Easy Cube Steak Recipes Crockpot
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Being a hardworking parent means you don’t want to spend hours cooking dinner. Cube steak is a game-changer. It turns into a tender, delicious dish when slow-cooked.
I remember the first time I tried crockpot cube steak recipes. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed a quick, hearty meal. I found a simple recipe with cube steak, creamy soups, and gravy mixes. The slow cooker made the meat tender and juicy, with a rich sauce.
After that, crockpot cube steak was a regular in our home. It’s affordable and easy to make. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It’s a hit with the family.
Understanding Cube Steak: A Budget-Friendly Cut of Meat
Cube steak is a versatile and affordable beef cut great for cube steak crock pot dinners and budget-friendly cube steak crockpot recipes. It comes from the cow’s shoulder or chuck area. This area is used a lot, making the meat tougher.
What Makes Cube Steak Different
The secret to tender cube steak is tenderizing. It’s run through a machine that makes small holes in the meat. This breaks down tough fibers, making it tender and easy to chew.
Best Cuts for Cube Steak
Top round or top sirloin are the best cuts for cube steak. These lean muscles are perfect for tenderizing. They have less fat, which helps the meat stay tender.
Why Tenderizing Matters
Tenderizing is key for cube steak. It keeps the meat tender and juicy, even when cooked for a long time. Without it, the steak can become tough and chewy.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cube Steaks | 1/2 lb. (2-3 individual steaks) |
| Onion Soup Mix | 1/2 package (1/2 oz.) |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 10.5 oz. can |
| Cooking Time | 6 hours on low |
Knowing about cube steak and tenderizing lets you make tasty cube steak crock pot dinners and budget-friendly cube steak crockpot recipes. Your family will love them.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crockpot Cube Steak
Making delicious crockpot cube steak dishes starts with the right ingredients. You’ll need cube steak, creamy soups, and tasty seasonings. These key items will make your meal a hit, whether it’s crockpot cube steak with gravy or other easy crock pot cube steak dishes.
The main ingredient is the cube steak. You’ll need about 6 steaks, or 1.5 pounds of beef. This amount is perfect for a filling dish. To add flavor, use a 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup.
For more taste, add a 10.5-ounce can of French onion soup or 1 1/2 cups of beef broth. Don’t forget a diced yellow onion and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cube Steak | 6 steaks (about 1.5 lbs) |
| Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soup | 10.5 oz can |
| French Onion Soup or Beef Broth | 10.5 oz can or 1 1/2 cups |
| Yellow Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 8 oz |
| Tomato Paste | 1 tbsp |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Herb and Garlic Seasoning | 2 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Cornstarch | 2-3 tbsp |
To thicken the gravy, use 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch. With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty crockpot cube steak with gravy or other easy crock pot cube steak dishes. Your family and friends will love it.
Cube Steak Recipes Crockpot: Basic Preparation Steps
Making tasty cube steak meals in your crockpot is simple. Start by mixing canned soups, gravy mix, and beef broth in the slow cooker. This makes a great gravy base that adds flavor to the cube steak as it cooks.
Preparing the Meat
The cube steak is the main attraction. Brown the cube steak slow cooker meals for families in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step locks in juices and gives a nice sear. After browning, add the cube steaks to the slow cooker, making sure they’re covered in the gravy.
Creating the Perfect Gravy Base
To make the gravy, mix 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 packet of onion soup mix, and 1 1/4 cups of beef broth in the slow cooker. Whisk until smooth, then place the crock pot cube steak with vegetables in the gravy.
Proper Layering Technique
- Place the cube steaks at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Put sliced onions and mushrooms on top for extra flavor and texture.
- Make sure the ingredients are layered right, with the cube steaks at the bottom and vegetables on top.
Cook the cube steak slow cooker meals for families on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The meat will be tender, and the gravy will thicken, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides.
Classic Mushroom and Onion Cube Steak
Tender cube steak recipes in the crockpot are a tasty and affordable meal. The Classic Mushroom and Onion Cube Steak is a great example. It combines tender cube steak with sautéed mushrooms and onions in a rich gravy.
The slow cooking makes the mushrooms and onions caramelized. This boosts the flavor and texture. The creamy gravy, from cream of mushroom soup, adds creaminess. It complements the cube steak perfectly.
To make this cube steak recipes crockpot dish, you need:
- 1.5 pounds of tender cube steak
- 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by placing the cube steak at the bottom of your crockpot. Add the mushrooms and onions on top. Mix the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl. Pour this over the steak and vegetables.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The cube steak should be tender, and the mushrooms and onions caramelized. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to enjoy the gravy. This dish is comforting and flavorful!
Savory French Onion Cube Steak Recipe
Take your crockpot cube steak to the next level with this French Onion recipe. The secret is caramelizing the onions and mixing them with a savory gravy. Let’s dive into making this crockpot cube steak with gravy masterpiece.
Selecting the Right Onion Soup Mix
Choose a Lipton Onion Soup mix or its beefy version for the best flavor. These mixes add a deep onion taste that goes great with the slow cooker cube steak recipes.
Gravy Thickening Tips
To get a thick, rich gravy, mix onion soup mix with brown gravy mix and cream of mushroom soup. For even more richness, make a cornstarch slurry. Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the crockpot for the last 30 minutes.
The result is a crockpot cube steak with gravy full of flavor and smooth texture. Serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a cozy meal.
“This French Onion Cube Steak recipe is a game-changer! The caramelized onions and rich gravy make every bite a delight.”
With a few easy steps, you can make a crockpot cube steak with gravy that will wow your loved ones. Try this savory French Onion twist on a classic comfort food.
Time and Temperature Guidelines for Tender Results
To get tender and delicious cube steak crock pot dinners, you need to know the right cooking time and temperature. Cooking low and slow is key. It breaks down tough fibers, making the steak tender.
For the best results, cook your tender cube steak crock pot meals on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking makes the steak tender and juicy. Don’t cook on high, as it can make the steak tough.
If you’re using bigger cuts like chuck roast, cook for 8-10 hours on low. This extra time breaks down connective tissues, making the meat tender.
For better control, get a digital crockpot with automatic keep-warm. It keeps your cube steak crock pot dinners warm until you’re ready to eat.
“The key to tender tender cube steak crock pot meals is low and slow cooking. This allows the tough muscle fibers to break down gradually, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.”
Remember, patience is key for tender cube steak crock pot meals. Follow these guidelines for a deliciously tender and flavorful dish every time.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Cube Steak
When it comes to cube steak slow cooker meals for families or easy crock pot cube steak dishes, the right side dishes can truly elevate the entire meal. Whether you’re looking for traditional comfort food pairings or healthier alternatives, there are plenty of delicious options to consider.
Traditional Pairings
The classic accompaniments for crockpot cube steak include creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, or hearty egg noodles. These starchy sides provide a perfect base to soak up the rich, savory gravy from the cube steak.
Healthy Alternative Sides
For a lighter, more nutritious approach, try serving your cube steak with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables like green beans, corn on the cob, or oven-roasted carrots. These options offer a flavorful and well-balanced meal. Don’t forget to include a dinner roll to mop up any remaining gravy.
To add even more vegetables to the dish, consider cooking zucchini or spinach directly in the crockpot alongside the cube steak. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also creates a complete and satisfying one-pot meal.
“The key to a delicious crockpot cube steak meal is finding the perfect balance between comfort and health. With the right side dishes, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish that nourishes both your body and your soul.”
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying your cube steak recipes crockpot means knowing how to store and reheat them right. Whether you’re making classic budget-friendly cube steak crockpot recipes or trying new flavors, these tips will keep your leftovers delicious. They’ll taste just as good as when you first made them.
To store your cube steak and gravy, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave on low or the stovetop on low heat. This way, the meat stays tender and the gravy stays rich.
For freezing, portion out the cube steak and gravy and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before warming them up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
By following these easy steps, you can enjoy your cube steak recipes crockpot for a long time. Your cube steak will always be tender and flavorful, ready for you whenever you want it.
Conclusion
Crockpot cube steak recipes are easy and affordable. They make tender, tasty meals with little effort. These recipes are great for busy families because they’re quick and versatile.
Looking for a simple easy cube steak recipes crockpot or tender tender cube steak crock pot meals? The crockpot is perfect for making this affordable meat delicious. Just follow the cooking times and methods for tender cube steak every time.
Try crockpot cube steak recipes for convenient, budget-friendly meals. They offer a chance to make your family’s meals both comforting and special. With a bit of creativity, you can turn this affordable ingredient into something amazing.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Gravy?
Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Gravy is a simple dinner recipe. It uses cube steak, cream of chicken soup, and French onion soup. You also need au jus gravy mix. It’s easy to make and cooks for 6-8 hours, making the steak tender. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
What is cube steak and why is it a good choice for slow cooking?
Cube steak comes from the cow’s shoulder. It’s tough but tenderized to make it soft. It’s lean and needs slow cooking to be tender.
What are the key ingredients for Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Gravy?
You’ll need cube steak, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and French onion soup. Also, au jus gravy mix, water, and cornstarch for thickening. You can add sliced onions and mushrooms for extra flavor. Use low-sodium options for less salt. Beef consommé or broth can replace French onion soup if you can’t find it.
How do you prepare Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Gravy?
Mix soups, gravy mix, and water in the slow cooker. Add cube steaks and coat them well. Add onions and mushrooms for extra taste. Layer the ingredients, with meats at the bottom and veggies on top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for the best tenderness.
What are some flavor variations for Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Gravy?
Use cream of mushroom soup for a rich flavor. The slow cooking caramelizes the mushrooms and onions, making the dish taste better. You can also try Lipton Onion Soup mix or its beefy version for more flavor. Mix it with brown gravy mix and cream of mushroom soup for a thick gravy.
What is the best way to ensure tender cube steak in the crockpot?
Cook cube steak on low for 6-8 hours for the best tenderness. Avoid high heat, as slow cooking is key. For bigger cuts, cook for 8-10 hours. Use a digital crockpot for precise timing.
What are some good side dish options for Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Gravy?
Try mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or egg noodles as sides. For healthier options, cauliflower rice or roasted veggies are good. Green beans, corn on the cob, or carrots also go well. Add a dinner roll to soak up the gravy. You can also add zucchini or spinach to the crockpot for extra nutrition.
How should you store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove on low heat. Freeze individual portions with gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating for the best taste.
