mechanically tenderized cube steak. If you can’t find it, thinly sliced beef chuck or round steak works well too.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Making a tasty Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy needs careful prep and detail. This budget meal turns cheap meat into a tender, flavorful dish. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.

Initial Prep and Seasoning

First, get your ingredients ready for the slow cooker cube steak. You’ll need:

• 2 pounds of cube steak
• 1 packet of Lipton Onion Soup mix
• 1 medium onion (or 1 tablespoon onion powder)
• 1 packet of brown gravy mix
• 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup

Season the cube steak well with salt, pepper, and onion soup mix. Pro tip: Dredging the meat in seasoned flour can add an extra layer of flavor and help thicken the gravy.

Layering Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Layering is crucial for a delicious Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy. Start with sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned cube steak on top, making sure they have enough room.

Next, pour the cream of mushroom soup and brown gravy mix over the meat. Add 1/2 cup of beef broth to keep the meat moist and prevent sticking.

Making the Perfect Gravy

To make a rich, thick gravy for your slow cooker cube steak, follow these steps:

1. Cook on low for 6-8 hours
2. In the last 30 minutes, prepare a cornstarch slurry
3. Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water
4. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy

“The key to tender cube steak is low and slow cooking, allowing the meat to become fork-tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.”

Your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is now ready to serve. Enjoy this hearty meal with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. It’s a complete dinner that costs less than $10 to make.

Tips for Achieving Fork-Tender Results

To make the perfect slow cooker cubed steak, you need to know a few tricks. The secret to a tender steak is in how you prepare and cook it. This will make it melt in your mouth.

• Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours to break down tough connective tissues
• Use enough liquid (1 cup of beef broth) to keep the meat moist
• Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain consistent temperature
• Sear the cube steak briefly (1 minute per side) before slow cooking for enhanced flavor

“The secret to fork-tender meat is patience and the right cooking method.” – Professional Chef

The slow cooking method turns tough cube steak into a tender, tasty dish. Cooking at low temperatures for a long time breaks down the meat’s connective tissues. This makes the steak incredibly soft.

Keeping the meat moist is key when making cube steak and gravy. Adding ½ cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking makes a rich, creamy sauce. This sauce tenderizes the meat even more. For more flavor, try adding ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce.

Cooking time depends on how much meat you have. For 1-2 pounds of cube steak, cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. For more meat, add 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high for each extra pound.

Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy: The Ultimate Recipe

Making the perfect slow cooker cube steak needs care and detail. This recipe will show you how to make a tasty Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.

Cooking Times and Temperature Settings

Getting the cooking time right is key for tender, tasty cube steak. Here are the best settings for your slow cooker:

• Low Setting: 6-8 hours of cooking
• High Setting: 3-4 hours of cooking

Gravy Thickening Techniques

Getting the gravy right is all about thickening it well. Here are some tips for a smooth, rich gravy:

1. Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water
2. Stir the slurry into the hot gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking
3. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure smooth texture

“The key to great gravy is patience and constant stirring!” – Home Cooking Expert

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage keeps your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy fresh and safe:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container
• Store for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator
• Freeze for up to 3 months for extended storage

When reheating, warm the slow cooker cube steak slowly to keep it tender. Add a bit of beef broth to keep it moist.

Best Side Dish Pairings

Choosing the right side dishes can make your cube steak and gravy meal unforgettable. The rich flavors of crock pot bucket steak need sides that match its hearty taste.

Classic side dishes pair well with cube steak and gravy. Here are some top picks:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic choice that absorbs the gravy well
• Buttered Egg Noodles: They have a smooth texture that goes great with the meat
• Steamed White Rice: It’s a simple base that lets the steak’s flavor shine
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all the gravy

Adding vegetable sides brings color and nutrition to your meal:

• Roasted Green Beans
• Honey-Glazed Carrots
• Sautéed Garlic Spinach
• Crispy Roasted Broccoli

“The right side dish can elevate a simple crock pot bucket steak from good to extraordinary!” – Home Cooking Experts

Pro tip: Pick sides that soak up the gravy and offer a different texture. Try different combinations to find your family’s favorite.

Variations and Substitutions

Customizing your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy lets you create a meal that’s just right for you. You can try new ingredients to make this classic dish exciting.

Alternative Soup Bases

Want to change up the cream of mushroom soup? Try these tasty alternatives for your slow cooker cubed steak:

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of celery soup
• Golden mushroom soup
• Low-sodium cream of mushroom

Creative Seasoning Options

Make your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy even better with these seasoning ideas:

Dietary Adaptations

Need to make the recipe fit your dietary needs? Here are some substitutions:

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup
• Low-sodium version: Select low-sodium soup and reduce additional salt
• Dairy-free alternative: Choose dairy-free cream soup varieties

“The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!”

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

Preparing slow cooker cube steak ahead of time is a big help for busy cooks. It turns a cheap dish into a quick, freezer-friendly option. This saves time and eases weeknight meals.

Freezing your crock pot steak is easy and keeps it fresh for up to 3 months. Here’s how to prep ahead:

• Prepare the raw cube steaks with seasonings
• Place ingredients in freezer-safe storage bags
• Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn
• Label bags with preparation date

“Meal prepping isn’t just about saving time—it’s about creating delicious, stress-free dining experiences.” – Home Cooking Experts

When you’re ready to cook your slow cooker cube steak, follow these thawing tips:

1. Transfer frozen meal from freezer to refrigerator
2. Allow 8-12 hours for complete thawing
3. Cook immediately after thawing

Pro tip: When reheating, make sure it reaches 165°F for safety. Your make-ahead crock pot cube steak will still taste great!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Preparing cube steak and gravy in a slow cooker can sometimes present challenges. Understanding how to overcome potential cooking obstacles will help you create a delicious meal every time.

When working with slow cooker cubed steak, several common issues may arise:

• Tough Meat: If your cube steak turns out tough, it likely means overcooking or insufficient moisture
• Watery Gravy: Excess liquid can dilute the flavor of your dish
• Lack of Flavor: Insufficient seasoning can make the meal bland

Here are practical solutions for each challenge:

“The key to perfect cube steak and gravy is patience and moisture control.” – Home Cooking Expert

By understanding these troubleshooting techniques, you’ll transform your slow cooker cubed steak into a tender, flavorful meal that your family will love.

Conclusion

Learning to make Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy turns an affordable cut of meat into a tasty meal. It’s loved by families all over the United States. This slow cooker recipe shows that you can make high-quality comfort food with little effort and on a budget.

Slow cooker cube steak is perfect for busy cooks who want tasty dinners. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and a few simple ingredients. This dish is tender, flavorful, and easy to make, becoming a favorite in your kitchen.

Feel free to try different seasonings, soup bases, or sides. Every time you make this recipe, you can make it your own. It’s great for big families or when you need a quick, easy meal.

Your journey with Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is just starting. Enjoy making delicious, easy meals that warm your family’s hearts.