How to Make Cube Steak in Crock Pot: Easy Recipes
Winter brings cold winds, but a warm, comforting meal in the slow cooker is just what we need. Cube steak in the crock pot is perfect for easy, budget-friendly meals that everyone loves. My mom’s cube steak and gravy was a favorite, filling our home with a delicious scent.
This guide will show you how to make tender, flavorful cube steak in your slow cooker. We’ll cover everything from the benefits of this meat to making the perfect gravy. Follow our steps to become a pro at making cube steak that your family will love!
Understanding Cube Steak: What It Is and Why It’s Perfect for Slow Cooking
Cube steak is a versatile cut of beef great for slow cooking in a crock pot. It comes from the cow’s shoulder, a tough area. To make it tender, it’s run through a tenderizer, creating small “cubes” on the meat’s surface.
What Part of the Cow is Cube Steak?
Cube steak comes from the cow’s chuck or shoulder. This area is tough because of constant use. But, tenderizing it makes it perfect for slow cooking in a crock pot.
Benefits of Using Cube Steak
- Affordable and economical cut of beef
- Packed with flavor from the well-exercised muscle
- Becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow
- Absorbs seasonings and sauces well during the cooking process
Why Tenderization Matters
The tenderization process is key to making cube steak tender in the crock pot. It creates small holes in the meat. This lets slow cooking break down the fibers, making it tender.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cube Steak Patties | 6 (about 1.5 pounds) |
| Sliced Mushrooms | 8 ounces |
| Slow Cooking Time | 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high |
| Refrigerator Storage | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 3 months |
Tender cube steak crock pot is perfect for easy meals. It’s affordable, flavorful, and tender when slow cooked. The tenderization process turns this tough cut into a delicious dish.
Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak
Creating a tasty budget-friendly crockpot cube steak dish is all about the right ingredients. You’ll need cube steaks, onion, gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup. The recipe is easy, with just browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot.
For the best flavor, cook it for 6 hours on low heat. This makes the cube steak in crockpot with vegetables tender. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.
This recipe is flexible. You can swap out ingredients if you like. And if you’re serving a big group, just double the recipe. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker’s size.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cube Steaks | 8 pieces |
| Onion Soup Mix | 1 ounce packet |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 10.5 ounces can |
| Beef Broth | 8 ounces |
| Cornstarch | 3 tablespoons |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious budget-friendly crockpot cube steak dish. Just put everything in the slow cooker and let it cook. Your family will love it!
Preparing Your Cube Steak in Crock Pot: Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to enjoy tender and flavorful crock pot cube steak sandwiches or a hearty cube steak crock pot dinner. This guide makes it easy. Slow cooking turns tough beef into something incredibly tender and delicious.
Seasoning and Preparation Tips
Begin by seasoning your cube steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. A quick sear in a hot pan adds extra flavor before slow cooking.
Layering Ingredients Properly
- Start by mixing cream of mushroom soup, gravy mix, and water in your slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned cube steak on top, making sure it’s coated with the soup mixture.
- Add your favorite vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or onions around the edges.
Setting Up Your Slow Cooker
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, until the meat is tender. For quicker cooking, use the high setting for 4-5 hours.
About 30 minutes before finishing, thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry. Stir it in for a creamy sauce that goes great with your cube steak crock pot dinner.
“Slow-cooking cube steak in a crockpot turns a tough cut into a tender delight.”
Follow these steps for a delicious crock pot cube steak dish. It’s perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a cozy meal.
Creating the Perfect Gravy Base
Making a rich, flavorful gravy is key to making your crockpot cube steak with gravy dish better. Start with a balanced base that can simmer and blend in the slow cooker. For an easy cube steak crockpot meal, mix these ingredients:
- Cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- French onion soup
- Au jus gravy mix
- Water or beef broth
The slow cooking lets these flavors mix well, making a thick, tasty gravy. This gravy goes great with the tender cube steak. For less salt, use reduced-sodium soups or beef consommé instead of au jus.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| French Onion Soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Au Jus Gravy Mix | 2 packets (0.87 oz each) |
| Water or Beef Broth | 1/2 cup |
By adding these ingredients to your crockpot, you’ll make a tasty base. This base will turn into the perfect gravy for your crockpot cube steak with gravy dish. The slow cooking makes the flavors mix and the gravy thicken. This creates a delicious sauce for your tender cube steak.
Best Cooking Times and Temperature Settings
Cooking cube steak in a crock pot is all about finding the right time and temperature. To get the perfect texture, cook your cube steak crock pot on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking makes the meat tender and adds rich flavors.
Low vs High Temperature Settings
Don’t try to cook it faster on high heat. Cooking on high can make the steak tough. The slow cooking method is key to making it tender and delicious. Let your slow cooker cube steak recipe cook gently for hours to get the best results.
How to Know When It’s Done
- The cube steak should be fork-tender and easily fall apart when done.
- Use a digital crock pot with a keep-warm setting to maintain the ideal temperature if cooking for extended periods.
- Check the internal temperature of the cube steak using a meat thermometer, which should reach 145°F for medium doneness.
By following these guidelines, you’ll make the perfect tender cube steak crock pot dish. Your family and friends will love the delicious and satisfying meal.
Adding Vegetables and Enhancing Flavors
Make your crock pot cube steak dish even better by adding fresh vegetables. Start by cooking sliced onions and mushrooms in a skillet until they’re soft and caramelized. Then, add them to the crock pot with your seasoned cube steak.
For extra nutrition, toss in zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking.
Try different cream soups or broths to enhance flavors. Cube steak in crockpot with vegetables goes well with a creamy mushroom gravy. Crockpot cube steak and potatoes are great with savory beef broth. Be creative and find the flavor you love.
For a cheesy twist, add shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese in the last 30 minutes. It will melt into the gravy, making the dish extra special.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion, sliced | 1 large |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 8 ounces |
| Cube Steak | 1.5-2 pounds |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
Remember, patience is key for a great crock pot cube steak dish. Adjust cooking time and temperature for the perfect tenderness and flavor. With a bit of experimentation, you’ll make a meal that will wow your family and friends.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cooking tender cube steak in a crock pot is easy and fun, but sometimes problems can happen. Don’t worry, we have some easy tips to help your crockpot cube steak with gravy be tender and tasty every time.
Preventing Tough Meat
To avoid tough tender cube steak, watch the cooking time and temperature closely. Cook it for 6-8 hours on low. Cooking it too long or at too high a temperature can make it dry and chewy. Also, make sure there’s enough liquid in the crock pot to keep the meat moist and tender.
Adjusting Seasoning and Thickness
If your crockpot cube steak gravy is too thin, make a cornstarch slurry. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then add it to the gravy slowly until it’s right. If it’s too thick, add more beef broth or stock to thin it out.
Seasoning is key for great flavor. Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or seasonings if needed. Start with a little and add more until it tastes just right. And if you’re watching sodium, use low-sodium ingredients or adjust the seasoning after cooking.
Remember these tips to make your tender cube steak in the crock pot perfect. You’ll enjoy a delicious and easy meal every time.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
After your cube steak is perfectly cooked in the crock pot, it’s time to think about serving it. The meat is tender and flavorful, making it great with many side dishes. You can choose from hearty meals or lighter options.
For a classic choice, serve the cube steak crock pot dinner with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. The gravy adds moisture and flavor to these sides. You can also try egg noodles for a great gravy soak.
Adding fresh, seasonal vegetables can complete the meal. Crock pot cube steak sandwiches go well with green beans, corn, or a salad. For sweetness, pair it with roasted carrots or root vegetables.
For a lighter meal, serve the cube steak with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This makes the dish low-carb and keto-friendly, yet still delicious.
Choosing the right side dishes is key to a great cube steak crock pot dinner or crock pot cube steak sandwiches. With a bit of creativity, you can make a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
“The secret to a delicious cube steak crock pot dinner is all in the side dishes. The right combination can take your meal to the next level.”
Storage and Leftover Tips
After enjoying your easy cube steak crockpot meal, you might have leftovers. To keep your crockpot cube steak with gravy tasty, follow these simple tips.
Put leftover cube steak and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave on low or warm it gently on the stovetop. This keeps the meat tender and the gravy creamy.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions of the crock pot cube steak with gravy. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating to enjoy the same flavor and texture.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your crock pot cube steak with gravy for days. It’s a great way to make the most of your slow-cooked meal.
Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips for Cube Steak Recipes
When making delicious cube steak recipes in your crockpot, saving money is important. Look for cube steak on sale at your local store or butcher. This way, you can freeze extra meat for later.
Also, choose generic or store-brand ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix. These options are cheaper but still taste great. Always look for sales on these items to save more.
To save even more, use seasonal vegetables in your meals. They’re nutritious and often cheaper than out-of-season produce. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy tasty, budget-friendly crockpot cube steak dinners without spending too much.
