Best Cube Steak Recipes for Your Crock Pot
As the sun sets, a comforting sound comes from the kitchen. It’s your slow cooker simmering away. The smell of tender cube steak fills the air, inviting everyone to dinner.
Cube steak is a weeknight dinner hero. It’s tender and flavorful. Paired with a crock pot, it becomes a delicious feast that’s easy to make.
In this guide, we’ll share the best cube steak recipes for your crock pot. You’ll find classic dishes and modern twists. With simple ingredients and little prep, you’ll make meals your family will love.
Understanding Cube Steak: Cuts, Selection, and Preparation
Cube steak is a key ingredient in tender slow cooker dishes. It’s a budget-friendly option that turns into tasty crock pot meals. Let’s explore what makes cube steak special, how to pick the best quality, and how to prepare it for a delicious meal.
What Makes Cube Steak Different
Cube steak comes from the cow’s shoulder or chuck area. This part is used a lot, making the meat tougher. To make it tender, the meat is run through a machine that creates tiny holes.
Tips for Selecting Quality Cube Steak
- Choose cube steak that’s evenly thick, without thin or thick spots.
- Steer clear of meat with too much fat or gristle for better flavor and tenderness.
- Opt for cube steak that’s a bright red color, showing it’s fresh and of good quality.
Basic Preparation Methods
To get cube steak ready for your slow cooker, start by coating it in flour, salt, and pepper. This helps create a tasty crust and adds flavor. Then, brown the steak in a hot pan with a bit of oil or bacon grease. This step tenderizes the meat and keeps the juices in.
With these tips, you’re ready to make delicious crock pot meals with cube steak. Mix it with your favorite veggies, starches, and sauces for a cozy dinner.
Essential Equipment and Ingredients for Crock Pot Success
Creating tasty family-friendly cube steak dishes and cube steak crockpot dinners requires the right tools and ingredients. A reliable 6-quart slow cooker is essential. It should have a digital timer and a keep-warm setting.
For your crock pot recipes, you’ll need cream of chicken or mushroom soup, French onion soup, and au jus gravy mix. Don’t forget garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you’re watching your sodium, choose low-sodium versions of these ingredients.
| Equipment | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 6-Quart Crock Pot Slow Cooker | Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soup |
| Digital Timer | French Onion Soup |
| Keep-Warm Setting | Au Jus Gravy Mix |
| Garlic Powder | |
| Onion Powder | |
| Black Pepper |
With the right tools and ingredients, you’re ready to make delicious cube steak crockpot dinners. The slow cooking process blends flavors, making the dish tender and flavorful. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Classic Cube Steak Recipes Crock Pot with Gravy
Make your cube steak recipes even better with these classic crock pot recipes. They come with delicious gravy. You can choose from French onion, mushroom, or au jus styles. These easy recipes will make your meals cozy and flavorful.
French Onion Gravy Version
This recipe combines cream of chicken soup with French onion soup for a rich flavor. It’s a hit with everyone. Just mix 1/2 lb. cube steak, 1/2 package dry onion soup mix, a can of cream of chicken soup, and 1/2 cup beef broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until it’s tender.
Mushroom Gravy Variation
For a mushroom flavor, use cream of mushroom soup instead. It pairs well with the cube steak, making it a comforting dish. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 5 minutes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for perfect tenderness.
Au Jus Style
This recipe focuses on au jus flavors. It lets the cube steak’s natural taste shine. Mix 1/2 lb. cube steak, 1/2 cup beef broth, and a package of au jus mix. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. You can thicken the gravy with cornstarch at the end.
These cube steak recipes with gravy are loved by families. Serve them over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a full meal.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Cooking Time | Serving Size | Nutrition (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Onion Gravy Cube Steak | 1/2 lb. cube steak, 1/2 package dry onion soup mix, 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup beef broth | 6-8 hours on low | 2 people | 490 calories, 28g total fat, 9g sugar, 39g protein |
| Mushroom Gravy Cube Steak | 1/2 lb. cube steak, 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup beef broth | 6-8 hours on low | 2 people | 490 calories, 28g total fat, 9g sugar, 39g protein |
| Au Jus Style Cube Steak | 1/2 lb. cube steak, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 package au jus mix | 6-8 hours on low | 2 people | 490 calories, 28g total fat, 9g sugar, 39g protein |
Cooking cube steak in the crock pot on low for 6-8 hours makes it tender. For thicker gravy, mix cornstarch and cold water, then add it in the last 30 minutes.
Bacon-Wrapped Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Take your hearty cube steak crock pot meals to the next level with this recipe for easy crock pot cube steak. Wrapping tender cube steaks in crispy bacon adds incredible flavor and richness. The bacon grease browns the steaks before they slow cook in a savory beef gravy.
Begin by seasoning your cube steaks with salt and pepper. Then, wrap each one in a slice of bacon. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Sear the bacon-wrapped steaks until the bacon is crispy and the steaks are browned. Move the steaks to your slow cooker.
In the same skillet, cook diced onions and garlic until they smell great. Use beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Pour this liquid over the steaks in the crock pot. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the meat is tender.
Serve these bacon-wrapped cube steaks over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. Let the rich gravy soak into every bite. Add roasted vegetables for a complete and hearty cube steak crock pot meal. This easy crock pot cube steak dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Tender Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Make your cube steak dinners special with this slow-cooked dish. It has a rich mushroom sauce. It’s a hit for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Sauce Preparation Tips
The sauce’s creaminess comes from cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and spices. Mix the soup, broth, and spices in the slow cooker. Brown the cube steaks first for better flavor.
Cooking Time Guidelines
Cook the dish for 6 to 8 hours on low for tender steak. This slow cooking makes the beef tender and flavors rich. For quicker cooking, use high for 3 to 4 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this tender cube steak slow cooker dish with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles. The mushroom sauce complements these sides, making a cozy cube steak crockpot dinners meal.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 6 hours | 6 hours 10 minutes | 4 people | 5 out of 5 |
Nutrition per serving: 411 calories, 7g carbohydrates, 39g protein, 24g fat, 126mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 720mg potassium, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, 51mg calcium, 3mg iron.
Budget-Friendly Cube Steak Dinner Ideas
Slow cookers are perfect for making tasty family-friendly cube steak dishes. They help you make budget-friendly crock pot meals with healthy veggies and cheap sides. This way, you can enjoy delicious dinners without spending a lot.
Begin by adding veggies like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to your crock pot with the cube steak. This makes the meal stretch further and adds great flavors to the meat. Serve the tender steak with simple sides like rice or pasta for a full and tasty dinner.
To save even more, make double the recipe. Make sure your crock pot is big enough for the extra food. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of budget-friendly crock pot meals for days.
- Stretch your cube steak with added vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms
- Complement the meat with affordable sides such as rice or pasta
- Double the recipe to create ample leftovers and maximize your time in the kitchen
“With a few simple tricks, you can transform cube steak into a delightful and family-friendly dinner that won’t break the bank.”
Perfect Side Dishes for Crock Pot Cube Steak
Enjoying a hearty cube steak crock pot meal is even better with the right side dishes. The perfect pairings make your dinner balanced and satisfying. Let’s look at some great options to go with your slow-cooked cube steak.
Potato-Based Sides
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, velvety texture of mashed potatoes is an ideal pairing for the tender cube steak and gravy.
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For an extra flavor boost, try roasting garlic and incorporating it into your mashed potatoes.
- Twice-Baked Potatoes: Scoop the baked potato flesh into a bowl, mash it with butter, cheese, and seasonings, then return it to the potato skins for a delightful side.
Vegetable Pairings
- Roasted Green Beans: Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized.
- Creamed Corn: This sweet and creamy side complements the savory cube steak beautifully.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter or olive oil with garlic and herbs for a flavorful accompaniment.
Grain Accompaniments
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs and spices makes a fantastic base for cube steak.
- Egg Noodles: Buttered egg noodles are a simple and comforting option to enjoy with your cube steak and gravy.
- Dinner Rolls: Warm, freshly baked dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up the delicious gravy.
Remember, the key is to select side dishes that complement the rich, comforting flavors of your cube steak crock pot meals. Experiment with different combinations to find your family’s favorite pairings.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying delicious cube steak recipes from the slow cooker is best with proper storage and reheating. These tips will help keep your cube steak recipes crock pot and slow cooker cube steak recipes tasty and fresh.
Refrigerator Storage
- Put leftover cube steak and its gravy or sauce in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Methods
- Microwave: Put the cube steak and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warm.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Put the cube steak and gravy in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until hot.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, freeze your cube steak recipes crock pot and slow cooker cube steak recipes:
- Put the cube steak and gravy in an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
By following these easy storage and reheating tips, your cube steak recipes crock pot and slow cooker cube steak recipes will stay fresh and tasty. Enjoy your tender, slow-cooked cube steak whenever you want!
Conclusion
Crock pot cube steak recipes are great for busy families. They offer delicious, comforting meals with little effort. From classic gravy-smothered cube steak recipes crock pot to bacon or mushroom sauce, these recipes make tough cuts tender and flavorful.
These recipes are easy to prepare and use affordable ingredients. They also offer many ways to serve, making easy crock pot cube steak a family favorite.
Cube steak is perfect for slow-cooked meals because it’s versatile and affordable. Long, gentle cooking makes it tender and flavorful. You can choose from traditional gravy-based recipes or try new flavors.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, crock pot cube steak is a great choice. It’s reliable and rewarding.
This article helps you explore cube steak recipes crock pot and find new family favorites. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of crock pot cube steak. Savor the delicious results of this budget-friendly and time-saving cooking method.
