Easy Tender Cube Steak in Crock Pot Recipe
When winter winds blow, a warm, slow-cooked meal is just what we need. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where meals were a reflection of the seasons. Her crockpot cube steak recipe is a family favorite, perfect for budget-friendly dinners.
This recipe turns tough meat into tender, delicious bites. It’s easy to make and cooks all day, so you can relax. With cube steak, gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup, you get a tasty, wallet-friendly dinner.
Looking for a cozy meal or a hassle-free dinner? This crockpot cube steak recipe is perfect. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and won’t break the bank. Let’s explore how to make tender, flavorful cube steak in the crockpot!
Table of Contents
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a budget-friendly beef cut often overlooked. It comes from the cow’s shoulder, a tough muscle. To make it tender, it’s run through a meat tenderizer, creating tiny holes.
Understanding Cube Steak Cuts
The holes in the meat are not just for looks. They help break down tough fibers, making the steak tender and flavorful. This makes cube steak great for tender cube steak dishes and budget-friendly beef recipes.
Nutritional Benefits of Cube Steak
Cube steak is also a lean cut of beef. It’s a good source of protein and essential nutrients. A 4-ounce serving has about 436 calories, 38 grams of protein, 24 grams of fat, and 14 grams of carbs.
| Nutrient | Amount per 4-oz Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 436 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
Cube steak is versatile and affordable. It’s perfect for a variety of tender cube steak dishes and budget-friendly beef recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a tasty cube steak meal in your crock pot, you need just a few things. The main ingredients are the tender cube steak and a mix of soups and seasonings.
Essential Ingredients for Your Recipe
- 6 cube steak patties, approximately 1.5 pounds of beef
- 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 (1 oz) package of dry au jus gravy mix
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (for thickening)
Recommended Seasonings
You can add some extra seasonings to make the flavors even better. Try using:
- 1 packet of Lipton Onion Soup mix
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
For a healthier option, choose low-sodium versions of the soups and gravy mix. You can swap cream of mushroom soup for the chicken soup if you like.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious crock pot cube steak dinner. The mix of tender beef, savory sauces, and spices will make everyone happy. It’s a perfect choice for an crock pot beef dinners night.
Preparing Your Cube Steak for Cooking
Before starting your cube steak crock pot cooking, prepare the meat well. First, ensure your cube steaks are fully thawed. This step is crucial for even cooking and food safety.
Tips for Tenderizing Cube Steak
Cube steak can be tough, but it’s easy to make it tender. Try lightly pounding the steaks with a meat mallet or a heavy pan. This breaks down the muscle fibers, making the meat tender and easy to chew.
Prepping Vegetables for the Crock Pot
Vegetables add flavor and nutrients to your dish. Slice onions thinly and place them over the steaks in the crock pot. You can also add carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
To prepare your cube steak for the crock pot, make sure it’s thawed, tenderized, and paired with fresh vegetables. This will make your cube steak crock pot cooking experience delicious.
Setting Up Your Crock Pot
Choosing the right crock pot size is key for tasty slow cooker cube steak recipes or one-pot meals. A 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe. It has enough room for the cube steak and all the tasty ingredients without being too full.
Choosing the Right Crock Pot Size
The size of your crock pot really matters for your dish. A 6-quart slow cooker gives the cube steak enough space to cook evenly. It’s great for families or small gatherings, serving about 6 to 8 people.
Benefits of Using a Crock Pot
- Hands-off meal preparation: Slow cooking lets you just add ingredients and let it cook, saving you time.
- Tenderizing tough cuts of meat: The slow cooking breaks down the meat, making it tender and flavorful.
- Infusing deep flavors: Slow cooking mixes the flavors together, creating a rich sauce or gravy.
- Energy-efficient: Crock pots use less energy than ovens, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective, especially in warm weather.
With the right crock pot size and slow cooking, you’re on your way to making delicious slow cooker cube steak recipes or one-pot meals. They’re sure to impress your family and guests.
Cooking Instructions for Cube Steak
Preparing delicious and tender cube steak in your crock pot is easy. Follow these simple steps. This meal is great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Begin by placing your browned cube steaks in the crock pot. Add sliced onions on top. Then, mix cream of mushroom soup and beef broth and pour it over.
Cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours. This lets the cube steak tenderize slowly and absorb all the flavors.
Don’t cook the cube steak on high. It can become tough and chewy. To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with water. Stir it into the crock pot in the last hour.
Cooking Times and Temperature Settings
- Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low
- Cooking time: 3-4 hours on high (not recommended for best results)
- Internal temperature: Cube steak should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked.
The cube steak is done when it’s fork-tender and the gravy is thick. Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with your favorite sides. It’s a comforting and tasty meal.
“Slow cooker cube steak is the ultimate hands-off dinner – just set it and forget it for a perfectly tender and flavorful result.”
Adding Flavor with Sauces
For crock pot beef dinners and cube steak dishes, the secret is in the sauce. This recipe makes a tasty gravy that goes well with the meat. It makes the meat juicy and tender.
Best Sauces for Cube Steak in Crock Pot
The sauce’s main ingredients are cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and au jus mix. Together, they create a rich, savory gravy. This gravy adds amazing flavor to the cube steak.
For different tastes, try using beef consommé or beef broth instead of French onion soup. You can also try cream of mushroom or celery soup for new flavors.
Creative Sauce Ideas
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine for depth and complexity.
- For a cheesy twist, top the cube steak with shredded mozzarella or grated parmesan cheese before serving.
- Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to give the sauce a creamy, tangy kick.
- Embrace the savory notes by incorporating a touch of garlic or onion powder into the sauce.
This crock pot beef dinner is versatile with its sauce. You can mix and match flavors to suit your taste. With a bit of creativity, you can make this tender cube steak dish into a memorable meal.
Enhancing Your Meal with Sides
When you serve your tasty cube steak in the crock pot, don’t forget the sides. The rich flavors of the cube steak go well with many dishes. These can make your easy cube steak meals or one-pot meals complete and fulfilling.
Recommended Side Dishes
- Mashed potatoes or creamy mashed cauliflower to soak up the flavorful cube steak gravy
- Fluffy white rice or buttery rice pilaf to complement the tender cube steak
- Egg noodles or whole wheat pasta for a heartier, more substantial base
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, corn, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal
Pairing Suggestions for Cube Steak
For a lighter option, try serving your cube steak over cauliflower rice or quinoa. Dinner rolls or fresh-baked biscuits are great for soaking up the gravy. Adding a simple pasta salad or roasted vegetables makes your meal well-rounded.
“The key to elevating your cube steak dish is finding the right balance of flavors and textures with your side choices.”
There are endless ways to pair your tender cube steak with the perfect sides. Try different combinations to find your family’s favorite easy cube steak meals.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Enjoying your delicious cube steak cooked in the crock pot doesn’t have to end with the meal. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can savor the flavors of this tender, slow-cooked dish for days to come.
Proper Storage Methods
To keep your cube steak leftovers fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag to prevent freezer burn and keep moisture in.
Best Ways to Reheat Cube Steak
When reheating your cube steak leftovers, you have several options. For a quick fix, microwave the dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring the gravy to ensure even heating. Or, reheat it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Be careful with the gravy’s consistency when reheating. If it gets too thick, add a bit of water or beef broth to thin it out and get the right texture.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the tender, flavorful cube steak from your crock pot long after the initial meal. With a little planning, you can savor the delicious leftovers and reduce food waste, making the most of your cube steak crock pot cooking efforts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Preparing tender and flavorful cube steak dishes in the crock pot is a budget-friendly way to enjoy delicious beef recipes. However, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your cube steak turns out perfectly cooked every time.
Avoid These Cooking Pitfalls
- Skipping the browning step: Don’t skip the important step of browning the cube steak before adding it to the crock pot. This extra step helps to lock in the flavor and juices.
- Cooking on high heat: Avoid cooking your cube steak on high heat, as this can cause the meat to become tough and chewy. Stick to low or medium heat for the best results.
- Overcrowding the crock pot: If you’re doubling the recipe, be sure to use a larger crock pot to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and affect the overall texture of the dish.
- Heavy-handed salting: Be cautious with salt, especially when using canned soups or gravy mixes, which can already be high in sodium. If the dish turns out too salty, serve it with unsalted side dishes or add potatoes to the crock pot to help absorb the excess salt.
Tips for Perfect Cube Steak in the Crock Pot
To ensure your tender cube steak dishes turn out perfectly cooked and flavorful, follow these additional tips:
- Tenderize the cube steak before cooking to help break down the fibers and make it more tender.
- Add fresh herbs towards the end of the cooking time to maximize their flavor.
- Adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the size and thickness of your cube steak cuts.
- Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure your cube steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following these helpful tips, you can create delicious, tender cube steak dishes in your crock pot. These are perfect for budget-friendly weeknight meals or special occasions.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
When your crock pot cube steak is done, it’s time to make it look good. Place the steak on a big platter with colorful roasted veggies like carrots, brussels sprouts, and asparagus. Add fresh parsley or thyme for a splash of color.
Ideas for Serving Cube Steak
For each plate, put a juicy cube steak on mashed potatoes or white rice. Then, pour the rich gravy over it. Serve with steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a complete meal. Or, let everyone build their own plate with the steak, sides, and gravy.
Making Your Plate Visually Appealing
When plating, think about colors and textures. Make the cube steak the main attraction. Use different colors and shapes to make it interesting. Add fresh herbs or a bit of steak sauce for extra flair. With a bit of effort, your crock pot cube steak can look like it came from a fancy restaurant.
