As autumn arrives, nothing beats a warm, homemade meal. Slow cooker cube steak is perfect for easy, affordable dinners. It’s cozy, satisfying, and delicious, great for any day.
With a few ingredients and little prep, you can make a tasty slow cooker cube steak. Imagine tender beef in a rich gravy, all cooked in your kitchen. It’s like stepping back in time, with the smell of cooking filling your home.
This slow cooker cube steak recipe is a must-try for anyone. It’s not just good for you, but it also brings joy and comfort. Let’s explore how to make this amazing dish that will delight your taste buds.
Table of Contents
Understanding Cube Steak: What It Is and Why It’s Perfect for Slow Cooking
Cube steak is a budget-friendly beef cut great for slow cooking. It comes from the cow’s shoulder or top round. These areas are used a lot, making the meat tough. To make it tender, cube steaks are mechanically tenderized, showing a “cubed” pattern.
Types of Cuts Used for Cube Steak
Cube steak usually comes from top round or top sirloin steak. These cuts are lean and tough. The tenderizing process makes the meat tender, perfect for slow cooking.
The Tenderizing Process
A special machine tenderizes the meat by making small indentations. This breaks down the muscle fibers. It makes the meat tender and ready for slow cooking.
Benefits of Slow Cooking This Cut
Slow cooking is great for cube steak. The low heat tenderizes the meat and adds flavor. It makes the steak tender and perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
“Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut that’s perfect for slow cooking in a crock pot or slow cooker. The mechanical tenderizing process helps break down the tough muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and suitable for long, gentle cooking methods.”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Slow Cooker Cube Steak
To make the perfect crock pot cube steak and gravy or slow cooker cube steak recipe, start with the right ingredients. The main parts include:
- Cube steak patties
- Yellow onion
- Mushrooms
- Beef bone broth or stock
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Herb and garlic seasoning
- Paprika
- Cornstarch
You can also add Lipton Onion Soup mix, brown gravy mix, or cream of mushroom soup for extra flavor. These ingredients make a rich, savory gravy that goes great with the tender cube steak.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cube steak | 1-1.5 lbs |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Mushrooms | 8 oz, sliced |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Herb and garlic seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty and comforting crock pot cube steak and gravy or slow cooker cube steak recipe.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Preparing a tasty cube steak in crock pot or slow cooker cube steak recipe is easy. Follow this guide to make your cube steak in crock pot tender and delicious.
Preparing the Meat
Begin by coating the cube steaks in a mix of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. This blend will give your slow cooker cube steak recipe a rich flavor.
Then, sear the seasoned cube steaks in olive oil until they’re golden on both sides. This step keeps the juices in and adds a tasty crust.
Creating the Gravy Base
In the slow cooker, cook sliced onions and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to make the gravy base.
Slow Cooker Settings and Timing
Put the seared cube steaks in the slow cooker and add the gravy base. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender. Stir in heavy cream 30 minutes before serving to thicken the gravy.
Make sure the cube steaks are thawed before cooking for safety. With these steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering crock pot cube steak for a cozy family dinner.
Creating the Ultimate Gravy Sauce
The secret to a great slow cooker cube steak dish is the gravy sauce. It not only makes the cube steak taste better but also ties the whole meal together. To make the best gravy sauce, you need a few key ingredients.
Begin by mixing beef broth or stock with cream of mushroom soup, French onion soup, and au jus or brown gravy mix. This mix gives your gravy a rich, flavorful base. Add Worcestershire sauce and a bit of tomato paste to deepen the taste.
As the cube steak cooks, it infuses the gravy with its flavors. Near the end, thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry. This makes the gravy smooth and perfect for dipping.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. Use low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt. The end result is a crock pot cube steak and gravy that will wow everyone.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef broth or stock | Variable |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 2 (10.5 oz) cans |
| French onion soup | 2 (10.5 oz) cans |
| Au jus or brown gravy mix | 2 (0.87 oz) packets |
| Worcestershire sauce | To taste |
| Tomato paste | To taste |
| Cornstarch (for thickening) | As needed |
Follow these easy steps to make the ultimate gravy sauce. It will turn your slow cooker cube steak recipe into a culinary masterpiece.
Slow Cooker Cube Steak: The Main Recipe
Discover the delicious taste of cube steak with this simple slow cooker recipe. It’s perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners. This dish offers tender, flavorful results that everyone will love.
Basic Cooking Method
Begin by placing the cube steaks at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add sliced onions and mushrooms on top. Then, mix cream of mushroom soup and dry onion soup mix, and pour it over.
Just enough water or broth should cover the steaks. This ensures they cook evenly. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours. For quicker cooking, use high heat for 3-4 hours. Finally, thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry in the last hour.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Avoid overcooking the cube steak, as this can result in a tough, chewy texture.
- Use a large oval slow cooker to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
- Make sure there’s enough liquid to cover the cube steaks completely for maximum tenderness.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of your cube steaks.
Follow these easy tips to make a slow cooker cube steak that’s full of flavor. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles for a delicious meal.
Best Side Dish Pairings
Slow cooker cube steak offers endless options for side dishes. The meat’s tenderness and flavor make it perfect with many accompaniments. You can choose from starchy, veggie, or a mix of both.
Mashed potatoes are a top pick, offering a creamy base for the steak’s gravy. Wide egg noodles or fluffy white rice are also great, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
For more veggies, try corn on the cob, roasted carrots, or French green beans. These sides add nutrition and a fresh contrast to the meat.
Adding a dinner roll or crusty bread is ideal for soaking up leftover gravy. Slow cooker cube steak’s versatility makes it a hit for any meal.
| Side Dish | Recommendation Rate |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 8 out of 25 recipes |
| Egg Noodles | 6 out of 25 recipes |
| White Rice | 4 out of 25 recipes |
| Corn on the Cob | 1 out of 25 recipes |
| Roasted Carrots | 4 out of 25 recipes |
| French Green Beans | 13 out of 25 recipes |
| Dinner Roll | 2 out of 25 recipes |
Slow cooker cube steak is versatile, making it a favorite for any meal. Whether you stick with classics or try new things, the options are endless for a tasty meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Enjoy the delicious flavors of your slow cooker cube steak recipe even after the first meal. Proper storage and reheating can make leftovers last for days. Let’s look at the best ways to keep and reheat your slow cooker cube steak and gravy.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep your slow cooker cube steak fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual servings with extra gravy for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating Instructions
Ready to enjoy your leftovers? There are a few ways to reheat them. Thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight before reheating. Then, reheat the cube steak and gravy in the microwave on low or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your slow cooker cube steak recipe for days. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly beef dish to have on hand whenever you want it.
Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips and Substitutions
Enjoying a delicious slow cooker cube steak dish doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart shopping and clever substitutions, you can make this comforting meal without spending too much. Let’s look at some ways to save money.
First, watch for cube steak sales at your local grocery stores. This cut of meat often goes on sale, letting you buy more when it’s cheaper. If you can’t find cube steak, try using top round steak and tenderizing it yourself. This simple trick can make your dish just as tasty.
To stretch your dollars further, look for sales on canned soups and gravy mixes. These are key for making the rich sauce that goes well with the steak. Choosing generic brands can also save you money without losing flavor.
- Look for cube steak on sale at local grocery stores.
- Substitute top round steak and tenderize it at home.
- Stock up on canned soups and gravy mixes when they’re discounted.
- Opt for generic brands to save money without sacrificing flavor.
For a healthier option, use low-sodium soups and broths, or make your own cream of chicken soup substitute. This way, you can control the sodium while still enjoying the dish’s comforting flavors.
| Ingredient | Cost-Saving Tip |
|---|---|
| Cube Steak | Look for sales and consider top round steak as a substitute |
| Canned Soups and Gravy Mixes | Purchase generic brands or stock up when on sale |
| Seasonings and Herbs | Grow your own or buy in bulk to reduce per-use cost |
By using these budget-friendly tips, you can enjoy the flavors of slow cooker cube steak without overspending. Try different substitutions and look for sales to find the best mix of taste and value.
Conclusion
Slow cooker cube steak is a great choice for a meal that’s easy on the wallet but full of flavor. It’s tender and delicious, thanks to the slow cooker. You can make it your own by adding your favorite spices and sides.
It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick meal during the week. The ingredients are affordable, and the slow cooker makes it easy. It’s a hit with everyone, even the pickiest eaters.
Cube steak is packed with protein and goes well with many sides. Try it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice pilaf. It’s a budget-friendly, versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
1 thought on “Slow Cooker Cube Steak”