How to Make Cube Steak in a Crock Pot: Step-by-Step

Table of Contents

Introduction

Cube steak is a versatile and affordable cut of beef that's ideal for slow cooking, making it a favorite for many home cooks. It's tender, easy to prepare, and often used in hearty dishes requiring longer cooking to achieve its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cube steak is typically derived from round or chuck cuts of beef, and it gets its name from the tenderizing process, where it is "cubed" or flattened with a meat mallet, making it perfect for slow cooking.

Using a slow cooker for cube steak enhances its tenderness and allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and comforting dish. The slow cooking process helps break down the tough fibers in the steak, resulting in a soft, juicy texture that is hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. It's an excellent choice for busy families or anyone looking for an easy meal that doesn't require constant attention.

Another appeal of cube steak in the slow cooker is its affordability. This budget-friendly cut can be transformed into a flavorful, tender dish without breaking the bank. With just a few simple ingredients, cube steak can be a go-to meal option for various diets and occasions, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings.

What is Cube Steak?

Cube steak is a tenderized beef cut, typically derived from the cow's round or chuck section. The meat is mechanically tenderized to create cube steak by pounding it with a mallet or using a machine that presses small indentations (or "cubes") into the meat. This process breaks down the tough fibers, making it an ideal cut for slow cooking or braising.

Unlike other cuts of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, which are naturally tender and meant for grilling or quick cooking, cube steak is designed to be simmered, allowing its fibers to break down further and become more tender. While it's often compared to round steak, cube steak is distinct in texture due to the additional tenderizing process. It is a more affordable alternative that doesn't keep flavor and texture strong when appropriately cooked.

This cut is especially popular in comfort food dishes, like chicken-fried steak or slow-cooked meals.

Why Cook Cube Steak in a Crock Pot?

Cooking cube steak in a crock pot is an excellent way to turn this affordable yet tough cut into a tender, flavorful dish. The slow cooking is ideal for breaking down cube steak's connective tissues and fibers, which is naturally a more brutal cut. As the steak slowly cooks over hours, it becomes more tender and juicy. This makes the crock pot particularly well-suited for cube steak, as the meat absorbs all the flavors from the seasonings, broth, and vegetables.

Slow cooking also has the benefit of convenience. Once all ingredients are added to the crock pot, it requires minimal attention, allowing you to focus on other tasks. The steady, low heat of the crock pot ensures that the steak retains moisture, preventing it from drying out. This method infuses the steak with rich, savory flavors that are harder to achieve through faster cooking methods like grilling or pan-frying.

For best results, cooking cube steak in a low setting is essential. Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours allows the meat to break down properly, resulting in a tender, juicy texture. Avoiding the temptation to raise the heat can prevent the steak from toughening. Additionally, using enough liquid—such as broth, gravy, or even cream of mushroom soup—helps create a rich, flavorful sauce while keeping the meat moist.

This slow-cooking method results in a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth steak perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients You Need for Slow Cooker Cube Steak

To prepare a delicious slow cooker cube steak, you'll need a few essential ingredients that come together to create a tender, flavorful meal:

Cube Steak: The star of the dish, providing the beefy flavor.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and richness to the cooking liquid.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy, savory base that infuses the steak with flavor.
Onions: Provide a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
Seasoning: Typical options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme to enhance the flavor.

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, there are easy substitutions:

Low-Sodium Broth: A healthier alternative for reducing sodium intake.
Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup: Many brands offer gluten-free options, perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.
Dairy-Free Alternatives: If you prefer dairy-free options, you can swap the cream of mushroom soup with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute.

These ingredients combine to create a satisfying, flavorful dish for slow cooking.

How to Prepare Cube Steak for the Crock Pot

Preparing cube steak for the crock pot is a simple process that ensures a tender and flavorful meal—season the cube steaks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other preferred spices. Common additions include onion powder or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Rub the seasoning into the meat for even coverage.

(Optional) Browning the Steak: While this step is optional, browning the cube steak in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before adding it to the crock pot can enhance the flavor of your dish. Sear each side of the steak for about 2-3 minutes until it develops a rich brown crust. This process caramelizes the meat's surface, intensifying its flavor and making it savory.

Place the steaks into the slow cooker once seasoned (and browned, if desired). Add sliced onions and your liquid ingredients, like beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. This will keep the steak moist during cooking and infuse the flavors throughout.

Following these simple steps, you prepare a flavorful base that allows the slow cooker to work magic, resulting in a tender and delicious cube steak.

Slow Cooking Instructions for Cube Steak

Cooking cube steak in a crock pot is a straightforward process that guarantees a tender and flavorful meal. Follow these steps to achieve the best results:

Prepare the Steak: Place them in the slow cooker after seasoning and browning the cube steaks (optional). Add sliced onions, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup (or your preferred sauce). The liquid helps keep the steak moist and infuses the flavors during cooking.
Set Cooking Time and Temperature: Set your slow cooker low for 6-8 hours for optimal tenderness. This low and slow approach ensures the collagen in the steak breaks down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you're in a hurry, you can set the cooker to high for 3-4 hours, but the texture may need to be more tender.
Check for Doneness: About 30 minutes before your cooking time is complete, check the steak for tenderness. Use a fork to test if the meat pulls apart quickly. If it does, it's ready to serve. If not, continue cooking until the steak reaches your desired tenderness.
Avoid Overcooking: Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to prevent the steak from drying. This releases heat and moisture, prolonging the cooking time and making it more likely for the steak to dry out.
Following these guidelines ensures your cube steak is perfectly cooked with maximum flavor and tenderness.

How to Make Gravy in the Crock Pot

Making gravy from the flavorful juices left in the crock pot is simple and enhances the dish's richness. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a savory gravy for your cube steak:

Extract the Juices: Once the cube steak has finished cooking, remove the meat from the crock pot and set it aside. You'll be left with a flavorful mixture of beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and the natural juices from the steak and onions.
Prepare the Gravy Base: To begin making the gravy, pour the liquid from the crock pot into a saucepan over medium heat. Depending on your preference, You can strain the liquid for a smoother consistency or leave the onions for texture.
Thicken the Gravy: There are two standard methods to thicken gravy: Cornstarch Slurry: Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water (usually one tablespoon each for every cup of liquid) to form a slurry. Gradually whisk this into the simmering liquid, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.
Flour Slurry: Alternatively, make a flour slurry by mixing flour with a bit of cold broth or water. Add it to the sauce while stirring to achieve the desired thickness.
Simmer: Allow the gravy to simmer for a few more minutes to develop a rich flavor and reach your desired consistency.
Serve this homemade gravy over the cube steak for a comforting and delicious meal!

Top Tips for Perfect Cube Steak

To ensure your cube steak turns out tender and juicy in the slow cooker, follow these tips:

Use Enough Liquid: Cube steak can dry out without sufficient liquid. Always add broth or cream of mushroom soup to the slow cooker, as it helps maintain moisture and tenderness throughout the cooking process.
Cook on Low: Slow cooking on a low setting (6-8 hours) is crucial for tenderizing stricter cuts like cube steak. Cooking on high can lead to overcooked, dry meat.
Don't Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, leaving the steak in manageable time is essential. Overcooking can break down the meat's texture and dry it out.
Optional Browning: While not required, searing the steak before slow cooking can enhance its flavor by caramelizing the meat's surface.
Following these steps ensures a flavorful, tender cube steak every time!

Slow Cooker Cube Steak Variations

There are countless ways to customize slow cooker cube steak to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some suggestions for flavor variations:

Mushroom Lovers' Delight: Add fresh or canned mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy flavor that complements the steak's tenderness. You can use white button mushrooms, cremini, or portobellos for a richer taste.
Change the Soup Base: Swap cream of mushroom soup for other creamy soups like cream of chicken or celery. This gives the gravy a different texture and flavor profile.
Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasoning blends to tailor the dish to your preferences. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or even a bit of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Dietary Adjustments:Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and opt for a sodium-free cream of mushroom soup to reduce the salt content.
Gluten-Free: Replace any flour or traditional cream soups with gluten-free alternatives. You can also thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry.
Dairy-Free: To make the recipe dairy-free, choose dairy-free soups or substitute coconut milk for a rich texture.

These variations ensure you can create a delicious and personalized version of a slow cooker cube steak suitable for any dietary need!

FAQ

Does the slow cooker make cube steak tender?

Yes! Slow cooking is ideal for cube steak because it allows the collagen in the meat to break down, making the steak tender and easy to shred with a fork. The low and slow-method allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for this tough cut of beef.

Can you cook frozen cube steak in the slow cooker?

Cooking frozen cube steak directly in the slow cooker is not recommended. Cooking frozen meat can result in uneven cooking times and cause the steak to reach unsafe temperatures before adequately cooking. It's best to thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight for more consistent results.

What's the best cut of beef for slow cooking?

Cube steak is an excellent choice for slow cooking due to its tough texture, which becomes tender when cooked low and slow. Other great options include round steak and chuck roast, which have more connective tissue and benefit from long cooking times that break down the fibers and retain moisture.

How do you thicken gravy in a slow cooker?

Add a slurry made from cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water to thicken the gravy in the slow cooker. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid towards the end of the cooking time and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. You can also use a small amount of instant potato flakes for an alternative thickening method.

These tips will ensure that your cube steak turns out tender, juicy, and flavorful every time you use your slow cooker!