Flavors Worth Savoring
Easy Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe – Tender & Delicious
As the cool autumn breeze drifts through the kitchen, the enticing aroma of a slow-cooked, tender cube steak crock pot recipe fills the air. This budget-friendly dish is a comforting and delicious way to transform tough cuts of meat into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
The key to this slow cooker cube steak recipe is the magic of the crock pot, which tenderizes the meat to perfection. The combination of the Lipton Onion Soup mix, creamy mushroom soup, and savory gravy creates a flavor-packed dish that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this tender cube steak crock pot recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Understanding Cube Steak: What Makes It Perfect for Slow Cooking
Cube steak is a hidden gem in crock pot recipes. It comes from the cow’s shoulder, a muscle that’s used a lot. This makes it tough and fibrous. But slow cooking changes everything.
The Science Behind Mechanical Tenderizing
Cube steak is made tender by mechanical tenderizing. A meat mallet or special machine makes tiny holes in the meat. This breaks down tough fibers, making the steak tender and easy to chew. Slow cooking turns it into a tender delight.
Why Low and Slow Cooking Works Best
Cooking cube steak in a crock pot for 6-8 hours makes it tender. The slow cooking breaks down connective tissues. This creates a rich, satisfying dish perfect for family meals.
Budget-Friendly Beef Option
Cube steak is also very affordable. Slow cooking it in a crock pot makes it a delicious, budget-friendly meal. It’s great for family dinners without spending a lot.
“Slow cooking cube steak in a crock pot is the secret to unlocking its full potential. The low and slow cooking process tenderizes the meat, creating a fork-tender, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.”
Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
There’s nothing like a hearty cube steak meal cooked in the slow cooker. The secret to the best cube steak crock pot recipe is having the right ingredients. From tender steak to flavorful gravy, let’s look at what you need for a delicious dish.
The heart of this recipe is the cube steak. It’s usually top round or sirloin that’s been tenderized. This makes the meat tender and perfect for slow cooking.
- Cube steak
- Cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- French onion soup
- Au jus gravy mix
- Water
For a thick, flavorful gravy, add cornstarch and cold water. Use beef consommé, beef broth, or low-sodium options for more flavor. Lipton Onion Soup mix and brown gravy mix can also enhance the taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cube steak | 1-2 lbs |
| Cream of chicken or mushroom soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| French onion soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| Au jus gravy mix | 1 packet |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 2-3 tbsp |
| Cold water (optional) | 2-3 tbsp |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make the ultimate cube steak crock pot recipe. It’s perfect for easy cube steak dishes and hearty beef dinners.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Getting ready for the tender cube steak crock pot is simple. First, mix the key ingredients – condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth – in your 6-quart slow cooker. Then, add the 2 pounds of cube steaks, making sure they’re fully covered in the mix.
Setting Up Your Crock Pot
To get the best results, pre-heat your crockpot to high while you get the ingredients ready. This step ensures the slow cooker is ready to cook the slow cooker cube steak recipes right away.
Creating the Perfect Gravy
To make a delicious gravy, you’ll need a simple thickening agent. Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 8 ounces of beef broth in a small bowl. After cooking the cube steaks for 6-8 hours on low, add the cornstarch mixture to the crockpot and stir. Cook on high for 30 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s just right.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 8 hours on low | 8 hours and 10 minutes | 6 servings | 8 cube steaks |
- Combine condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and 8 ounces of beef broth in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add 2 pounds of cube steaks, ensuring they are well-coated in the mixture.
- Pre-heat the crockpot by setting it to high while preparing the other ingredients.
- Cook the cube steaks on low for 6-8 hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 8 ounces of beef broth to create a thickening agent.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot and stir well.
- Cook the gravy on high for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Enjoy your tender and delicious crock pot beef recipes with your favorite sides. Try mashed potatoes, cooked white rice, buttered noodles, sautéed green beans, rolls, biscuits, or cornbread.
Time-Saving Tips and Meal Prep Strategies
Planning ahead is key for easy cube steak dishes. Simple tips and strategies can make your meal prep faster. This way, you can enjoy tasty family-friendly beef dishes without spending a lot.
Freezing items like cube steak, chuck roast, or pork chops is a smart move. It saves you money and time when cooking. This ensures you always have budget-friendly beef meals ready.
- Keep “cream of” soups in your pantry for quick meal bases.
- Utilize a digital crockpot with an automatic keep-warm setting to offer flexible cooking times.
- Prepare side dishes like boxed rice pilaf or canned green beans ahead of time for a complete, affordable meal under $10.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 8 hours | 8 hours 10 minutes | 4 | 4 servings |
These tips and strategies make cooking easy cube steak dishes, family-friendly beef dishes, and budget-friendly beef meals a breeze. You’ll save time and enjoy great flavors.
“Meal prepping and using a slow cooker are game-changers for busy families looking to enjoy home-cooked, budget-friendly beef meals.”
Creating Rich and Flavorful Gravy Variations
The beauty of this slow cooker cube steak recipe is its versatility. You can try different soup bases to make your cube steak dinner unique. This way, you can enjoy a variety of flavors.
Classic Mushroom Gravy Base
For a traditional mushroom gravy, use condensed cream of mushroom soup. The slow cooker blends the flavors, making the gravy rich and savory. It’s perfect for topping your tender cube steak.
Alternative Soup Combinations
Try different cream-based soups for a twist on your cube steak meals. You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or mix two soups. This lets you create unique, flavorful gravies that suit your taste.
Thickening Techniques for Perfect Consistency
For a thicker gravy, you have a few options. Make a cornstarch slurry and stir it in the last 30 minutes. Or, let the gravy simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken naturally. Adding grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese can make it even creamier.
