Crock Pot Cube Steak

Crock pot cube steak is my go-to for those nights when I need a comforting dinner but have zero energy left to stand over the stove. This melt-in-your-mouth beef simmers in a creamy mushroom sauce all day and greets you when you walk through the door, ready to spoon over buttery noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes.

The first time I made this, my whole house smelled like Sunday dinner and nobody could believe how soft the steaks turned out. Now it is my rainy day favorite whenever we want a hearty meal with almost no work.

Ingredients

• Large onion sliced: adds mild sweetness and breaks down perfectly in a slow cook

• Cremini or baby bella mushrooms: bring earthy flavor always look for firm clean mushrooms

• Cube steak: pick up beef that is well marbled for the most tender result

• Onion soup mix: provides a flavor boost opt for reduced sodium when possible

• Cream of mushroom soup: brings silky richness look for brands with fewer additives

• Water: used to thin the soup mixture and adjust gravy consistency

• Black pepper: adds warmth and subtle heat

• Seasoned salt: layers in savory notes stick to the specified amount for balance

• Minced garlic: offers a hint of sharpness use fresh for best results

• Cornstarch: thickens the gravy mix with water to avoid lumps

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

Arrange sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of your six-quart slow cooker This forms the savory bed that flavors the meat as it cooks

Layer the Cube Steak:

Lay your cube steak directly over the vegetables If they do not fit in a single layer go ahead and overlap the pieces slightly

Mix the Gravy:

In a separate bowl whisk onion soup mix cream of mushroom soup water black pepper seasoned salt and minced garlic until well combined

Add Gravy to Cooker:

Pour the prepared gravy mixture all over the steak making sure it coats everything

Slow Cook Until Tender:

Cover and set your slow cooker Cook on high for six hours or on low for eight hours This long simmer is what transforms the steak into something completely tender

Thicken the Sauce:

During the last hour combine cornstarch and water and stir it right into the slow cooker mixture If you were cooking on low turn it up to high Let the gravy thicken for at least thirty minutes

Serve:

Spoon the steaks and plenty of gravy over noodles rice or mashed potatoes and enjoy that luscious comfort

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My favorite thing is always the mushrooms because they soak up all that savory gravy. Once we had a chilly evening where my kids argued over the last spoonful of sauce. That is when you know it is a keeper.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool then store in airtight containers in the fridge It will keep for three days easily The sauce tends to get even richer on day two If you plan to freeze let the mixture cool first portion it out and store in freezer bags for up to three months Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find cremini mushrooms white button ones work fine For the cream of mushroom soup you could swap in homemade or even a can of cream of celery for a different flavor boost If you want it lower in sodium look for reduced sodium versions of both soup and onion soup mix

Serving Suggestions

My family loves this spooned onto egg noodles but it goes just as well over brown rice or creamy mashed potatoes A side of green beans or roasted carrots fits right in For a big gathering offer a crusty loaf of bread so everyone can mop up any extra gravy

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Cultural Context

Cube steak has been an affordable comfort food in American kitchens for decades The slow cooker method became popular in the seventies for its ability to turn tougher cuts of meat into fork tender meals This recipe is an update of the classic with that creamy nostalgic gravy

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef is cube steak?

Cube steak is usually top or bottom round beef that's been tenderized with a meat mallet, resulting in its signature dimpled texture.

→ Can I use a different mushroom variety?

Yes, cremini, baby bella, or even white button mushrooms all add earthiness and texture to this dish.

→ How should I serve slow cooked cube steak?

It's delicious served over buttery mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up the savory gravy.

→ How long does it take for the meat to turn tender?

After 6–8 hours in the slow cooker, cube steak becomes fork-tender and infused with flavor.

→ Is it necessary to brown the steak before slow cooking?

No, browning is optional. Slow cooking alone will render the meat tender, though browning can add extra flavor if desired.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors often develop even more after sitting, making leftovers especially tasty.