Easy Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe for Tender Results

As winter winds howl outside, nothing beats the smell of slow-cooked food in your home. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite slow cooker cube steak recipe. It’s a dish that warms your soul and is easy on your wallet.

Imagine biting into tender cube steak, full of savory flavors from Lipton Onion Soup mix, rich brown gravy, and creamy mushroom soup. This affordable meal is great for busy families. It needs little prep and packs a big flavor punch with just a few ingredients.

Key Takeaways

• Slow cooker cube steak is a easy, budget-friendly meal
• The recipe combines cube steak with Lipton Onion Soup mix, brown gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup
• Cooking the steak on low for 6 hours results in tender, flavorful meat
• The dish can be served with side dishes like green beans and rice pilaf
• Customization options include adding vegetables or serving over pasta

What is Cube Steak and Why Use a Slow Cooker?

Cube steak is a special cut of beef that’s been made tender. It’s often from top round or top sirloin steak. This affordable cut is perfect for your tender braised cube steak or other budget-friendly beef dish.

Understanding Cube Steak

The steak is cubed by running it through a machine. This makes small holes in the meat. It makes the steak tender and easy to chew.

Cube steak is great for slow cooking. The long cooking time makes it even more tender.

Benefits of Slow Cooking

• Hands-off preparation: Slow cooking cube steak in a crockpot or Instant Pot lets you just add ingredients and go. The appliance cooks for you.
• Flavor infusion: The long cooking time lets flavors soak into the meat. This makes the dish rich and tasty.
• Tender results: Slow cooking breaks down tough fibers. This turns the cube steak into a tender and juicy meal.

Slow cooking turns this affordable beef into a delicious dish. The tender braised cube steak will become a favorite in your home. It’s a great addition to your budget-friendly beef dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Recipe

To make a tasty slow-cooked meat entree or a comforting cube steak dinner, you’ll need some key ingredients. The base of this recipe is the cube steak. It’s a tenderized and cubed beef cut that makes the dish tender and flavorful.

Essential Ingredients

• 6 cube steak patties, totaling about 1.5 pounds of beef
• 1 package of Lipton Onion Soup mix
• 1 yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)
• 1 package of brown gravy mix
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup

Optional Seasonings and Additions

To boost the flavor of your slow-cooked meat entree, you can add some optional ingredients:

1. 1 ½ cups of beef bone broth or beef stock
2. 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
3. 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
4. 2 teaspoons of homemade herb and garlic seasoning
5. 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
6. 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the sauce

For a healthier option, choose low-sodium alternatives or use Campbells Healthy Request cream of mushroom soup.

Preparing Your Cube Steak for Cooking

Before you can enjoy a slow-cooked cube steak, you need to prepare the meat right. Cube steak is already tenderized, but a few extra steps can improve its texture and taste. This makes for a economical family dinner idea and a budget meal prep that’s simple to do.

Tenderizing the Meat

Even though cube steak is tenderized, you can make it even softer. Just give it a few gentle taps with a meat mallet. This breaks down the muscle fibers, making the steak tender and juicy when cooked low and slow.

Seasoning Techniques

1. Season the cube steaks well with dry onion soup mix. This adds flavor and tenderizes the meat while it cooks.
2. Try adding herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, or dried thyme for your favorite taste.
3. Let the seasoned cube steaks sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This lets the flavors soak into the meat better.

Remember, cube steak is a great choice for economical family dinner ideas and budget meal prep. With a few simple steps, you can turn this affordable cut into a tender, flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Searing Cube Steak: Is It Necessary?

Preparing slow cooker cube steak raises a question: should you sear the meat first? Searing isn’t required, but it offers benefits worth thinking about.

The Benefits of Searing

Searing cube steak over high heat creates a tasty browning on the outside. This is called the Maillard reaction. It caramelizes the meat’s natural sugars, adding depth to the flavor. Searing also keeps the meat’s juices inside, making it tender and moist.

How to Properly Sear Cube Steak

1. Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels to ensure the surface is as dry as possible.
2. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until it’s ripping hot.
3. Add a small amount of high-heat oil, such as avocado or vegetable oil, to the pan.
4. Carefully place the cube steak in the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a nice brown crust forms.
5. Transfer the seared cube steak to the slow cooker and proceed with the remainder of the recipe.

Searing is optional when cooking slow cooker cube steak. If you’re in a hurry or don’t want to sear, the slow cooker method works well. It makes the meat tender and flavorful. Your choice depends on your preference.

Selecting the Right Slow Cooker

Choosing the right slow cooker is key for a tender and flavorful easy cube steak meal or tender braised cube steak. The size and features of your slow cooker can greatly impact your dish. Here are important factors to consider when picking the perfect slow cooker for your cube steak.

Size Considerations

A 5-6 quart oval-shaped slow cooker is usually the best size for cube steak recipes. It can hold 4 to 6 cube steaks, along with cooking liquid and extra ingredients like veggies or potatoes. Make sure your slow cooker is big enough to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Features to Look For

• Digital controls: A slow cooker with digital time and temperature settings lets you control the cooking precisely.
• Keep-warm function: This feature keeps your tender braised cube steak warm after cooking is complete, until you’re ready to serve.
• Tight-fitting lid: A lid that fits well is essential for keeping moisture and heat in, helping your easy cube steak meal become tender.

By choosing the right size and features, you’ll make a delicious and easy easy cube steak meal or tender braised cube steak every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Slow Cooker Cube Steak

Learning to make a tasty beef dish or a slow-cooked meat entree is easy with this guide. Cube steak turns into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat when cooked low and slow.

Layering Ingredients

Begin by placing the cube steaks at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add sliced onions and mushrooms on top of the meat. Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like garlic and onion powder in a bowl. Pour this mix over the ingredients.

Cooking Time and Temperature

1. Cook the cube steak on low for 6-8 hours for the best tenderness.
2. For a quicker option, cook it on high for 3-4 hours. But low and slow is better for tenderness.
3. One hour before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to thicken the gravy in the slow cooker.

Patience is key for perfectly cooked slow cooker cube steak. Follow this guide to make a delicious, affordable beef dish for your loved ones.

Common Additions to Enhance Your Dish

Make your comforting cube steak dinner even better with tasty additions. Try adding sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or fresh spinach. They bring texture and nutrients to your economical family dinner idea.

For more flavor, use Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, or beef bone broth. These ingredients can make your slow cooker recipe even more delicious.

Vegetables to Consider

• Sliced button or cremini mushrooms
• Diced zucchini or yellow squash
• Fresh baby spinach or kale
• Diced carrots or bell peppers
• Caramelized onions or shallots

Sauces and Broths for Extra Flavor

1. Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami note
2. Tomato paste: Enhances the richness of the gravy
3. Beef bone broth: Provides a richer, more complex flavor
4. Cream of chicken or celery soup: Creates a creamy, comforting base

These additions not only make your comforting cube steak dinner taste better. They also make your economical family dinner idea more nutritious. Try out different combinations to see what your family loves most.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Cube Steak

When it comes to serving your slow cooker cube steak, you have many tasty options. This tender, flavorful meat goes well with various side dishes. These can turn your budget meal prep into a comforting dinner.

Ideal Side Dishes

For a classic choice, serve the cube steak with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. The rich gravy will mix well with the starch, creating a delicious blend. Or, you can serve it over egg noodles or a mix of budget-friendly veggies like green beans, roasted carrots, or corn on the cob.

For a lighter option, try serving the cube steak over cauliflower rice. This low-carb choice is healthier but lets the flavorful gravy stand out.

Presentation Tips

• Serve the cube steak and gravy family-style in a large bowl or platter. This lets guests spoon it over their sides.
• For a fancy look, plate the cube steak and sides individually. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor.
• Pair the slow cooker cube steak with a fresh green salad or warm dinner rolls to complete the meal.

How you serve your slow cooker cube steak is up to you. The key is to let the tender, flavorful meat be the main attraction.

Storing Leftovers Safely

After enjoying your crockpot cube steak, you might have leftovers. It’s important to store them right to keep your crockpot cube steak recipe fresh. Here’s how to safely store your easy cube steak meal.

Cooling and Refrigerating

Let your cooked cube steak and sauces cool down before storing. This stops bacteria from growing. Once cooled, put leftovers in airtight containers or bags. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days, at 40°F or below.

Freezing Techniques

• Freeze individual portions of your crockpot cube steak recipe with gravy in sealed containers.
• This keeps the flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the cube steak tender.

When reheating your easy cube steak meal leftovers, use low heat. This keeps the cube steak tender and juicy, just like when it was fresh.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Cube Steak

Tender, braised cube steak is a budget-friendly beef dish. It can be the base for many tasty meals. If you have leftovers, don’t throw them away! Instead, get creative and turn those flavorful slices into something new and exciting.

Recipes for Leftovers

One easy way to use leftover cube steak is to shred or chop it. Then, mix it into your favorite sandwich or taco filling. The tender texture and savory taste go great with creamy condiments, crunchy veggies, and warm tortillas or bread.

For a heartier dish, try adding the cubed steak to a pasta dish. Like a creamy stroganoff or a zesty, tomato-based sauce. The steak adds a satisfying protein boost to your meal.

Transforming into Different Dishes

• Top baked potatoes with shredded cube steak, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a comforting, loaded-up spud.
• Slice the steak into strips and quickly sauté it with fresh veggies for a flavorful stir-fry.
• Bake the leftover steak with a layer of mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious cube steak Parmesan dish.

These creative ideas help you stretch your budget and reduce food waste. They transform every last bite of that tender, braised cube steak into a new and delicious meal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Making the perfect slow-cooked meat entree or comforting cube steak dinner in your slow cooker can be tricky. But, with a bit of troubleshooting, you can fix these problems and get tender, tasty results every time.

Overcooking or Undercooking

If your cube steak is tough or chewy, it probably needs more cooking. Just keep cooking it until it’s so tender it shreds easily. If it’s dry and overcooked, add more liquid to the slow cooker to keep it moist.

Adjusting Seasoning and Flavors

If your dish tastes too salty, try using low-sodium ingredients or less seasoning. If the flavors are weak, add more spices and herbs slowly until it tastes right. To thicken a thin gravy, mix in a cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, add more broth or stock and heat it up.

By fixing common problems and making small changes, you can make sure your slow-cooked meat entree or comforting cube steak dinner is perfect every time. This way, you’ll give your family a delicious and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cube Steak Every Time

To make your slow cooker cube steak tender and tasty, follow these tips. Don’t open the lid while it’s cooking to keep the temperature steady. Use a digital slow cooker with a keep-warm setting to control the cooking time.

Expert Cooking Tips

Browning the meat before slow cooking adds flavor. It locks in juices and makes the steak taste richer. Place vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Timing and Temperature Tricks

Slow-cooked cube steak is all about timing and temperature. Cook it on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Stock up on ingredients when they’re on sale to save money and be ready for any time you want to cook.

FAQ

Does cube steak get tender the longer it cooks?

Yes, cube steak can become more tender with longer cooking, especially when cooked with moist-heat methods such as braising or simmering. The connective tissues in the meat break down over time, resulting in a softer texture. However, overcooking it at too high of a temperature can make it dry and tough, so low and slow cooking is ideal.

How do you make cube steak not chewy?

To make cube steak tender and avoid chewiness:

1. Tenderize Further: Use a meat mallet to pound the steak even thinner if it hasn’t already been tenderized.
2. Cook Low and Slow: Braise the steak in liquid (broth, sauce, or gravy) for a longer period at a low temperature.
3. Marinate It: Use an acidic marinade (with ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk) to break down fibers before cooking.
4. Don’t Overcook: For quick-cooking methods like pan-searing, cook just until browned, then remove from heat to prevent drying.
5. Rest After Cooking: Allow the steak to rest before cutting to retain its juices.

Can you put steak in a slow cooker raw?

Yes, you can put steak in a slow cooker raw. The slow cooking process will thoroughly cook the steak over time, and if combined with liquid or sauces, it will also help tenderize the meat. For added flavor, you may want to sear the steak first in a hot skillet to develop a caramelized crust, but this step is optional.

Will steak go soft in a slow cooker?

Yes, steak will become soft and tender in a slow cooker, particularly cuts with more connective tissue like cube steak, chuck, or round steak. The combination of low heat and extended cooking time helps break down the tough fibers in the meat. Adding a liquid like broth or sauce enhances the tenderness and prevents the meat from drying out.

Tip: Avoid overcooking, as even in a slow cooker, meat can eventually become mushy if left too long. For cube steak, 6-8 hours on low is usually sufficient.