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Looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that requires minimal hands-on time? Try this crock pot cube steak and gravy. Tender cube steaks are simmered in a rich gravy made from onion, mushroom soup, and carefully selected seasonings. The secret to this version lies in the slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the preparation straightforward.
Using a crock pot eliminates the need for constant attention, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The result is a meal that is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying, with tender meat enveloped in a thick, savory gravy.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Minimal Active Cooking: With a total cook time of 7 hours, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
- Rich and Flavorful Gravy: The gravy is deeply flavored with condensed soup and seasonings, ensuring each bite is packed with taste.
- Tender Meat: The slow cooking process breaks down the collagen in the cube steaks, achieving fork-tender perfection.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: This comforting dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
Dive into the key ingredients that make this dish shine. The full ingredient list and exact amounts are in the recipe card.
- Beef Cube Steak: The main protein should be well-trimmed for optimal tenderness. Substitutions are not recommended due to its unique texture.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This thickens the gravy and adds a creamy texture and rich flavor. Avoid substitutions that might alter consistency.
- Low Sodium Beef Broth: It serves as the liquid base, infusing the dish with rich beef flavor while allowing better control over salinity.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential for achieving a balanced flavor profile; skipping or substituting these will affect taste.
- Cornstarch: This acts as a thickening agent for the gravy, contributing to its desirable texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A small amount elevates the overall flavor, enhancing depth and savory notes.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Searing Enhances Flavor
Searing the cube steaks before slow cooking caramelizes the surface through the Maillard reaction, contributing a deep flavor profile throughout the dish.
2. Slow Cooking for Tenderness
Cooking the steaks on low effectively breaks down collagen, resulting in meat that is tender and infused with the rich flavors of the gravy.
3. Flavor Integration
Mixing the gravy ingredients thoroughly ensures each component melds well together, leading to a rich and complex flavor that permeates the meat.
4. Thickening Technique
Incorporating cornstarch mixed with cold water during the final cooking phase thickens the gravy without compromising its smoothness, achieving the desired consistency.
How to Make Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
1. Prepare the Cube Steaks
Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a better sear, as moisture can compromise caramelization.
2. Season the Steaks
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly on both sides of the steaks. Proper seasoning is key to enhancing flavor.
3. Dredge in Flour
Lightly coat each steak in flour for a crispy crust and to aid in thickening the gravy later. Be careful to avoid using too much flour.
4. Sear the Steaks
In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a deep golden brown. Proper browning is crucial for flavor development.
5. Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add butter, then the sliced onions, cooking them for 3-4 minutes until softened, and follow with minced garlic for 30 seconds. This step builds the flavor base.
6. Transfer to Slow Cooker
Scrape the sautéed onions and garlic, including skillet liquid, into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker to ensure that all flavor elements are included.
7. Add the Steaks
Position the browned cube steaks over the onion mixture in a single, even layer for uniform cooking.
8. Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, remaining beef broth, brown gravy mix, dry onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
9. Pour the Gravy Over the Steaks
Pour the prepared gravy over the cube steaks to ensure even coating, which aids in flavor infusion.
10. Cook in Slow Cooker
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours until the meat is fork-tender. This low cooking method transforms the texture of the meat.
11. Thicken the Gravy
In the final 20 to 30 minutes, combine cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy to achieve the desired thickness.
12. Serve the Steaks
Allow the cube steaks to rest in the gravy for 5 minutes before serving, as this keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
Troubleshooting Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
Why are my steaks tough?
If the steaks are tough, they were likely not cooked long enough. Continuing to cook allows the collagen to break down, resulting in tender meat.
Why is my gravy too thin?
This can happen if there wasn't enough thickening. If the gravy remains thin, allow it to simmer longer or add more cornstarch mixed with cold water.
Serving Suggestions
For a comforting dinner experience, serve this dish over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to absorb the savory gravy. Buttered egg noodles also pair excellently, providing a delightful contrast to the sauce. Consider adding steamed vegetables on the side for a fresh touch that balances the meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can season and dredge the cube steaks in flour a day in advance to save time. Store them covered in the refrigerator. The gravy mixture can also be prepped and stored separately in an airtight container. Combine everything in the slow cooker when ready to cook for an effortless meal.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to preserve moisture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While cube steak is ideal for its tenderness, other cuts like chuck or round steak can be substituted, although they may require similar cooking times and care to ensure tenderness.
Is this dish freezable?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently for best results.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you need a replacement for beef broth, vegetable or chicken broth can be used, though this may slightly alter flavor. Ensure the substitute is low sodium to maintain taste balance.
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy for Comforting Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Sprinkle both sides of the steaks evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dredge each cube steak lightly in the flour until both sides are evenly coated.
- Sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- Add the unsalted butter to the skillet with onions and garlic.
- Transfer the onions, garlic, and skillet liquid into the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker.
- Arrange the browned cube steaks over the onion mixture in an even layer.
- In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, remaining beef broth, brown gravy mix, dry onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the cube steaks.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours until fork tender.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water, then stir into the gravy during the last 20 to 30 minutes.
- Allow the cube steaks to rest in the gravy for 5 minutes before serving.
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