Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

What is cube steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef, usually from the top sirloin or top round, that is tenderized through a process called "cubing". This process involves the meat being flattened by a meat tenderizer, which gives it a cubed appearance, hence the name "cube steak".

The tenderizing process allows the steak to cook more quickly and makes it easier to chew, as it breaks down the muscle fibers and connective tissues. This is particularly useful for tougher cuts of meat.

Cube steak is also known as Cubed Steak, Minute Steak, Tenderized Steak, or Fast Fry Steak.

Ingredients

You don't need anything fancy to make this delicious Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy! A handful of pantry staples, tenderized beef, and fresh mushrooms and onions come together to create a rich, flavorful dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

• Cube Steaks - The star of the show! These mechanically tenderized cuts of beef become deliciously tender when cooked low and slow in the crock pot.
• Coarse Salt - Seasons the beef and helps it retain moisture for a juicier, more flavorful steak.
• All-Purpose Flour - Creates a light coating on the steaks that helps them brown beautifully and adds body to the gravy.
• Black Pepper - Adds a little warmth and peppery flavor to the seasoned flour.
• Garlic Powder - Gives the beef an extra boost of savory garlic flavor.
• Avocado Oil or Vegetable Oil - Used to brown the cube steaks before slow cooking, adding flavor and a nicely browned exterior.
• Onion - Sliced onions soften as they cook, adding a touch of sweetness and plenty of savory flavor to the gravy.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup - Creates the creamy, rich base for the mushroom gravy without a lot of extra work.
• Beefy Onion Dry Soup Mix - A convenient shortcut that adds deep, beefy onion flavor to the sauce.
• Beef Stock - Adds even more savory beef flavor while thinning the condensed soup into a luscious gravy.
• Sliced Mushrooms - Bring an earthy, savory flavor and delicious texture to the gravy.
• Butter - Adds richness and gives the gravy a smooth, velvety finish.
• Cornstarch - Thickens the cooking liquid into a rich gravy that's perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.
• Fresh Parsley - An optional garnish that adds a pop of color and a little freshness to the finished dish.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

If you are watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soup mix and condensed soup.

You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with golden mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of chicken soup.

You can substitute the beefy onion dry soup mix with regular onion, onion mushroom, or golden onion soup mix.

How to Cook Cube Steak in a Crock Pot

Making this easy Cubed Steak recipe couldn't be simpler! A quick sear gives the beef extra flavor, then everything goes into the slow cooker to simmer in a rich mushroom and onion gravy until the steaks are fork-tender. Just thicken the gravy before serving, and dinner is ready!

1. Season cube steaks with coarse salt and let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This will help tenderize the steak as well as bring out more flavor.
2. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator. On a flat plate, mix flour, pepper, and garlic powder together.
3. Dredge the steak, one at a time, in the flour to coat.
4. Once all are coated you are ready to brown them.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place steaks in the oil. I suggest using either avocado oil or vegetable oil as they have higher smoke temperatures.
6. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side to brown.

7. Mix the gravy base while the steaks are browning by combining condensed soup, dry soup mix, and beef stock.
8. Whisk until well blended.

9. Spoon a little of the gravy into a crock pot.
10. Place half the onions over the gravy.
11. Lay the browned cube steak over the onions.
12. Pour the remaining gravy over the cube steaks.
13. Sprinkle the remaining onions on top.
14. Scatter the mushrooms on top of the onions then place cubed butter over all.

15. Cover and set the crock pot to low for 5-½ hours. Once done, remove cover so you can thicken the gravy.
16. Whisk the cornstarch with a little of the gravy from the crockpot. Keep mixing with more gravy until smooth.
17. Pour into the crockpot and stir gently so as not to break up the meat.
18. Replace the lid and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes longer. Just look at that rich, delicious gravy!

Lift each piece of this country-style steak out carefully and place it on a platter. It's best when served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice so it can sop up all that rich, flavorful gravy. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips for Success

• Don't skip salting the steaks. Seasoning the cube steaks with coarse salt and letting them rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours gives the salt time to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor.
• Brown the steaks first. It may be tempting to skip this step, but a quick sear in a hot skillet adds a delicious depth of flavor to both the beef and the gravy. You're not trying to cook them through, just get that nice golden-brown crust.
• Cook on low for the most tender results. While you can cook this recipe on high, the low setting gives the connective tissue more time to soften, resulting in more tender cube steaks.
• Don't overcook the beef. Cube steak is relatively thin, so start checking for tenderness near the end of the recommended cooking time. You want it fork-tender, not dry or falling into pieces.
• Use low-sodium beef stock if possible. The condensed soup and dry onion soup mix contain plenty of salt, so low-sodium stock gives you better control over the final seasoning.
• Thicken the gravy with a slurry. Always mix the cornstarch with a little of the cooking liquid before adding it back to the crock pot. This prevents lumps and creates that smooth, silky gravy we all love.
• Stir gently. Once the cube steaks are tender, they can break apart easily. Stir the gravy carefully when adding the cornstarch mixture.
• Give the gravy time to thicken. After adding the cornstarch slurry, cook on high for another 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to whip up some mashed potatoes or egg noodles!

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this slow cooker cube steak recipe is how easy it is to change things up! Whether you want extra mushrooms, a different gravy, or a little kick of spice, there are plenty of delicious ways to make this comfort food favorite your own.

• Crock Pot Cube Steak with Onion Gravy - Not a mushroom fan? Leave out the fresh mushrooms and substitute condensed cream of celery soup or other suitable creamy soup for the cream of mushroom soup.
• Extra Mushroom Gravy - Love mushrooms? Double the sliced mushrooms or use a combination of cremini and white button mushrooms for an even heartier mushroom gravy.
• Garlic Lover's Cube Steak - Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker for an extra punch of savory flavor.
• Creamy Cube Steak and Gravy - Stir in a little sour cream near the end of cooking for an extra-rich, tangy gravy, a la beef stroganoff, that's delicious over egg noodles.
• Peppery Cube Steak - Add extra freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
• Worcestershire Beef Gravy - Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy mixture for even more flavor.
• French Onion Cube Steak - Use an extra sliced onion and add a little fresh thyme for a French onion-inspired twist.

What to Serve with Cubed Steak

The best part about this crockpot cube steak is all that rich, savory mushroom gravy just begging to be spooned over your favorite sides! Here are some delicious ways to turn this easy slow cooker dinner into a hearty, satisfying meal.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes - My favorite way to serve cube steak! Pile the tender beef over fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes and smother everything in that delicious mushroom gravy. Pure comfort food!
• Buttered Egg Noodles - Tender egg noodles are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, savory gravy. Add a little butter and parsley for an easy, delicious side.
• Steamed Rice - Serve over fluffy white or brown rice or riced cauliflower for a simple, filling dinner that's always a hit.
• Buttermilk Biscuits - Warm, fluffy biscuits are practically made for sopping up all that extra mushroom gravy.
• Air Fryer Green Beans - Crisp-tender green beans add a fresh, flavorful contrast to the rich beef and creamy gravy.
• Honey Glazed Carrots - Sweet, tender carrots are a delicious way to add a pop of color and a little sweetness to this savory dinner.
• Roasted Broccoli - A simple side of crispy, oven-roasted broccoli balances out the richness of the dish and rounds out the meal.
• Simple Green Salad - A fresh, crunchy salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance this hearty comfort food dinner.French Bread to sop up the delicious mushroom gravy.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers

Store the cooled cube steak in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. It will keep for 3-4 days. Store the steaks with plenty of gravy to help keep the meat moist and tender.

Freeze the cooled cube steaks and gravy in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months for the best quality. Keep in mind that the creamy gravy may separate slightly after freezing, but stirring it gently while reheating should help bring it back together. That makes this recipe a great option for meal prep!

Reheat the cube steaks and gravy in a covered skillet or saucepan over low to medium-low heat until heated through to 165°F. Add a splash of beef stock or water if the gravy has thickened too much in the refrigerator.

More Easy Crock Pot Dinners to Try

The crock pot is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty homemade dinner without spending all night in the kitchen. These easy slow cooker dinners let most of the cooking happen while you take care of everything else.

• Crockpot Beef Stew - Tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, and vegetables simmer in a rich, savory broth for the ultimate cozy comfort food dinner.
• Crockpot Chicken Tacos - Juicy, flavorful shredded chicken with black beans, green chiles, and taco seasoning makes taco night easier and more delicious than ever!
• Crockpot BBQ Pork - Fall-apart tender pulled pork smothered in your favorite sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is perfect for piling high on buns for an easy family dinner.
• Crockpot Cuban Pork - Tender, juicy pork slow-cooked with citrusy mojo sauce is bursting with flavor and perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or tacos.

Find lots of easy slow cooker recipes right here on 2CM!