Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic Made

Cube steak is a cut of beef, typically from the top round or top sirloin, tenderized through a mechanical process, leaving it with a distinctive cross-hatch pattern. The name "cube steak" comes from the indentations made during tenderizing. This cut is famous for its affordability and versatility, often used in dishes like chicken fried steak or smothered steak.

While cube steak can be cooked quickly, it benefits significantly from slow cooking, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. When prepared in a crock pot, cube steak soaks up the flavors of the broth, onions, and seasonings, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Why Choose the Crock Pot?

The crock pot, or slow cooker, is a kitchen appliance that allows you to cook food at a low temperature over an extended period. This method is perfect for tougher cuts of meat like cube steak because it slowly breaks down the fibers, resulting in tender, juicy meat. Additionally, using a crock pot is incredibly convenient—simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let it do the work while you go about your day.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak

Let's talk about the ingredients before we get into the step-by-step process. For a classic crock pot cube steak recipe, you'll need the following:

1. Cube Steaks: Depending on the size of your crock pot and the number of servings you want, you'll need about 4-6 cube steaks.
2. Onion: 1 large onion, thinly sliced. Onions add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Garlic brings a rich, aromatic element to the dish.
4. Beef Broth: 2 cups. This will be the base of your cooking liquid, providing moisture and flavor.
5. Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can. This adds creaminess and enhances the overall texture of the dish.
6. Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons. This sauce adds a tangy, umami flavor that complements the beef.
7. Salt and Pepper: To taste. These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
8. Optional Seasonings: Paprika, thyme, or rosemary can be added for extra flavor.
9. Cornstarch: 1-2 tablespoons mixed with water (optional, for thickening the gravy).

1. Preparation

   Begin by preparing your ingredients. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic. If your cube steaks are particularly thick, you may want to pound them slightly to ensure even cooking.

2. Searing the Cube Steaks (Optional)

   While not necessary, searing the cube steaks in a hot skillet before placing them in the crock pot can add a depth of flavor. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown each steak for 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but recommended for a richer taste.

3. Layering the Ingredients

   Start by placing a layer of sliced onions at the bottom of the crock pot. This will create a flavorful base for the steaks to rest on. Next, add the cube steaks, placing them on top of the onions. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the steaks, followed by the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

4. Adding the Liquids

   Pour the beef broth over the steaks, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Finally, spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the top. The soup will melt into the broth as it cooks, creating a creamy, savory sauce.

5. Cooking

   Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. The low and slow cooking process makes the cube steak tender and flavorful. If you're short on time, you can set the crock pot to high and cook for 3-4 hours, but the low setting is preferred for the best results.

6. Thickening the Gravy (Optional)

   If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can thicken it about 30 minutes before serving. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with equal water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot and continue cooking on high until the gravy thickens.

7. Serving

   Once the cube steak is tender and the gravy has thickened, it's time to serve. The dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, which will soak up the delicious gravy. Consider adding green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

1. Mushroom Addition: If you're a fan of mushrooms, consider adding fresh or canned mushrooms to the crock pot. They'll enhance the dish's earthy flavor.
2. Gravy Variety: For a different flavor profile, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup.
3. Cheese Topping: For a more decadent finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the steaks about 10 minutes before serving and let it melt.
4. Vegetable Medley: Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers can make this a one-pot meal, adding flavor and nutrition.

One of the best things about crock pot meals is that they often taste even better the next day. To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

You can use the microwave or gently warm the dish on the stovetop when reheating. If the gravy has thickened too much in the refrigerator, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.

Nutritional Information

While cube steak is a relatively lean cut of beef, adding cream of mushroom soup and other ingredients adds some richness to the dish. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on a recipe serving 4 people):

1. Calories: 400-450 kcal
2. Protein: 30-35gFat: 20-25g
3. Carbohydrates: 15-20g
4. Fiber: 2-3g
5. Sodium: 800-1000mg
6. For those looking to reduce calories or sodium, consider using a low-sodium beef broth and a lighter version of the cream of mushroom soup.

The Appeal of Crock Pot Cube Steak

Crockpot cube steak is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender beef with a rich, flavorful gravy. Its simplicity makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, and the slow cooking process ensures that the dish is packed with flavor.

This crock pot cube steak recipes are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy Sunday meal, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The best part? With minimal prep and the help of your trusty crock pot, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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