This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is a comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The tender cube steaks, slow-cooked in a flavorful gravy made with cream of mushroom soup and beef broth, create a rich and hearty meal.
The combination of juicy beef and the savory gravy pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded family meal. This dish is simple to prepare and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Directions:
- Place cube steaks in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the cube steaks, ensuring they are well covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, if you want a thicker gravy, combine the cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the gravy. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high until thickened.
- Serve the cube steaks with the gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (on low) | Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes | Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Cube steaks, known for their tenderness and rich beef flavor, are slow-cooked to perfection in a savory gravy. The gravy, made with a combination of cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, gives the dish a rich, velvety texture that perfectly complements the meat. The best part? It’s all made in the crockpot, so you can set it and forget it until dinner time!
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The ingredients for this recipe are simple, yet they come together to create a meal that’s so comforting and full of flavor. Cube steaks are a great budget-friendly cut of beef, and with the slow-cooking method, they become incredibly tender and juicy. The gravy adds an irresistible depth of flavor to the dish, making it the perfect pairing for mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of steamed veggies.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This recipe is ideal for busy families, as it requires very little prep time and cooks while you go about your day. Simply toss the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, set it to cook on low, and by dinner time, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal waiting for you. You can even make it ahead and have dinner ready when you walk through the door!
Customization Options
While this recipe is already fantastic as is, feel free to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Add mushrooms: If you love mushrooms, feel free to add fresh or canned mushrooms to the gravy for extra texture and flavor.
- Use a different cut of beef: While cube steak is the traditional choice for this recipe, you could also use round steak or flank steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it spicy: For a kick of heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for serving it up:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a perfect base for soaking up the delicious gravy.
- Rice: Steamed rice will absorb the flavorful gravy, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Vegetables: Serve alongside some steamed vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or peas, for a balanced meal.
- Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread is great for dipping into the gravy and savoring every last bit.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores well in the fridge. Simply transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, warm the cube steaks and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every 1-2 minutes to ensure even heating.
For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers. Place the cube steaks and gravy in a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is a dish that checks all the boxes: it’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a comforting dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s a meal that will bring everyone to the table, and you’ll love how effortless it is to make. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the savory goodness of slow-cooked beef and gravy!
The Benefits of Using a Crock Pot for Cube Steak and Gravy
Using a slow cooker, or crockpot, for this Cube Steak and Gravy recipe has several key benefits that make it a go-to cooking method for busy families:
- Tender Meat: Slow cooking allows the cube steak to break down, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. The slow cooking process ensures that even tougher cuts of beef like cube steak become soft, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Hands-Off Cooking: One of the biggest advantages of using a crockpot is its hands-off nature. You don’t need to monitor the cooking process, making it a great choice for busy days. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and go about your day while the crockpot does all the work.
- Flavorful Gravy: The slow cooking method allows the flavors of the gravy to develop and meld together, creating a rich, savory sauce that soaks into the meat and enhances every bite. Plus, the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce help to deepen the flavor profile, giving it a more complex taste that’s irresistible.
- No Need for Searing: Unlike some meat-based dishes that require searing before slow cooking, this recipe skips that step. The cube steak will still cook perfectly without needing to be browned beforehand, saving you time and cleanup.
Make It a Complete Meal
This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy recipe can easily become a full meal with a few additional sides or ingredients. If you want to make it even heartier, try these options:
- Add Vegetables to the Gravy: For extra nutrition, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or even green peas directly into the slow cooker. The vegetables will absorb the flavors of the gravy and become a delicious side dish alongside the meat.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the gravy and provide a refreshing contrast to the meal. Consider adding greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for a healthy touch.
- Make it a Comfort Meal with Garlic Bread: Nothing beats dipping a warm, garlicky slice of bread into the creamy gravy. If you’re in the mood for comfort food, garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment to this dish. Try toasting some bread and spreading butter and garlic seasoning for an easy and tasty side.
Perfect for Special Occasions or Family Dinners
While this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, it’s also great for special occasions like family dinners, holidays, or potlucks. The rich flavors and tender meat make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress guests. Whether you’re serving it for a casual Sunday family dinner or a more formal gathering, it’s a dish that suits any occasion.
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy for Meal Prep
If you’re into meal prepping, this recipe is a great option for making ahead. You can prepare it in advance and store it in individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week. This is especially helpful for busy professionals or parents looking for quick, satisfying meals without the hassle of cooking every day.
- Prepare for the Week Ahead: Make a big batch of the dish and store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a fast and easy meal.
- Freezing for Later: If you prefer to freeze your meals, this dish freezes beautifully. Divide it into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat for a quick and comforting meal.
Adjusting the Recipe to Your Dietary Preferences
This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy recipe is versatile and can be easily adjusted to fit a variety of dietary preferences. If you’re looking for a healthier or lower-sodium version, here are a few substitutions:
- Low-Sodium Soup and Broth: To reduce the sodium content of the dish, use low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. This will still provide great flavor without all the added salt.
- Gluten-Free Options: For those following a gluten-free diet, you can use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure that the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free as well. There are many great gluten-free substitutes available at the store.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can try substituting the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative. There are several plant-based mushroom soups that would work well in this recipe.
Why Cube Steak Is a Great Choice
Cube steak is often an underrated cut of beef, but it’s perfect for slow cooking. Known for its tenderness and flavor, cube steak is typically less expensive than other cuts like ribeye or sirloin, making it a great budget-friendly option for families. When cooked low and slow, cube steak becomes fork-tender and full of flavor, making it ideal for dishes like this Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy.
The cube steak itself is usually tenderized by pounding or mechanical tenderization, which breaks down the muscle fibers and makes it softer. This makes it an excellent choice for slow cooking because the slow cooker will continue to tenderize the meat, resulting in a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Perfect for Busy Weekends or Family Gatherings
Even though this dish is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, it’s equally perfect for weekend gatherings and family get-togethers. It’s a dish that everyone will love, and it’s simple to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe to make enough for a large group, and the slow cooker ensures that all the flavors meld together perfectly, no matter how many servings you’re preparing.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. The slow-cooked cube steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up the rich and savory gravy for a meal that’s satisfying and hearty. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a family dinner, or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
With its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method, you can enjoy a flavorful, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, with plenty of customization options, it’s easy to adapt the dish to suit your dietary preferences and tastes.
So, grab your crockpot, throw in the ingredients, and let it do the work for you. You’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal that’s sure to bring everyone to the table. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy – it’s a dish that promises to leave you and your loved ones satisfied, every time.