If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then you’ve got to try this Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth cube steak slow-cooked with savory onion soup and creamy mushroom gravy, creating a hearty, comforting meal that’s simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a lazy weekend treat, this recipe promises to deliver rich flavor and effortless cooking that will make it a favorite in your home for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create big flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each item has its role, whether it’s building a rich gravy or tenderizing the steak to perfection.
- 4 cube steaks: The star of the dish, these get incredibly tender during the slow cook.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the gravy.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: A flavor powerhouse that infuses the stew with savory goodness.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Creates creamy body and earthiness in the sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Provides the liquid base that keeps everything moist and tender.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami kick and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Great for thickening the gravy if you prefer it richer.
- 1 tablespoon water (optional): Used to make a cornstarch slurry for thickening.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness.
How to Make Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Cube Steaks
Start by patting your cube steaks dry to help the seasonings stick. Sprinkle both sides evenly with garlic powder and black pepper. This simple seasoning already begins to build that deep, inviting flavor layer that you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 2: (Optional) Sear the Steaks
If you have a couple extra minutes, quickly searing the steaks in a hot skillet with a little oil develops a golden crust and adds an extra dimension of flavor. It’s not mandatory but definitely worth the little bit of effort.
Step 3: Layer the Onions and Steaks
Place the thinly sliced onions at the bottom of your Crock Pot, creating a fragrant bed for the steaks. Then arrange the cube steaks right on top of the onions. This layering ensures that the onions cook down beautifully, sweetening the dish naturally.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Pour this rich mixture evenly over the steaks and onions. Getting every piece coated sets the stage for that tender, flavorful finish.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the steaks are fork-tender. This slow cooking process breaks down the cube steaks’ connective tissues, turning them into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites soaked in savory gravy.
Step 6: (Optional) Thicken the Gravy
If you love a thicker gravy, remove the steaks once they’re tender, then stir together a slurry using cornstarch and water. Pour this into the Crock Pot, crank it to HIGH, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens up nicely. Then, return the steaks back to soak up all that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Prepare to Enjoy
Your Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe is now ready to serve! The aroma alone will have everyone at the table excited to dig in.
How to Serve Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnish can elevate this comforting dish beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a bit of herbal freshness that cuts through the rich gravy perfectly. Feel free to get creative—chopped chives or thyme also work wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs like a dream with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of the mushroom gravy. Or, if you prefer something lighter, buttered noodles or even steamed green beans make excellent companions, balancing the meal with texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the cube steak on individual plates with a scoop of mashed potatoes, ladle a generous amount of gravy on top, and garnish with parsley. You can also make a hearty sandwich by piling sliced cube steak and onions onto a toasted bun, slathering the inside with the creamy gravy for a comforting handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion out the cube steak with gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered loosely, heating in 1-minute intervals and stirring to warm through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use this recipe with other cuts of meat?
Absolutely! While cube steak is perfect for slow cooking due to its tenderness after long cooking, you can also try this recipe with round steak or sirloin tips. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat becomes tender without drying out.
Is searing the cube steak necessary?
Searing is optional but highly recommended for extra flavor. It creates a nice caramelized crust on the meat, adding depth to the dish. However, if you’re short on time, the slow cooker will still tenderize and flavor the steaks beautifully without searing.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to avoid canned soups or need a substitute, you can make a simple mushroom cream sauce from scratch using mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk or cream. This allows you to control ingredients and freshness while maintaining the delicious texture.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a Crock Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the steaks, then switch to pressure cook for about 35-40 minutes with natural pressure release. This cuts down cooking time significantly while still yielding tender results.
How do I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?
You can use other thickening agents like arrowroot powder or tapioca starch, following the same slurry method. Alternatively, simmer the gravy uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally, although this will take more time.
Final Thoughts
This Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s straightforward yet decadent, comforting yet impressive, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it earns the title of best. So go ahead and give it a whirl—your cozy night in just got a whole lot tastier!
Print
Best Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Crock Pot Cube Steak recipe delivers tender, flavorful cube steaks slow-cooked with caramelized onions and a creamy mushroom onion gravy. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal, this dish is ideal for serving over mashed potatoes or noodles and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 4 cube steaks
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional Thickening and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for slurry)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Pat the cube steaks dry with a paper towel and season both sides evenly with garlic powder and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Steaks (Optional): Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each steak for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. This step adds extra depth to the flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Layer the thinly sliced onions at the bottom of your crock pot to create a flavorful base, then arrange the cube steaks evenly over the onions.
- Mix the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and combined.
- Add the Gravy: Pour the gravy mixture over the steaks and onions in the slow cooker, making sure everything is evenly coated.
- Cook the Steaks: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until the steaks become fork-tender and infused with the savory gravy.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): For a thicker sauce, remove the steaks and mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker liquid and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens. Return the steaks to the crock pot to warm through.
- Serve: Serve the tender cube steaks hot over mashed potatoes or noodles, spoon extra gravy on top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
- Searing the steaks before slow cooking is optional but gives the meat a richer flavor and better texture.
- The cornstarch slurry is used to thicken the gravy; omit it if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
- Cook times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; check for tenderness as a guide.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh flavor note but can be omitted if unavailable.
