The Best Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy You’ll Love

Imagine coming home to a delicious, tender crock pot cube steak and gravy. It’s made easy with a slow cooker. You just need a simple recipe and a few ingredients. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it’s easy to make and doesn’t need many ingredients.

Slow cooker cube steak recipes help you make a dish that’s both budget-friendly and flavorful. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and tender crock pot cube steak and gravy. We’ll use a 6-quart slow cooker and 2 pounds of cube steak as the main ingredient.

Discovering Cube Steak: An Ideal Cut for Slow-Cooked Meals

Cube steak is a cut of steak that’s small and perfect for slow cooking. It’s great for recipes like easy crock pot cube steak. Slow cooking brings out tenderness and rich flavor in the meat.

Using cube steak in slow-cooking recipes is a smart choice. It’s tender and tastes good. The slow cooking breaks down the meat, making it easy to chew. Plus, the cube shape cooks evenly and quickly, perfect for busy cooks.

What Makes Cube Steak Special

Cube steak is special because it’s affordable and tasty. It comes from tougher cuts like top round or top sirloin. These cuts are made tender by pounding or using special tools.

Reasons Cube Steak is Perfect for Crock Pot Cooking

Cube steak is great in a crock pot because it’s easy to cook. Just add it to the crock pot with your favorite ingredients. Give it time to cook, and you’ll enjoy a tender, delicious meal.

Choosing Quality Cube Steak

When picking cube steak, look for fresh cuts with good color. Avoid pale or spoiled meat. Ask your butcher for the best cube steak for your recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

To make tasty cube steak crock pot meals, you need a few key ingredients. You’ll need cube steak, gravy mix, and veggies like onions and mushrooms. Choose high-quality cube steak for better tenderness and flavor.

A common recipe for crock pot round steak and gravy includes 8 cube steaks. You’ll also need 1 ounce of onion soup mix, 10.5 ounce cans of cream of chicken and mushroom soup. Plus, 8 ounces of beef broth, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of water.

• 4-6 cube steaks
• 2 packets of gravy mix
• 2 cans of 10.5 ounces of condensed French onion soup
• 8 ounces beef broth
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water

These ingredients help make a rich, flavorful gravy for your tender cube steak. Tailor the quantities to suit your preferences and your group size.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make the best crock pot cube steak recipe, you’ll need the right kitchen equipment. A good crock pot is essential for slow-cooking cube steak. It allows for even heat distribution and tenderizes the meat well. When choosing a crock pot, consider the size of your recipe and the number of people you’re serving.

A 6-quart Crock Pot Slow Cooker is a great option for preparing cube steaks. It provides ample space for the meat and gravy. Look for a crock pot with a removable liner, a digital timer, and multiple heat settings. These features will help you cook your cube steak to perfection and ensure the gravy is rich and flavorful.

You’ll also need some basic kitchen tools, such as a cutting board, knife, and spatula. These tools are essential for preparing and cooking your cube steak.

Crock Pot Size Requirements

The size of your crock pot depends on the number of cube steaks you’re cooking and the amount of gravy you want to make. A general rule of thumb is to choose a crock pot that is at least 6 quarts in size. This size will give you enough room to cook 4-6 cube steaks and make a generous amount of gravy.

If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, you may want to consider a larger crock pot. An 8-quart or 10-quart model can accommodate more cube steaks and gravy.

Additional Tools and Utensils

In addition to a crock pot, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools and utensils. These may include:

• A cutting board for slicing the cube steak
• A knife for trimming excess fat and cutting the steak into smaller pieces
• A spatula for stirring the gravy and serving the cube steak
• A set of measuring tools helps you portion ingredients accurately

By having the right kitchen equipment and tools, you’ll be able to make a delicious and tender cube steak with a rich and flavorful gravy. Try using a slow cooker cube steak recipe to make the process even easier and more convenient.

Preparing Your Cube Steak for the Crock Pot

Seasoning your cube steak with salt, pepper, and spices is key. It makes the flavor pop. Use paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for the best taste.

Cook the cube steak on low for 8 hours. This process ensures the dish is both tender and flavorful. Serve it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a tasty meal.

• Cook the cube steak on low for 6-8 hours for tender results
• Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy during the last hour of cooking
• Serve the steak and gravy with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a classic combination

Follow these tips and use the right seasonings for a delicious easy crock pot cube steak recipe. It’s perfect for any meal. The cube steak in gravy crock pot recipe is a hearty and flavorful choice.

Creating the Perfect Gravy Base

To make a delicious crock pot cube steak and gravy, you need to create the perfect gravy base. This involves combining seasoning components, liquid ratios, and thickening agents in the right proportions. When making slow cooker cube steak recipes, it’s essential to balance the flavors to achieve a rich and savory gravy.

A good gravy base starts with a mixture of beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix. You can also add some garlic powder and black pepper to taste. The key is to find the right balance of flavors to complement the cube steak.

• Use a combination of beef broth and cream of mushroom soup for a rich and creamy texture.
• Add some onion soup mix for an extra boost of flavor.
• Experiment with different seasoning components, such as garlic powder and black pepper, to find the perfect balance of flavors.

By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious gravy base that complements your crock pot cube steak and gravy perfectly. Remember to adjust the liquid ratios and thickening agents according to your preferences to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe

To make an easy crock pot cube steak, you need a few simple things. You’ll need beef cube steaks, cooking oil, flour, and beef stock. This recipe makes 8 servings and cooks in just 4 hours.

The ingredients for this cube steak in gravy crock pot recipe are:

• 2 pounds beef cube steaks
• ¼ cup cooking oil
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups beef stock

Here’s how to make the perfect easy crock pot cube steak:

1. Preheat the skillet and cook the cube steaks in batches.
2. Preheat the crockery of the slow cooker.
3. Add the cooked cube steaks, beef stock, and flour to the slow cooker.

This cube steak in gravy crock pot recipe is not only tasty but also easy to make. It needs just a few ingredients. With a cooking time of 4 hours, you’ll have a delicious meal ready quickly.

Optimal Cooking Times and Temperature Settings

Cooking crock pot round steak and gravy needs the right cooking times and temperatures. This ensures the meat is tender and the gravy is rich. The cooking time can change based on the crock pot type and how tender you want the meat.

For cube steak crock pot meals, cooking on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours works well. This makes the meat tender and the gravy thick. Pay close attention to both the time and temperature while cooking.

Low vs High Heat Settings

Cooking on low is best for crock pot round steak and gravy. Cooking at a low pace ensures tender, flavorful meat. Cooking on high is quicker but might overcook the meat.

How to Tell When It’s Done

To check if your cube steak crock pot meals are ready, look for tenderness and flavor. The meat should shred easily with a fork, and the gravy should be thick. If you’re not sure, check the recipe or use a meat thermometer.

By following these tips, you can make delicious and tender cube steak crock pot meals. Everyone is bound to love these.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When you’re making the best crock pot cube steak recipe, you might run into some common problems. These can include overcooking or undercooking the steak, which can be frustrating. These suggestions will help you tackle common issues:

Some common problems and their solutions are:

• Steak is overcooked: Check the cooking time and temperature. For a slow cooker cube steak recipe, it’s best to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Steak is undercooked: Make sure the steak is cooked for the right amount of time. Also, make sure the crock pot is at the correct temperature.
• If the gravy is too thin, blend 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water. Add it to the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

To get the best results with your slow cooker cube steak recipes, buy well-processed cube steaks. They should have uniform indentations. This will help them become tender after slow cooking. Also, remember that the typical serving size of cube steak is 4 oz (113g). Each serving has about 35g of protein.

By following these tips and using the best crock pot cube steak recipe, you can make a delicious and tender dish. Always check the cooking time and temperature. Adjust as needed to get the perfect slow cooker cube steak recipes.

Making Your Gravy Richer and More Flavorful

To make your cube steak in gravy crock pot dish even more delicious, you can enrich the gravy with various herbs and seasonings. For an easy crock pot cube steak recipe, consider adding some dried thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the gravy mixture. These herbs will infuse the gravy with a savory flavor that complements the cube steak perfectly.

Another way to enhance the flavor of your gravy is to add some extra ingredients, such as sautéed mushrooms or onions. These ingredients will not only add flavor but also texture to the gravy, making it more enjoyable to eat. You can also try using different types of broth or stock to change the flavor profile of the gravy.

Some other options to consider when making your gravy richer and more flavorful include using a mixture of beef broth and red wine, or adding some tomato paste for a deeper flavor. You can also experiment with different spices, such as paprika or garlic powder, to give the gravy a unique taste. By trying out these different options, you can create a delicious and easy crock pot cube steak recipe that suits your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

There are many ways to serve your crock pot cube steak and gravy. You can pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting meal. Creamed peas, old-fashioned green beans, or oven-roasted carrots also make great sides.

Recipe contributors suggest serving crock pot cube steak and gravy with mashed potatoes or a fresh tomato and basil sauce. Here are some popular ideas:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Egg noodles
• Creamed peas
• Old-fashioned green beans
• Oven-roasted carrots

ZacMom recommends serving cube steak with gravy and meat for a tasty chicken fried steak. Yoly suggests simmering cube steak with green bell peppers and onions. Mashed potatoes make the perfect side for this comforting dish.

These serving suggestions and side dishes will make your slow cooker cube steak recipes a hit. Whether with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, your crock pot cube steak and gravy will impress everyone.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Cube Steak

Storing and reheating leftover cube steak right is key to keeping its taste and texture. For cube steak crock pot meals, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. They can be frozen and kept fresh for three months.

To reheat, use a slow cooker or the oven. For crock pot round steak and gravy, reheating in a slow cooker is best. It keeps the steak tender. Adding more gravy or sauce helps prevent dryness.

Here are some reheating tips for leftover cube steak:

• Use a slow cooker to reheat the cube steak, as it helps to retain the tenderness of the steak.
• Add additional gravy or sauce to the reheated cube steak to prevent dryness.
• Reheat the cube steak to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftover cube steak crock pot meals and crock pot round steak and gravy. This way, you keep the dish’s texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations and Adaptations

Exploring the best crock pot cube steak recipe can lead to exciting flavors. Try adding mushrooms for a tasty mushroom gravy version. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your liking.

For a mushroom gravy twist, sauteed mushrooms add an earthy taste and creamy texture. The onion soup mix variation brings a savory flavor to your dish. It’s a great way to enhance your slow cooker cube steak recipes.

Mushroom Gravy Version

Mushroom lovers will adore this version. Use button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms. Simply saute them in butter until tender, then mix into the gravy.

Onion Soup Variation

For a savory twist, try the onion soup mix version. It combines onion soup mix with beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. Pour this over your cube steak for a flavorful dish.

Other ideas include adding garlic or herbs to the gravy. You can also play with different mushrooms or onion soup mixes. These variations help you craft a slow cooker cube steak recipe that’s uniquely yours.

Tips for Making Tender Cube Steak Every Time

To make tender easy crock pot cube steak, you need to know the right cooking methods and ingredients. The thickness of the steak is important, usually around 1/2- to 1/4-inch after pounding. This makes a big difference in how tender it turns out.

When cooking cube steak in the gravy crock pot, pay attention to the cooking time and temperature. Cube steaks cook for about eight hours in a slow cooker or two hours on the stovetop. The recipe uses three gravy packets: brown, mushroom, and onion. Adding 1 cup of beef broth and 1/2 cup of gravy, along with two cans of cream of mushroom soup, makes the gravy richer.

Consider these suggestions for the best results:

• The dish requires 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low
• Quantity of cube steaks: 4 (6-ounce each)
• Leftovers will last up to 4 days when refrigerated properly

By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can make a delicious and tender easy crock pot cube steak. Serve it over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a hearty meal.

Health and Nutrition Information

When it comes to crock pot cube steak and gravy, health and nutrition are key. Not only delicious, this recipe is rich in nutrients. It has about 660 kcal per serving, which is a moderate amount of calories.

The recipe has 42g of protein, 44g of fat, and 21g of carbs per serving. It’s also full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Beef is a great source of iron, helping with tissue repair and boosting the immune system.

Adding slow cooker cube steak recipes to your meals can be healthy and fulfilling. Just remember to keep your diet balanced. Also, be mindful of the health risks of eating too much red and processed meat.

Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips

When making cube steak crock pot meals, it’s key to shop smart. Buying in bulk and using coupons can cut down costs. This makes your crock pot round steak and gravy recipe more affordable.

Save money by buying meats like cube steak, chuck roast, or pork chops when they’re on sale. Freeze them for later. Also, look for generic gravy mix, cream of soup, and onion soup mix. They’re often cheaper than brand names.

• Planning your meals around what’s on sale
• Using coupons and discount codes
• Buying in bulk and freezing for later

By using these tips, you can enjoy tasty cube steak crock pot meals without spending too much.

With these tips, you can make a tasty and budget-friendly crock pot round steak and gravy recipe. Your family will love it.

Making This Recipe Your Family Favorite

To make the best crock pot cube steak recipe a staple, serve it often. Adjust it to fit your family’s taste. Try adding new seasonings or ingredients to the slow cooker cube steak recipes to keep it exciting.

Try these suggestions to personalize the dish:

• Adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients
• Using different soups, like cream of chicken or broccoli, for a new taste
• Serving it with various sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or egg noodles

With a few tweaks to the best crock pot cube steak recipe, your family will love it. And with slow cooker cube steak recipes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready with little effort.

Conclusion

Creating the best crock pot cube steak and gravy at home is easy and rewarding. You just need to know about cube steak, pick the right ingredients, and follow a simple recipe. This way, you can make a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and loved by all.

The secret to the perfect crock pot cube steak and gravy is in the details. Pay attention to cooking times, temperature, and gravy texture. With a bit of seasoning, a rich gravy base, and letting the slow cooker do its thing, you’ll get it just right.

You can serve your crock pot cube steak and gravy in many ways. Try it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or buttery biscuits. Feel free to add your own twist with herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Home cooking is all about enjoying the journey and the delicious results.