Slow-cooked meals are incredibly comforting. Imagine coming home to a delicious dinner after a long day. This cube steak crock pot recipe is an easy way to make a tender and juicy meal.
Slow cookers are great for busy people. They make even tough cuts of meat, like cube steak, tender. With rich mushroom gravy, this dish is more than just food—it’s an experience. Imagine the gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles—comfort food at its best.
Key Takeaways
- This cube steak crock pot recipe transforms tough cube steak into a tender, juicy dish.
- The meal is enhanced with a rich, seasoned mushroom gravy.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
- Slow cooking method ensures even the toughest cuts become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Ideal to serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- Nutritional information per serving: 317 calories, 7g carbohydrates, 25g protein, 20g fat.
- Time-efficient, needing just 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low in the Crock-Pot.
Introduction to Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Looking for a budget-friendly and tasty meal? Try a crock pot cube steak and gravy recipe. It’s easy to make and ensures the steak is always juicy and tender.
The recipe includes cube steaks, onion, gravy, and cream of mushroom soup. These ingredients make a rich, savory dish. Adding oil, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor, making it great for family dinners.
This crock pot cube steak and gravy recipe saves time and can be customized. You can swap cream of celery soup for mushroom or use different meats like thinly sliced beef chuck. It’s a twist on a classic.
Cooking time is about 6 hours on low. It’s worth the wait. The slow cooking makes the steak absorb all the flavors, creating a tender experience.
To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with water. Adding veggies like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms makes the meal more filling and nutritious.
Leftover cube steak can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. It’s a great meal prep option. Reheating in the microwave or oven keeps the taste and quality.
This slow cooker cubed steak recipe feeds four. Each serving has about 411 calories, 39g of protein, 24g of fat, and 7g of carbs. It’s a balanced meal.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make a tasty crock pot dish, you need the right ingredients. This section lists the main and optional items for your cube steak recipes.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds of cube steak, approximately 6 pieces
- 1 package of onion soup mix (1 ounce)
- 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces each)
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 packet of beef gravy mix
- 1 packet of mushroom gravy mix
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of cracked pepper
- Parsley for garnish
Optional Ingredients
Optional ingredients can make your crock pot cubed steak recipe even better. They add more depth and complexity to the flavors.
- Brown mushrooms
- Yellow onion
- Additional seasonings like black pepper or various types of mustard
These ingredients give your dish a rich, savory flavor. They make your crock pot cubed steak recipe tender and delicious. You can adjust the recipe to suit your taste with these optional ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a tasty slow cooker cube steak is easy. Just follow these steps to get a perfect meal every time.
Preparation
Begin by putting half of the sliced onions at the bottom of your crockpot. Then, place your cube steaks on top of the onions. This layering helps the steaks absorb flavors from the start.
For the best results, use about 1.5 pounds of cube steaks. You can find them for around $9 for 1.75 pounds. After adding the meat, put the remaining onions on top.
Cooking
Mix a can of mushroom soup, beef broth, and your favorite seasonings in a bowl. Pour this over the cube steaks in the crockpot. You can also add sliced mushrooms for extra flavor. Set your slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This ensures the steaks are tender and flavorful. Remember, no extra salt is needed because of the sodium in the ingredients.
Explore more slow cooker recipes here.
Finishing Touches
When your slow cooker cube steak is done, it will be tender and in a creamy gravy. For a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch and water, then add it in the last 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy! Add parsley for color and freshness.
The nutritional breakdown per serving is as follows:
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 29g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 87mg |
| Sodium | 957mg |
| Potassium | 617mg |
| Fiber | 0.2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 0.02IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.01mg |
| Calcium | 35mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Serving Suggestions
Ready to enjoy your cube steak and gravy? There are many tasty ways to serve it. This dish goes well with sides that soak up the gravy, making your meal complete.
One favorite way is to serve it over creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes’ softness matches the meat and gravy’s flavors. You can also try it over egg noodles or rice. These options let the dish’s flavors stand out.
For a healthier choice, cauliflower rice is a great option. It won’t hide the crock pot cube steak recipes‘ flavors but still feels filling.
For something different, try polenta. Its creamy, sweet taste contrasts well with the savory steak. Adding shredded mozzarella on top makes it even more indulgent.
To cut the richness, add roasted veggies or a green salad. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add texture and vitamins to your meal.
Here’s a quick look at some great serving ideas:
| Serving Option | Complementary Aspect |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Soft base that absorbs gravy |
| Egg Noodles | Classic pairing with rich sauces |
| Rice | Neutral base that highlights flavors |
| Cauliflower Rice | Healthy, low-carb alternative |
| Polenta | Sweet, creamy twist |
| Roasted Vegetables | Textural contrast and added nutrients |
| Green Salad | Freshness to balance richness |
With these ideas, your cube steak and gravy becomes more than just a main dish. It’s a complete, satisfying meal. Try out these pairings and find your favorite!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing your crock pot cubed steak recipe right keeps it safe and tasty for later. Cool the meal down, then put leftover steak and gravy in an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: Store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezing is better for longer storage.
- Freezing: Freeze it for up to 3 months. Always label the container with the date.
Reheating your dish right keeps its texture and taste:
- Thawing: If frozen, thaw in the fridge the night before. This keeps the meat quality high.
- Reheating: Heat your oven to 350℉. Put the thawed steak in a dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes. Or, reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep it moist.
Microwaving is quick but might change the texture a bit. Cover with a microwave-safe lid to keep it moist. Follow these tips for a great second meal.
Conclusion
Preparing slow cooker cube steak is a fun and easy way to make a delicious meal. It turns tough meat into tender, flavorful food. This recipe shows how great a crock pot is for cooking.
Using frozen or fresh cube steak, cook it on low for 6-8 hours. This makes the meat soft and juicy. It’s also tasty with rich gravy and your favorite seasonings.
This crock pot recipe is simple but flexible. You can add mushrooms, onions, and many spices to make it your own. It’s perfect for busy people because it’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
Enjoy it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s comforting and healthy. Plus, it’s easy on your wallet.
Just remember to sear the meat first and cook it to 165°F. This way, you avoid tough meat or a soggy sauce. Slow cooker cube steak is a must-try for a cozy, tasty meal.