Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy: A Comforting Meal Made Easy
As autumn arrives, the air grows cooler and the leaves turn colors. Nothing beats the smell of a warm, homemade meal cooking in the slow cooker. For me, that meal is Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy. It’s a simple, affordable recipe that makes tough meat tender and tasty.
With just a few ingredients and a bit of effort, you can enjoy a delicious, comforting meal. This “dump and go” recipe is perfect for busy days. It lets you come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
Table of Contents
Understanding Cube Steak: What Makes It Special
Cube steak is a special cut of beef that’s tenderized to perfection. It’s great for making tasty, affordable meals at home. This meat comes from the top round or top sirloin. It’s then tenderized using a meat mallet or cubing machine.
The Mechanical Tenderizing Process
The tenderizing process makes the steak look like a “cube.” It creates a unique pattern of indentations. This pounding action breaks down tough muscle fibers, making the steak tender and easy to chew.
Why It’s Budget-Friendly
Cube steak is a budget-friendly option for home cooks. It offers a luxurious taste without the high price. The tenderizing process turns a tough cut into a tender and flavorful steak. When cooked right, it’s incredibly tender and delicious, perfect for affordable meals.
Best Cuts Used for Cube Steak
Cube steak is usually cut from the top round or top sirloin. These cuts are lean and tough. But after tenderizing, they become tender and suitable for many cooking methods, like quick searing or slow simmering in the Crock Pot.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cube Steak and Gravy
Making the perfect cube steak crock pot recipe or slow cooker cube steak recipe begins with the right ingredients. You’ll need a few key items to create a rich, flavorful gravy and tender cube steak. These include:
- 4-6 pieces of cube steak
- 2 cans of 10.5 oz condensed French onion soup
- 2 packets of 0.87 oz beef or brown gravy mix
- 2 cups of water
- Cornstarch for thickening the gravy
These ingredients work together to make a dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. The soup and gravy mix give a rich, savory taste. Meanwhile, the cube steak becomes tender in the slow cooker. You can also try different soups like cream of mushroom or chicken to match your taste.
If you’re watching your sodium, use low-sodium or no-sodium beef broth. This recipe is flexible, so you can adjust it to fit your dietary needs without losing flavor.
“The simplicity of ingredients makes this an accessible and easy-to-prepare meal for any home cook.”
With just a few easy steps, you can make a tasty cube steak crock pot recipe or slow cooker cube steak recipe. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
The Ultimate Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Enjoy a comforting crock pot cube steak and gravy dish that’s easy to make. This recipe turns slow-cooked cube steak into a delicious treat. Just follow these simple steps to make a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- In your slow cooker, mix a can of cream of mushroom soup, a can of French onion soup, and a packet of au jus mix. Add 1 cup of water and stir well.
- Place the cube steaks in the slow cooker, making sure they’re covered in the soup mixture.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This lets the cube steak get tender and the flavors mix well.
Cooking Times and Temperature Settings
For the best results, use the low setting on your slow cooker. Let the crock pot cube steak and gravy simmer for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking makes the meat tender by breaking down connective tissues.
Tips for Tender Results
- Don’t cook the cube steak on high, as it can make the meat tough.
- In the last hour, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker’s performance to get the cube steak just right.
By following these steps, you’ll get a tasty and tender cube steak recipe that will wow your family and friends. Serve it with your favorite sides for a cozy and easy meal.
Why Slow Cooking is the Secret to Tender Cube Steak
Slow cooking turns tough slow cooker cube steak into a tender treat. The crock pot’s low heat breaks down meat tissues slowly. This makes the steak soft and flavorful.
Cooking on low for 6-8 hours is best for texture and taste. It tenderizes the meat and makes a rich gravy. The recipe uses 6 cube steak patties, 8 ounces of mushrooms, 1 yellow onion, and 1 1/2 cups of beef broth.
To thicken the gravy, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch are used. This method makes tender steak and gravy for 6 people. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
“Cooking cube steak on low for about 8 hours in the crock pot is recommended for achieving tender and flavorful results.”
Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove to keep it tender.
Slow cooking is great for a budget-friendly, comforting beef dish. With simple ingredients, you can make a delicious meal for everyone.
Creating the Perfect Gravy Base
Making the perfect gravy base is crucial for a great crock pot cube steak and gravy dish. The gravy adds a rich, savory flavor to each bite. It’s like the gravy is the gravy’s own special sauce.
Choosing the Right Condensed Soups
Choosing the right condensed soups is the first step. Cream of mushroom soup is a classic, but try cream of chicken or celery too. These soups can make your gravy taste unique and personal.
Gravy Thickening Techniques
- For a thicker gravy, use a cornstarch slurry. Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Then, stir it into the crock pot in the last hour.
- Watch your sodium by using low-sodium or no-sodium soups and broth. This keeps the flavor balanced.
The mix of condensed soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth makes a savory gravy. It’s perfect with the tender cube steak. It’s a true crock pot cube steak and gravy delight – the ultimate comfort food recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Cube Steak
When making cube steak crock pot recipe or slow cooker cube steak recipe, stay away from common mistakes. Don’t cook the cube steak at high heat, as it can make the meat tough. Also, don’t overcook it for more than 8 hours, as it will dry out.
Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker is key. It boosts the flavor. Be careful with salt, especially in soups and mixes, as it can make the dish too salty. Use low-sodium options and taste before serving to adjust the seasoning.
Don’t keep lifting the lid while cooking. This lets heat out, making the dish cook longer. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain the right temperature for your cube steak crock pot recipe or slow cooker cube steak recipe.
“Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to tender, flavorful cube steak.”
Success with cube steak comes from patience and careful attention. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll make a tasty cube steak crock pot recipe or slow cooker cube steak recipe. It will impress your family and friends.
Seasoning Options and Flavor Variations
The classic Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy recipe is a comforting and delicious dish. It’s also highly adaptable. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or your favorite dried herbs to the crock pot. For mushroom lovers, use mushroom gravy mix instead of onion soup mix and add fresh or canned mushrooms.
Herb and Spice Combinations
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Dried thyme
- Rosemary
- Parsley
Alternative Gravy Bases
Looking to switch up the flavor variations for cube steak? Try using beef consommé or beef broth instead of French onion soup. Some cooks prefer homemade cream of mushroom soup for a fresher taste.
“These variations allow you to customize the dish to your family’s preferences while maintaining the comforting essence of the original recipe.”
Exploring different cube steak recipes crock pot and flavor variations for cube steak lets you create a unique version of this classic dish. The possibilities are endless. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect flavor for your taste buds.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Cube Steak
Choosing the right side dishes can elevate a cube steak crock pot recipe into a comforting meal. This family-friendly crock pot recipe goes well with many options. It ensures your meal is balanced and satisfying.
Classic mashed potatoes are a favorite. They soak up the flavorful gravy nicely. You can also serve the cube steak over fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles for a change.
Adding steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli brings color and crunch. These fresh sides pair well with the hearty cube steak and gravy. For a lighter option, a simple green salad is refreshing.
Some cooks add small new potatoes to the slow cooker with the cube steak. This makes a one-dish wonder that’s easy to prepare and clean up.
Regardless of the side dishes you pick, the cube steak crock pot recipe is versatile. It can be a go-to family meal that pleases everyone’s tastes and dietary needs.
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Steamed Broccoli | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 22 minutes |
| Roasted Carrots | 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Green Salad | 5 minutes | N/A | 5 minutes |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping your leftover easy cube steak meal and comfort food recipe tasty. To keep your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy fresh, follow these easy steps:
Put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not advised, as it can alter the meat and gravy’s texture.
To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. If the gravy is too thick, add a bit of water or beef broth. Only reheat what you plan to eat to keep the rest fresh. Make sure the dish is hot before serving.
| Storage Guideline | Reheating Method |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator: Up to 3 days | Microwave or Stovetop |
| Freezing: Not recommended | Add water or broth if gravy is too thick |
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy for days. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this dish whenever you crave a easy cube steak meal or a comfort food recipe.
Making Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
Preparing the Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy dish ahead of time can save you money and effort. Start by browning the cube steaks early and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also mix the gravy ingredients separately and keep them chilled until cooking time.
For a longer prep, freeze the raw cube steaks and gravy mixture separately for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking in the slow cooker.
Freezing Instructions
- Brown the cube steaks and let them cool completely.
- Divide the browned cube steaks into portions and put them in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Prepare the gravy mixture and let it cool.
- Put the gravy mixture in a separate airtight container or freezer bag.
- Label the containers with the contents and date, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Methods
- Thaw the frozen cube steaks and gravy in the fridge overnight.
- Put the thawed components in the slow cooker and cook as the recipe says.
- If reheating leftovers, do it in individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add beef broth if needed to keep the gravy right.
Preparing parts of this budget-friendly beef dish ahead of time makes it easy to enjoy on busy weeknights. It brings the comforting flavors of Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy with little effort.
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Considerations
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy can be part of a healthy diet if eaten in moderation. Cube steak is lean and packed with protein, iron, and B vitamins. But, the dish has more sodium because of the soups and gravy mixes. If you’re watching your sodium, try low-sodium or no-sodium options.
A serving of Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy has about 286 calories. It has 13 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of sugar. To make it healthier, add fresh veggies and whole grain sides like brown rice or quinoa.
For those with dietary limits, you can tweak the recipe. Use gluten-free gravy mixes or dairy-free soups for different needs. By choosing wisely and adding nutritious ingredients, this comfort food can fit into a healthy lifestyle.
