Introduction to Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe

Cube steak is a cut of beef known for its tenderization process, which involves pounding the meat to create small indentations, often with a meat mallet or tenderizer. This process helps break down the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to cook. Cube steak is typically made from tougher cuts of beef, like round steak or sirloin, and is perfect for slow cooking.

Why Use a Crock Pot?

Using a Crock Pot or slow cooker is ideal for cooking cube steak because the low and slow cooking process allows the meat to break down further, becoming incredibly tender. The slow cooker also helps the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory dish. As the meat simmers in the Crock Pot, it absorbs the seasonings and liquids, becoming moist and flavorful without needing constant attention. The result is a dish that's easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavor.

Why Cube Steak with Gravy?

Cube steak with gravy is a classic comfort food that's beloved for its rich, hearty flavors. It's a family-friendly dish that's filling and easy to make, requiring minimal preparation. The tender steak and savory gravy from the cooking juices create a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is a satisfying and delicious option for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners.

Ingredients Needed for Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

To make a delicious Crock Pot cube steak with gravy, you'll need a few key ingredients that combine to create a flavorful and tender meal:

• Cube Steak: This is the star of the dish. The tenderized beef is perfect for slow cooking and absorbing all the gravy flavors.
• Flour: A bit of flour is needed to coat the cube steak before lightly browning it. It helps create a nice crust and thickens the gravy as it cooks.
• Beef Broth: Provides the base for the gravy, adding richness and depth to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A small amount adds umami and a slight tang, complementing the beef flavor.
• Garlic Powder: For an aromatic, savory note.
• Onion Powder: Adds sweetness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the cube steak and gravy to taste.

Optional Add-ins

You can customize the recipe by adding extra ingredients to elevate the flavor:

• Mushrooms: Sautéed or fresh mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
• Onions: Caramelized or sautéed onions bring sweetness and depth to the gravy.
• Tomatoes: Adding diced tomatoes or tomato paste can give the gravy a slightly tangy and more decadent flavor.

Seasoning Cube Steak and Gravy

Coat the cube steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for a well-seasoned dish. This ensures the meat is flavorful before it's cooked. After browning the steak, the gravy can be seasoned with additional garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and more salt and pepper. The seasonings will infuse the beef broth, giving the gravy a delicious, well-rounded flavor. The key is to taste and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference, ensuring a balanced, savory result.

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

1. Prepping the Meat

Start by preparing the cube steak for cooking. Season both sides of the meat generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor, but these are optional.

Once seasoned, heat a slight vegetable oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the cube steak to the pan. Sear the meat for about 2-3 minutes per side or until it develops a nice golden-brown crust. Searing the steak is key to locking in the flavors and helping the meat stay juicy as it slow-cooks. After searing, transfer the cube steak to your crock pot.

2. Making the Gravy

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter if needed. Sauté the garlic powder and onion powder for 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Then, add the flour, stirring to create a roux (a paste-like mixture). Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook through and thicken slightly.

Next, slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor. Bring this mixture to a simmer, letting it thicken slightly, then pour it over the cube steak in the crock pot. This gravy base will infuse the meat with flavor as it slow-cooks, making it delicious and tender.

3. Slow Cooking

Set the crock pot to low heat and cook for 5-6 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the tough fibers of the cube steak to break down, creating a tender and flavorful dish. You can cook on high heat for 3-4 hours if you're short on time, but the low setting is ideal for the best results. Halfway through the cooking time, check on the steak to ensure it's cooking evenly.

The beef will become incredibly tender as it absorbs the gravy, thickening and coating the meat, making it juicy and flavorful.

4. Thickening the Gravy

Check the gravy's consistency toward the end of the cooking time (about 30 minutes before serving). If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot, and let the gravy cook for 30 minutes. This will help thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency for serving. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn't clump. Once thickened, give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Final Touches: Once the cube steak is tender and the gravy is thickened to your liking, it's ready to serve. You can serve it immediately, pairing it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables for a hearty meal.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

What to Serve with Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

Crockpot cube steak and gravy pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich, savory flavors. Here are a few classic options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes perfectly soaks up the rich gravy, making it a comforting and traditional pairing.
2. Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is an excellent option to serve with this dish. The rice acts as a base, absorbing the flavorful gravy and providing a lighter contrast to the beef.
3. Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles work beautifully with the gravy, offering a slightly chewy texture that complements the meat.
4. Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits can be a great choice, providing a delicious vessel for mopping up the gravy.
5. Roasted Vegetables: For a healthier touch, serve the cube steak with roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or broccoli. Their natural sweetness balances the savory richness of the dish.

Serving Tips

Start by placing a generous serving of your chosen side dish on each plate to make the presentation more appealing. Top it with the tender cube steak and ladle rich, flavorful gravy. For a polished look, garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

If you're serving mashed potatoes, create a small well in the center and spoon the gravy directly into it for added visual appeal. When plating egg noodles, consider twirling them on the plate before adding the steak and gravy, giving the dish a restaurant-style finish.

These tips will enhance the flavor and elevate the presentation of your meal, making it perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

Variations of the Recipe

Other Meats You Can Use

While cube steak is the traditional choice for this slow-cooked recipe, several other types of meat can also yield delicious results. Here are a few alternatives:

1. Round Steak: Known for its lean texture, round steak can be an excellent substitute for cube steak. Tenderizing the muscle fibers when slow-cooked is best, making it a perfect option for crock pot recipes.
2. Sirloin Steak: For a slightly more flavorful cut, sirloin steak can work well. It's a bit leaner than cube steak, but it becomes tender and delicious when simmered, especially with gravy.
3. Chuck Roast: A chuck roast is an excellent choice if you prefer a roast-style cut. It has rich marbling, making it ideal for slow cooking, and it will give you a deliciously tender result after several hours.

Additions and Customizations

The gravy that accompanies the cube steak is a versatile component of the dish, and there are plenty of ways to enhance it:

1. Herbs: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to infuse the gravy with fragrant flavors. These herbs complement the rich, savory taste of the beef and enhance the dish's depth.
2. Splash of Wine: For a more decadent, more complex gravy, consider adding a splash of red wine. The wine will bring a slight acidity that balances the beef's richness and deepens the gravy's flavor.
3. Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can be added to the gravy mixture for an earthy addition. They add an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the beef.
4. Spices: For a twist on the classic gravy, try incorporating a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. These spices will add depth and complexity to the dish.

FAQ

Can You Slow Cook Cube Steak?

Cube steak is an excellent cut for slow cooking and benefits from the slow process. Cube steak is a relatively tough cut, but when slow-cooked, the low and steady heat breaks down the fibers, resulting in a super tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The slow cooking also allows the seasoning and gravy to soak deeply into the meat, enhancing the flavor. Whether cooking it in a crock pot or slow cooker, the results are consistently delicious and tender.

How Long to Cook Cube Steak in a Crock Pot?

Cooking time for cube steak in a crock pot depends on the heat setting and the desired texture:

• On Low Heat: Typically, cube steak needs about 5-6 hours on low heat to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors from the gravy and seasonings.
• On High Heat: If you're in a rush, it can be cooked on high for around 3-4 hours, but ensure the meat is tender before serving.

For the best results, cooking on low heat will give you the most tender steak and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Can You Use Other Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?

Yes! While cube steak is a fantastic choice for slow cooking, you can also use other cuts of beef like:

• Round Steak: Round steak is a lean cut, but when simmered, it becomes tender and takes on the gravy flavors.
• Sirloin: Sirloin offers more flavor and tenderness than cube steak and works just as well in the slow cooker.
• Chuck Roast: For a more flavorful and hearty dish, try using a chuck roast. This cut has excellent marbling and produces a rich, tender, slow-cooked result.

Any of these alternatives can be used instead of cube steak, though cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut you choose.

What Makes the Gravy So Flavorful?

The rich, savory flavor of the gravy comes from two main components: beef stock and the pan drippings from the cube steak. As the steak cooks, it releases flavorful juices that combine with the beef stock to form a delicious, deep base for the gravy. Adding seasonings, such as garlic, onions, and Worcestershire sauce, further enhances the gravy's flavor profile, making it rich and savory. The slow cooking process melts all these elements together, producing a perfectly seasoned gravy that complements the tender beef.