Easy Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe for Beginners

Imagine coming home after a long day, your stomach growling for a warm meal. You want something comforting and easy to make. This is where the slow cooker comes in. It turns simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with little effort.

Today, we’ll share a simple cube steak crock pot recipe. It makes an affordable cut of meat tender and flavorful. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Let’s dive into the world of cube steak and how to make it special with a crock pot recipe. You’ll see how fun cooking can be, even when you’re short on time or new to the kitchen. Get ready to wow your family with a delicious, budget-friendly meal.

Key Takeaways

• Cube steak is a budget-friendly option, ideal for satisfying meals.
• This recipe serves approximately 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners.
• You can cook cube steak in as little as 6 hours on low in the crock pot.
• The total preparation time will only take about 10 minutes before you let the slow cooker do its magic.
• Leftover cube steak can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing for easy meal planning.

Introduction to Cube Steak

Cube steak is a special cut of beef that’s both affordable and versatile. It starts with tough cuts that are tenderized mechanically. This makes them great for many cooking methods.

Many families love cube steak for its ability to soak up flavors. It creates rich, savory dishes that everyone enjoys.

One big plus of cube steak is its cost. It offers a hearty meal without spending a lot. Its texture also makes it easy to marinate, improving taste and enjoyment.

When you try cube steak recipes, you’ll see how well it works in crock pot dishes. This method ensures even cooking and makes delicious gravies. These gravies are perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.

What is Cube Steak?

Cube steak comes from the cow’s shoulder. This area is tough because the muscles work a lot. Butchers pound the meat to make it tender. This process creates the steak’s unique texture and flavor.

It’s a budget-friendly option for cooking. Slow cooking, like in a crock pot, makes it tender and tasty. Cooking it low and slow helps the meat soak up flavors well.

Cooking cube steak takes longer, about 6 to 8 hours on low heat. This method turns tough meat into a delicious dish. It’s great with many sides and is a favorite for home cooks.

Cube steak is known for its unique texture and flavor absorption. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks. Learning about cube steak can improve your cooking skills.

Why Choose a Crock Pot for Cooking Cube Steak?

Using a crock pot for cube steak has many benefits. It cooks the meat low and slow, making it tender. This is different from other methods that need constant watching.

The crock pot lets you set it and forget it. This is great for busy days. You can do other things while your meal cooks.

Slow cookers also make food taste better. They mix all the flavors together for hours. This creates a rich, savory taste that many people love.

You can use easy ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix. These add flavor without the effort of other cooking methods. You’ll have a delicious meal ready when you need it.

Crock pot cooking is ideal for cube steak. It’s perfect for any meal, big or small. Your dish will impress everyone and fill your belly.

Benefits of Cooking Cube Steak Low and Slow

Cooking cube steak low and slow has many slow cooking benefits. It takes 6-8 hours, making the meat tender. The meat soaks up flavors from broth and seasonings, creating a delicious gravy.

This method is easy. You can start your slow cooker in the morning. It’s perfect for busy days. The cube steak tenderness makes the meat soft and juicy, pleasing everyone.

Here are some key benefits of low and slow cooking:

Using the low and slow technique for cube steak opens up a world of flavors and convenience. It’s great for any household. Enjoy making hearty meals that everyone will love.

Easy Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe

Making an easy cube steak crock pot recipe is simple and fun. Just a few ingredients are needed to make a meal that everyone will love. Here are the ingredients and steps to follow for this tasty crock pot dish.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1.5 lbs cube steak (6 portions)
• 1 package (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2-4 tablespoons cooking oil

Preparation Steps

1. Start by browning the cube steaks in a skillet with oil for 3-4 minutes on each side.
2. In a big bowl, mix the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and water.
3. Place the browned cube steaks in your slow cooker, then add the soup mixture.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with a bit of water. Stir it into the slow cooker about 1 hour before serving.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Knowing the right cooking time for cube steak is key to tender and flavorful meat. Cooking it low and slow makes it melt in your mouth. The best slow cooker settings will make your dish perfect every time.

Understanding Cooking Times for Optimal Tenderness

Cube steak should cook in a slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours on low heat. This makes the meat tender and boosts its flavor. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for 4 to 5 hours works too. But low heat is best for tender meat.

Start by searing the steak in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for about 1 minute on each side. This improves texture and keeps juices in. Then, layer your cube steaks in the slow cooker, with two steaks per layer for even cooking.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 145°F to ensure the meat is cooked safely and stays juicy.

To get the best flavor, add a cornstarch slurry in the last hour of cooking. Follow these tips for a dish that’s both flavorful and tender. Remember, the longer it cooks, the more tender it gets. So, be patient for the best results.

Serving Suggestions for Cube Steak

Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of meat that gets tender and tasty in a slow cooker. When looking for sides to serve with cube steak, pick dishes that go well with it. This will make your meal better and more enjoyable.

Pairing Ideas with Side Dishes

Here are some great pairings for cube steak:

• Mashed potatoes: They go well with the gravy from the cube steak.
• Egg noodles: These soak up the rich flavors, making them a comforting choice.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add freshness, balancing the meaty flavor.
• Salad: A light salad with tangy dressing offers a nice contrast.
• Rice: Whether white or brown, it’s perfect for soaking up the savory gravy.

These sides not only match well with cube steak but also make the meal better. Choose sides that mix flavors and textures for a complete and satisfying plate.

Customizing Your Cube Steak Recipe

Making your cube steak dish your own is a great way to enjoy a classic meal. You can change it up by swapping ingredients or adding seasonal veggies. This little creativity can make your dish exciting every time.

Substituting Ingredients

Changing ingredients can really change your cube steak. Try using cream of celery or chicken soup instead of mushroom soup for a new taste. You can also use low-sodium vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.

For a richer taste, add a bit of red wine to the broth. This can make the dish more flavorful without overpowering it.

Adding Vegetables and Flavor Enhancers

Adding veggies to your slow cooker can make your meal healthier and tastier. Try adding mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes for a fuller meal. Chopped celery and steamed broccoli can add freshness and crunch.

Spices like thyme or rosemary can add a nice aroma. These changes can make your cube steak more interesting and satisfying for everyone.