Best Crock Pot Cube Steak

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Tender, savory, and effortlessly comforting, Crock Pot Cube Steak is the kind of hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This classic comfort food transforms budget-friendly cube steak into a melt-in-your-mouth meal, slow-cooked in a rich onion gravy. When paired with fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, it’s a weeknight dinner that tastes like a Sunday supper.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. A handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and a slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. The slow cooking process breaks down the toughness of the cube steak, infusing it with deep, savory flavor from the gravy and caramelized onions. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or want easy leftovers, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cube Steak

• Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it—your crock pot does all the work.
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable cube steak without sacrificing taste.
• Comforting & hearty: Rich gravy, tender beef, and classic sides make for a deeply satisfying meal.
• Family favorite: Loved by adults and kids alike, it’s a dinner everyone will look forward to.
• Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers are just as tasty the next day.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Crock Pot Cube Steak, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): This is the star of the show, cooking the steak low and slow to tender perfection.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the gravy mixture before adding it to the crock pot.
• Tongs: Useful for placing and removing the steaks without breaking them apart.
• Whisk: Helps ensure a smooth gravy base before slow cooking begins.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For slicing onions and prepping any fresh ingredients.
  Each of these tools plays a key role in making the prep and cooking process smooth, efficient, and mess-free.

Preparation Tips

For best results, season your cube steaks with salt and pepper before layering them in the crock pot. Lightly browning the steaks in a skillet beforehand can enhance their flavor, though it’s optional for those short on time. Slice your onions evenly so they cook down uniformly and blend seamlessly into the gravy. Mix your gravy ingredients well before pouring them over the steak to prevent lumps. Finally, resist the urge to lift the lid while cooking—every peek adds cooking time and lets precious moisture escape.

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Ingredients for This Crock Pot Cube Steak

• 4 cube steaks (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, for slurry if using cornstarch)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Step 1: Season and Optional Sear

Start by patting your cube steaks dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with black pepper and garlic powder. For an added depth of flavor, sear the steaks in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. This step is optional but gives the meat a nice caramelized crust.

Step 2: Layer the Crock Pot

Place a layer of sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the seasoned (and seared, if applicable) cube steaks on top of the onions. Add any remaining onion slices on top of the meat.

Step 3: Make the Gravy Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the steaks and onions in the crock pot.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. The meat should become fork-tender and the gravy rich and flavorful. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as it can extend the cooking time.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

If you’d like a thicker gravy, remove the steaks carefully and set them aside. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the gravy and switch the slow cooker to HIGH. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Return the steaks to the crock pot or serve with the thickened sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the cube steak hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Spoon plenty of onion gravy over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

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Notes

For a truly comforting meal, pair your Crock Pot Cube Steak with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up every drop of that rich, savory gravy. If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prep everything the night before—just store the prepped ingredients in the fridge and start the crock pot in the morning. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of brown sugar to the gravy mixture.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the sear: While optional, skipping the sear on the steaks may result in a slightly less rich flavor.
• Overcrowding the crock pot: Make sure the steaks are in a single layer or at most two layers; too many can prevent even cooking.
• Not mixing the gravy properly: Lumps in the soup or dry patches from the soup mix can result in uneven seasoning.
• Opening the lid repeatedly: Each time you lift the lid, you lose heat and extend cooking time.
• Using low-quality meat: Always choose fresh cube steaks with minimal gristle for the best texture after slow cooking.

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Storage Instructions

Allow the cube steak and gravy to cool to room temperature before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish (gravy included) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~350-400 per serving (without sides)
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: ~850mg (varies with soup and broth brand)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is cube steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef, usually top round or top sirloin, that has been tenderized by pounding with a meat mallet, creating cube-shaped indentations.

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes! You can use round steak or even chuck roast, though cube steak is preferred for its quick-tenderizing texture.

Is it necessary to brown the cube steak first?

No, but browning adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that enhances the final dish.

Can I make this without canned soup?

Yes, you can substitute homemade cream of mushroom soup or use a mixture of heavy cream and beef broth with seasonings.

Will this recipe work in an Instant Pot?

This recipe is designed for a slow cooker, but you can adapt it for the Instant Pot using the sauté function to brown and pressure cooking for about 20 minutes.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

Use a cornstarch slurry after cooking to thicken the gravy to your liking.

What sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, steamed broccoli, rice, or egg noodles pair beautifully with the rich gravy.

Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the crock insert, refrigerate overnight, and set it to cook the next day.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Cube Steak is a cozy, no-fuss meal that brings big flavor with little effort. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, slow weekends, or when you need a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. With fork-tender beef and savory onion gravy, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Enjoy it fresh or save some for leftovers—either way, your future self will thank you.

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