If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and tender beef dish, this Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe is a must-try! Slow cooking transforms tough cube steak into a melt-in-your-mouth meal, packed with rich flavors and savory gravy.
Using a crock pot makes this recipe effortless just throw in your ingredients, set it, and forget it! Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just craving some comfort food, this dish is perfect for you. 😋
Table of Contents
Let’s dive in and make the best slow cooker cube steak ever! 🔥
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a beef cut that has been tenderized by a meat mallet or a mechanical tenderizer, leaving it with a distinctive cubed texture. This process helps break down the fibers, making it easier to cook and absorb flavors.
🔹 Where does it come from? Cube steak is typically made from top round or top sirloin, which are tougher cuts of beef.
🔹 Why is it called “cube” steak? The name comes from the cubed pattern left by the tenderizing process.
🔹 How is it different from regular steak? Unlike ribeye or filet mignon, cube steak needs slow cooking or breaded frying to become tender and juicy.
Since cube steak is a tougher cut, cooking it low and slow in a crock pot is one of the best methods to make it incredibly soft and flavorful. 🍖
Will Steak Get Tender in a Crock Pot?
Absolutely! ✔️ A crock pot is the perfect tool for turning tough meats like cube steak into a fork-tender delight. Here’s why:
💦 Moist Cooking Environment – The slow cooker traps moisture, preventing the meat from drying out.
🔥 Low & Slow Cooking – Cooking at a low temperature for several hours breaks down the connective tissues, making the steak super tender.
🧅 Absorbing Flavors – Cube steak soaks up all the seasonings, broth, and gravy, making every bite burst with flavor.
⏰ How long does it take?
✔️ Low setting: 6-8 hours for maximum tenderness.
✔️ High setting: 3-4 hours if you’re in a hurry.
Tip: Cooking longer on low heat is the best way to achieve fall-apart cube steak. If you rush the process, it may still be chewy.
How to Make Crock Pot Cube Steak
Now that we know what cube steak is and why slow cooking makes it so tender, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making this delicious dish! 🤩
Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak
To make the best slow cooker cube steak, you’ll need simple pantry ingredients that create an incredibly rich and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
🛒 Main Ingredients:
✅ Cube steak – About 4-6 pieces, depending on the size.
✅ Beef broth – Enhances the flavor and keeps the meat moist.
✅ Onion – Sliced thinly to create a rich, savory gravy.
✅ Garlic – Minced for extra depth of flavor.
✅ Cream of mushroom soup – Makes the gravy thick and creamy.
✅ Worcestershire sauce – Adds a hint of tangy umami.
✅ Flour (optional) – Helps thicken the gravy.
✅ Butter or oil – For browning the steak (optional but recommended).
✅ Salt & pepper – To season the meat.
🌿 Optional Add-ins for More Flavor:
✨ Sliced mushrooms – If you love an extra earthy taste.
✨ Bell peppers – Adds a little sweetness and texture.
✨ Red pepper flakes – If you want a spicy kick!
✨ Soy sauce – Gives the gravy a deeper, savory flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious slow cooker cube steak:
Step 1: Season & Prep the Cube Steak
🔸 Pat the cube steak dry with a paper towel. This helps it brown better.
🔸 Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder.
🔸 (Optional) Dredge the steak in a little flour for a thicker gravy.
Step 2: Brown the Cube Steak (Optional but Recommended)
🔥 Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
🔥 Sear each cube steak for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
🔥 Don’t cook it all the way through! This just locks in the flavor.
💡 Pro Tip: Browning adds extra depth to the dish, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry.
Step 3: Layer Everything in the Crock Pot
🍲 Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
🍲 Lay the cube steaks on top of the onions.
🍲 Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cream of mushroom soup.
🍲 Add any extra ingredients (mushrooms, peppers, etc.) if using.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
⏳ Cover and cook on:
✔️ Low for 6-8 hours for ultra-tender steak.
✔️ High for 3-4 hours if you need it faster.
As it cooks, the cube steak will absorb all the flavors, and the gravy will thicken into a rich, savory sauce. 😍
🔥 Tips for the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak
✔️ For thicker gravy – Mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
✔️ Don’t lift the lid too often! It slows down the cooking process.
✔️ Taste before serving – Adjust salt and seasonings as needed.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cube Steak?
Now that your cube steak is tender and smothered in rich gravy, let’s talk about side dishes! The right sides can enhance the flavors and make this meal even more satisfying. 😋
🥔 Classic Side Dishes
If you love hearty comfort food, these sides will pair perfectly with your slow cooker cube steak:
✅ Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture soaks up all that delicious onion gravy!
✅ White or Brown Rice – A simple, fluffy option that balances the rich flavors.
✅ Egg Noodles – Twirl them around in the gravy for a cozy meal.
✅ Cornbread – A slightly sweet and buttery side to complement the savory dish.
✅ Buttered Rolls – Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up that tasty sauce. 🍞
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Sides
Want a lighter option? Try these low-carb and healthy sides:
✔️ Cauliflower Mash – A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. 🥄
✔️ Zucchini Noodles – A fresh and light way to enjoy the gravy.
✔️ Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – Adds a nice crunch and balances the richness.
✔️ Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized and crispy for extra flavor.
✔️ Side Salad – A fresh, tangy salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the heaviness.
Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Onion Gravy Has the Best Flavor!
One of the best parts of this dish is the savory, thick onion gravy that forms as it slow cooks. The onions caramelize, blending with the broth and seasonings to create a deep, rich flavor.
🔸 Why is onion gravy so good?
👉 It adds sweetness as the onions break down.
👉 The gravy thickens naturally, coating every bite of steak.
👉 It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, and noodles.
💡 Want to make the gravy even better? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a little extra Worcestershire sauce at the end! 🥄
More Ideas to Try with Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Want to switch things up and add even more flavor to your cube steak? Here are some fun variations and ways to customize your recipe! 🤩
Adding Mushrooms & Peppers
For extra richness and depth, try adding mushrooms and bell peppers to the crock pot.
🟢 How to do it:
✅ Slice fresh mushrooms and bell peppers into thin strips.
✅ Add them to the crock pot on top of the cube steak before cooking.
✅ They will soften and blend into the gravy, adding a delicious umami taste!
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a smoky flavor, use roasted red peppers instead of fresh ones.
🥛 Using Creamy Gravy
Want an extra creamy version? Replace or mix the broth with heavy cream or sour cream for a richer, velvety gravy.
🥄 How to make it creamier:
✔️ Add ½ cup of heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
✔️ Stir in ¼ cup sour cream before serving for a tangy kick.
✔️ Use cream of celery soup instead of mushroom for a milder flavor.
🧀 Want a cheesy twist? Sprinkle grated parmesan or cheddar on top before serving! 😍
🌶️ Making a Spicy Version
Love a little heat? 🔥 Kick up the spice level with these simple tweaks:
🌶️ Spicy Additions:
✔️ Add ½ tsp of red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
✔️ Use chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers for a smoky spice.
✔️ Mix in 1-2 tsp of hot sauce (like Tabasco or Sriracha) for extra kick.
🌮 Tex-Mex Version: Serve the spicy cube steak over Spanish rice or in tortillas for a flavorful twist! 🌮
🥕 Adding Vegetables for a One-Pot Meal
Make this a complete meal by adding veggies directly into the crock pot.
🥕 Best vegetables to add:
✔️ Carrots – Sweetness balances the savory flavors.
✔️ Potatoes – Cooked in the gravy, they soak up all the goodness.
✔️ Green beans – Adds freshness and a little crunch.
✔️ Celery – Enhances the aroma and adds a light, earthy flavor.
💡 Pro Tip: If adding vegetables, cut them into larger chunks so they don’t get mushy during slow cooking.
🍛 Other Fun Ways to Serve Cube Steak
Don’t just serve it the usual way! Try these creative serving ideas:
✅ Over Texas Toast – Thick, buttery toast + cube steak gravy = 🤯
✅ On a Baked Potato – Load up a baked potato with steak and gravy. 🥔
✅ With Grits – A Southern twist that’s creamy and comforting.
✅ As a Sandwich – Use hoagie rolls and melted cheese for a steak sandwich. 🥖🧀
💖 You Will Love Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe!
This recipe is so easy, so tender, and so flavorful—it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving a cozy meal, this dish is a guaranteed hit! 🎉
🔥 Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Minimal Effort – Just dump everything in the crock pot and let it do the work.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients.
✔️ So Tender – Falls apart with just a fork!
✔️ Full of Flavor – The onion gravy makes it incredibly rich.
Give it a try, and let your slow cooker work its magic! 🍲✨
FAQs About Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Got questions? 🤔 Here are some common FAQs to help you make the perfect slow cooker cube steak! 🍲
❄️ Can I Use Frozen Cube Steak in the Crock Pot?
Yes, you can cook cube steak straight from frozen, but it’s not recommended. ❌
👉 Why? The steak won’t absorb seasonings as well and may release excess moisture, making the gravy watery.
💡 Best Practice:
✔️ Thaw overnight in the fridge for better texture and flavor.
✔️ If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time by 1-2 extra hours on low.
⏳ How Long Does Cube Steak Take to Cook in a Crock Pot?
⏳ Cooking times depend on the heat setting:
✔️ Low setting: 6-8 hours (best for ultra-tender steak).
✔️ High setting: 3-4 hours (faster, but not as tender).
💡 Pro Tip: For the most tender cube steak, always cook low and slow! 🔥
🌾 Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Here’s how to make it gluten-free:
✅ Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the gravy.
✅ Swap cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version.
✅ Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is labeled gluten-free.
Now you can enjoy tender, flavorful cube steak without worrying about gluten! 🎉
🥶 What’s the Best Way to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat for the best taste!
📦 Storage:
✔️ Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating:
✔️ Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan with a little broth.
✔️ Microwave: Reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
💡 Pro Tip: If the gravy thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!
🥩 Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! If you don’t have cube steak, try these alternative cuts:
✔️ Round steak – Slightly tougher but works well in a slow cooker.
✔️ Chuck roast – More marbled and tender, perfect for shredding.
✔️ Flank steak – Can be used but requires extra slow cooking.
💡 Cube steak is still the best option because it’s already tenderized! 👌
🧂 Can I Make This Without Gravy?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, skip the cream of mushroom soup and use:
✅ Beef broth + onion soup mix for a broth-based sauce.
✅ Tomato sauce + Italian herbs for a tangy twist.
✅ Garlic butter + Worcestershire for a simple, rich flavor.
If you love easy and delicious recipes, here are more mouthwatering dishes you need to try! 😋👇
👉 Shredded Beef Sandwiches – Tender, juicy beef piled high on a soft bun! 🥩🥪
👉 Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque – A creamy, seafood-packed soup that’s pure comfort! 🦀
👉 Cream of Mushroom Chicken Crockpot – Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! 🍗🍄
👉 Pizza Fries Recipe – Crispy fries loaded with cheesy, pizza goodness! 🍕🍟
Conclusion
Slow cooker cube steak is one of the easiest, most flavorful meals you can make! 🥩 With minimal effort, you get a tender, juicy steak smothered in delicious onion gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔️ Effortless Cooking – Just throw it in the crock pot and relax.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.
✔️ Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender – Slow cooking makes it incredibly soft.
✔️ Crowd-Pleasing Meal – Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Try this Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe today and let your slow cooker do the work!