Delicious Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
When it comes to wholesome, comforting meals, Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy stands out as a family favorite. This dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it ideal for any day of the week. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone who enjoys leisurely cooking, this recipe will satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy is not only easy to prepare, but it also makes your home smell amazing as it cooks throughout the day. The cube steak becomes incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the savory flavors from the gravy. This dish is perfect for serving on busy nights or when you’re entertaining guests. Plus, it pairs beautifully with various sides, giving you versatility in your meal planning.
How to Make Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
Creating this flavorful dish is simple and requires minimal effort. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the easy steps to make your very own Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 cube steaks
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (or 2 tablespoons flour/cornstarch for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (for a creamy gravy, optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for extra richness, optional)
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. This will be the flavorful base for the gravy.
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Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the crock pot. Place the cube steaks on top of the onions, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
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Pour the prepared broth mixture over the steaks, ensuring they are well covered.
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Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks on low, the more tender the cube steak will become.
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If you prefer a creamy gravy, stir in the heavy cream or milk 30 minutes before serving. If the gravy is too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup water, then stir it into the slow cooker and let it thicken for 20-30 minutes.
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Serve the cube steak hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. Spoon the rich gravy over the top and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success with Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
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Choose Good Quality Meat: Select high-quality cube steaks for the best flavor and tenderness. Look for a bright color, firm texture, and a good amount of marbling.
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Don’t Skip the Searing: If time allows, briefly sear the cube steaks in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
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Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasonings according to your flavor preferences. A dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick!
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and onions over dried versions for a more robust flavor.
Flavor Variations for Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
While the classic version is undoubtedly delicious, you can experiment with a few different flavors:
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Mushroom Gravy Variant: Add sliced mushrooms to the onions for a woodsy, earthy flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gravy mixture for an aromatic twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
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Italian Touch: Include Italian seasoning in the broth mix and serve it over pasta for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy is incredibly versatile and goes well with many sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
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Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich gravy.
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Rice: Serve it over white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious gravy.
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Buttered Noodles: Wide egg noodles tossed with butter make for a comforting base for the steak and gravy.
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Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds some color and balances the meal.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
Leftovers of this hearty dish can be stored easily!
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Refrigerator: Allow the cube steak and gravy to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. It should maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ About Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of cube steak?
Absolutely! While cube steak is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with other cuts such as chuck steak or round steak. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy gluten-free, use a gluten-free onion soup mix and a gluten-free brown gravy mix or substitute with cornstarch for thickening. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy turns out thinner than expected, you can thicken it by mixing equal parts cornstarch with water, adding it to the slow cooker, and letting it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, reducing the cooking liquid on the stove after it’s done can help concentrate flavors and thickness.
Is there a way to speed up the cooking process?
If you’re pressed for time, opt for the high setting on your slow cooker, which cooks the dish in about 4-5 hours. However, keep in mind that cooking on low for longer yields more tender meat.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Carrots, potatoes, or peas can be added to the crock pot for a complete meal. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and layer them in with the onions.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy is an excellent choice for those looking to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort. With tender, flavorful meat and a savory gravy, it’s bound to become a staple in your household. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Don’t forget to try the variations and serving suggestions to keep your meals exciting and diverse! Happy cooking!
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Delicious Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A wholesome and comforting dish featuring tender cube steak cooked in a rich gravy, perfect for busy nights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4-6 cube steaks
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (or 2 tablespoons flour/cornstarch for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (for a creamy gravy, optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for extra richness, optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika in a mixing bowl. This will be the flavorful base for the gravy.
- Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the crock pot. Place the cube steaks on top of the onions, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- Pour the prepared broth mixture over the steaks, ensuring they are well covered.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks on low, the more tender the cube steak will become.
- If you prefer a creamy gravy, stir in the heavy cream or milk 30 minutes before serving. If the gravy is too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup water, then stir it into the slow cooker and let it thicken for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve the cube steak hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. Spoon the rich gravy over the top and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, choose high-quality meat and consider searing the steaks before adding to the crock pot. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American