Easy Cube Steak Recipes Crock Pot – Tender & Delicious
As the days get shorter and the air gets crisp, nothing beats the smell of a hot meal in the slow cooker. Cube steak is a favorite for many, turning into a tender treat when cooked slowly. We’ll share easy cube steak recipes to make your crockpot the star of your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Discover the benefits of using a crockpot to tenderize cube steak cuts
- Learn about the different types of cube steak and how to prepare them for slow cooking
- Explore a variety of flavorful cube steak recipes, from classic mushroom gravy to Italian-inspired dishes
- Uncover time-saving tips for prepping cube steak in advance
- Troubleshoot common issues and find solutions for achieving the perfect crockpot cube steak
What Makes Cube Steak Perfect for Slow Cooking
Tender cube steak is great for slow cooking, like in a crockpot. It comes from the tougher parts of the cow, like the top round or chuck. Slow cooking makes it tender and full of flavor.
Understanding Cube Steak Cuts
Cube steak is called that because it’s cubed or tenderized. This is done by pounding or using a tenderizer. It makes the steak tender and helps it soak up flavors well.
Benefits of Slow Cooking Method
- Tenderizes tough cuts of meat through long, slow simmering
- Allows flavors to meld and develop over time
- Requires minimal hands-on preparation, making it a convenient dinner option
- Results in juicy, fall-apart tender cube steak every time
Tenderizing Techniques
Even though cube steak is tender, you can make it even better. Techniques like pounding, marinating in acidic stuff, or using tenderizer enzymes help. Slow cooking these pre-tenderized cubes in the crockpot makes them super tender and flavorful.
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Cube Steak Success
Making tasty cube steak crockpot dinners or crockpot cube steak with gravy begins with picking the right ingredients. To get tender and flavorful slow-cooked cube steak, focus on these key items:
- High-quality cube steak: Choose cuts that are well-marbled for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
- Aromatic vegetables: Onions, garlic, and mushrooms add depth of flavor to the dish.
- Savory broth or stock: Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth provide the perfect liquid base for simmering.
- Seasonings and herbs: A blend of salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, or your favorite spices enhances the natural flavors.
- Thickening agents: Flour, cornstarch, or a roux can help create a rich, velvety gravy.
By carefully choosing these essential ingredients and mixing them correctly, you’ll make cube steak crockpot dinners and crockpot cube steak with gravy that are tender, flavorful, and loved by all.
“The secret to perfectly cooked cube steak in the crockpot is all in the preparation. With the right blend of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and restaurant-worthy.”
Classic Cube Steak Recipes Crock Pot with Mushroom Gravy
Crockpot cube steak with mushroom gravy is a classic comfort food dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. The slow-cooked recipe makes the cube steak tender and the gravy rich and savory. It’s a hearty meal for family or a satisfying dish for guests.
Ingredient List
- 2 lbs cube steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the cube steak, onion, and mushrooms in a crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, flour, garlic powder, and thyme. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cube steak is tender and the gravy has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crockpot cube steak with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy this comforting and delicious cube steak recipe in the crock pot!
Slow Cooker Swiss-Style Cube Steak
Get ready to enjoy the rich flavors of Swiss-style cube steak in your crockpot! This dish is a true comfort food. With just a few ingredients and some prep, you’ll have tender, cheesy cube steak.
The secret to this recipe is the right mix of seasonings and slow cooking. The cube steak simmers in a creamy sauce. This makes the meat tender and the dish irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cube steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 packet dried onion soup mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the cubed cube steak in the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Swiss cheese, dried onion soup mix, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the cube steak in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is fully covered.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cube steak is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Swiss-style cube steak warm, over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or your choice of side dish.
The slow-cooked cube steak is so tender, it falls apart easily. The Swiss cheese and creamy sauce make it a comforting dish. This cube steak crockpot swiss steak recipe is perfect for any weeknight dinner. It’s a slow cooker cube steak recipe that everyone will love.
Savory Onion-Braised Cube Steak in Crockpot
Turn your cube steak recipes crock pot into a delicious treat with onion-braised cube steak. This slow-cooked dish brings out the best in tender cube steak. It’s all thanks to the perfect mix of aromatics and braising.
Best Onion Varieties to Use
Choosing the right onion is key for onion-braised cube steak. Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work best. They caramelize well, adding a rich flavor that goes great with the cube steak. You can also try red onions or shallots for a different taste.
Braising Techniques
The secret to tender cube steak crockpot is braising. Start by searing the cube steak in a hot pan. Then, move it to your slow cooker. Add sliced onions, a flavorful broth, and seasonings.
Let the cube steak braise low and slow. This breaks down the connective tissues and blends the flavors. The result is a tender, juicy cube steak that’s almost like it melts in your mouth.
With these tips, you can make an amazing onion-braised cube steak in your crockpot. Get ready to impress your family and friends with its mouthwatering aroma and irresistible texture.
Italian-Inspired Crockpot Cube Steak with Tomatoes
Give your easy cube steak crockpot meals an Italian twist. This cube steak crockpot dinners recipe has tender steak in a rich tomato sauce. It’s flavored with herbs and spices, making it a tasty twist on a classic.
We’ll add juicy tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the dish. The slow cooking blends these flavors perfectly. This creates a meal that’s both satisfying and tempting.
- First, season your cube steak with salt and pepper. This step adds a savory base to the dish.
- In your crockpot, layer the seasoned steak and add diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover the crockpot and let it cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. This ensures the meat is tender and the flavors are rich.
- After cooking, serve the steak over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a salad. The choices are endless!
This recipe combines the heartiness of cube steak with Italian flavors. It makes a easy cube steak crockpot meals that everyone will love. Enjoy this cube steak crockpot dinners recipe for a meal that feels like a trip to Italy.
Simple Country-Style Cube Steak with Gravy
Craving a comforting, classic dish? This simple country-style cube steak with homemade gravy is perfect. It’s a rustic recipe that makes tender, flavorful cube steak in your crockpot. With a few ingredients and some gravy-making tips, you’ll have a meal that warms you up.
Gravy Making Tips
The secret to creamy, lump-free gravy is in the technique. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the cube steak drippings. This adds a savory base. Then, whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking until it’s golden brown.
Pour in your broth slowly, stirring constantly, until it’s the right thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Seasoning Guide
- Salt and pepper: Season the cube steak generously before browning to build a solid foundation of flavor.
- Garlic powder: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the gravy for an aromatic depth.
- Dried herbs: A blend of thyme, rosemary, and parsley can elevate the country-style vibe.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a dash of this umami-rich condiment can take your gravy to new heights.
With these simple tips and patience, you’ll have a comforting crockpot cube steak with gravy. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and delicious country-style meal.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Cube Steak in Advance
Preparing cube steak meals in advance can save you a lot of time. It’s perfect for busy home cooks. You can make delicious, tender easy cube steak crockpot meals or slow cooker cube steak recipes with little effort.
One great way to prep cube steak is to brown it before freezing. Season the steak, sear it in a hot pan, and let it cool. Then, put it in an airtight container or freezer bag. This step keeps the flavor and tenderness locked in, making it easy to cook in your slow cooker on busy nights.
Another tip is to chop any vegetables you’ll use in your cube steak dish ahead of time. Chopping onions, mushrooms, and peppers and storing them in the fridge or freezer saves time. It also makes sure your veggies are fresh and ready to use.
| Advance Prep Tip | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Brown cube steak before freezing | Locks in flavor and tenderness |
| Pre-chop vegetables | Reduces prep time on busy days |
| Assemble crockpot ingredients in advance | Faster meal assembly when needed |
Lastly, consider putting together your entire crockpot cube steak meal in advance. Layer the browned steak, veggies, and sauces or seasonings in your slow cooker insert. Cover it and refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to cook. This way, all you have to do is put the insert in your slow cooker and let it cook.
With these tips, you can enjoy easy cube steak crockpot meals and slow cooker cube steak recipes without losing flavor or quality. Prepping in advance means less stress and more time to enjoy your delicious cube steak dishes.
Troubleshooting Common Crockpot Cube Steak Issues
Cooking tender cube steak crockpot dishes is a joy, but sometimes problems arise. Don’t worry, we have solutions for the most common issues in cube steak crockpot dinners.
Texture Problems
If your tender cube steak crockpot is tough, don’t fret. There are a few fixes to get it tender. First, use high-quality cube steak and tenderize it well before cooking. Also, adjust cooking time and temperature to avoid toughness.
Flavor Enhancement Solutions
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar to your cube steak crockpot dinners for more flavor.
- Try aromatic herbs and spices like garlic, onion, thyme, or rosemary to improve the taste of your tender cube steak crockpot dish.
- Use a flavorful broth or stock to add depth and richness to your cube steak crockpot.
Fixing texture and flavor issues will make your tender cube steak crockpot meals delicious every time. Feel free to experiment and find the best ingredients and methods for you.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Cube Steak Meals
When cooking cube steak recipes in the crockpot, you’ll want to pair your tender, flavorful beef with side dishes that complement it perfectly. There are many tasty sides to choose from. They will make your cube steak crockpot dinners a complete and satisfying meal.
Comfort Food Classics
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttery egg noodles
- Fluffy biscuits or dinner rolls
- Savory stuffing or dressing
Veggie-Forward Sides
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic
- Sautéed green beans with bacon
- Buttered corn on the cob
- Steamed broccoli with lemon
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Creamy, savory | 30 minutes |
| Roasted Asparagus | Tender, nutty | 20 minutes |
| Homemade Dinner Rolls | Soft, buttery | 1 hour |
The key to pairing side dishes with your cube steak crockpot dinners is to choose options that complement the flavors and textures of the beef. Whether you prefer comforting classics or fresh, seasonal vegetables, the right side dishes will elevate your cube steak recipes crock pot to the next level.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying tender and flavorful cube steak recipes from the crockpot is just the start. It’s important to store and reheat leftovers right. This keeps your easy cube steak crockpot meals tasty and safe.
Storing Leftover Cube Steak
After your cube steak recipes crock pot dish is done, let it cool down. Then, put it in an airtight container. Divide it into smaller parts to make reheating easier and keep the meat moist.
Keep the cube steak in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for 2-3 months.
Reheating Cube Steak
There are ways to keep your cube steak recipes crock pot dish tender and flavorful when reheating:
- Microwave: Put the cube steak in a microwave-safe dish. Add a bit of broth or water. Heat in 30-second bursts until it’s warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat the cube steak in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking liquid to keep it moist.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the cube steak in a dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes.
Choose your reheating method wisely. Watch the cube steak closely to avoid overcooking and keep it juicy.
| Storage Method | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Cube Steak | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
By following these tips, you can enjoy your easy cube steak crockpot meals for a long time. Savor every bite of your cube steak recipes crock pot leftovers with confidence.
Conclusion
Cube steak recipes in the crockpot are amazing. They make meals tender and full of flavor. From classic cube steak with mushroom gravy to Italian-inspired dishes, these recipes are easy and satisfying.
These recipes are great for both experienced cooks and beginners. They offer tips and techniques to make your cube steak dishes perfect. Try different flavors and ingredients to find your favorite recipe. Enjoy the delicious smell and taste of these comforting meals.
So, give these cube steak recipes crock pot and slow cooker cube steak recipes a try. Your crockpot can make tender, flavorful cube steak dishes any day. It’s easy and delicious.