Introduction

Cube steak, a versatile and affordable cut of beef, is ideal for slow cooking in a crock pot. It is typically made from round or chuck cuts of meat, which are tenderized through pounding, giving it a unique texture. When simmered, the tough fibers of cube steak break down, resulting in a juicy and tender meal. This makes it a perfect candidate for crock pot recipes, where low, slow cooking enhances flavor and tenderness.

One of the reasons many home cooks favor cube steak is its affordability. It provides a hearty meal without breaking the bank, and when combined with rich sauces or gravies, it offers a restaurant-quality experience. Slow cooking in a crock pot brings out the best in cube steak, allowing it to absorb all the flavors of your chosen ingredients while maintaining its moistness. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, cube steak cooked in a crock pot promises a flavorful, no-fuss meal perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings.

What is Cube Steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized through a mechanical process, typically from tougher cuts like round or chuck. This tenderization is achieved by pounding the meat with a tenderizing mallet, which creates the characteristic cube-shaped indentations on the surface. This process breaks down the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and perfect for cooking methods like slow cooking, which enhances its flavor and texture.

Unlike more premium cuts like Sirloin or ribeye, which are naturally tender, cube steak comes from less expensive and more brutal cuts. For example, chuck roast is cut from the shoulder, and while it's flavorful, it can be challenging without slow cooking or other tenderizing methods. Conversely, Sirloin is a leaner and naturally tender cut, making it ideal for quick grilling or searing. Cube steak's unique tenderization makes it perfect for long, slow cooking in a crock pot, where it absorbs flavors and becomes fork-tender.

Why Cook Cube Steak in a Crock Pot?

Cube steak is ideal for slow cooking due to its natural toughness and the tenderizing benefits of low, slow heat. The key advantage of using a crock pot to cook cube steak is allowing the meat to break down, slowly making it tender and juicy. Slow cooking ensures that the collagen in the stricter cuts like round or chuck, from which cube steak is often made, transforms into gelatin, giving the meat a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

In a crock pot, moisture is retained, allowing the cube steak to braise in its own juices or added liquids like broth, wine, or mushroom soup. This slow-cooking method enhances the flavors, making the steak more flavorful and rich without drying it out, which can happen with quicker cooking methods like grilling or pan-searing. Cooking low and slow also allows the seasoning and additional ingredients, such as onions or garlic, to infuse the meat deeply.

For the best results, cook cube steak in the crock pot for about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The low-and-slow method ensures the meat becomes fork-tender and flavorful. It's essential to avoid cooking it on high heat for too long, as that could cause the meat to dry out or become stringy. Maintaining a consistently low temperature ensures the steak retains its moisture and tenderness.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

The ingredients for a flavorful crock pot cube steak and gravy recipe are simple yet satisfying. The base of the dish includes:

• Cube steak: The star of the dish, tenderized beef from round or chuck cuts, providing a melt-in-your-mouth texture when slow-cooked.
• Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the gravy while ensuring the meat stays moist.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This helps create a smooth, flavorful gravy, adding a savory, creamy texture.
• Onions and garlic: These aromatics infuse the dish with flavor, enhancing the savory notes of the meat.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary) elevate the overall flavor.

For specific dietary needs, there are easy adjustments:

• Low-sodium options: Use low-sodium beef broth and cream of mushroom soup to reduce the sodium content.
• Gluten-free options: Ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free option, and use cornstarch to thicken the gravy instead of flour.

These ingredients work harmoniously to create a comforting, flavorful dish easily adaptable to dietary preferences.

Preparing Cube Steak for the Crock Pot

To prepare cube steak for the crock pot, follow these simple steps to ensure a flavorful, tender result.

• Season the Steak: Season both sides of the cube steak with salt, pepper, and other preferred spices (such as garlic or onion). You can also sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor.
• Optional Browning for Extra Flavor: Although optional, browning the cube steak before adding it to the crock pot can deepen the flavors and create a rich, savory crust on the meat. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step creates the Maillard reaction, which adds complex flavors that slow cooking alone cannot achieve.
• Transfer to Crock Pot: Place the steak in the crock pot once the steak is browned (or if you prefer to skip this step). Layer the steak with onions, garlic, and your choice of liquid (beef broth or cream of mushroom soup). These ingredients will further infuse flavor during the slow cooking process.

This preparation ensures that your cube steak will cook tender and flavorful, making it the perfect base for a savory, comforting meal.

Slow Cooking Cube Steak and Gravy

To slow-cook cube steak with gravy, follow these easy yet effective steps to ensure perfectly tender, flavorful meat every time.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Layer the meat in the crock pot after seasoning the cube steak and optionally browning it. Add your aromatics, like onions and garlic, and pour in the liquid base—either beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, or a combination. You can mix in a packet of onion soup mix or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.
2. Set the Crock Pot: Cook the cube steak on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method is the best option for breaking down the fibers in the meat, ensuring that it becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously savory gravy.
3. Check for Doneness: To ensure the steak is tender, check for doneness by gently pulling on a piece of the steak. It should easily shred with minimal resistance. If the steak is still challenging, cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Avoid overcooking, as this could dry out the steak or make it stringy.
4. Thickening the Gravy: You can thicken the gravy after the meat is cooked and tender. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with water to form a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to achieve a rich, velvety gravy. Stir occasionally to avoid lumps.

Following these steps, you'll achieve a perfectly cooked cube steak with a flavorful gravy perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, rice, or any side you choose.

How to Make Gravy in the Crock Pot

Making gravy in the crock pot using the juices from the cube steak is an easy way to elevate the dish. The rich, flavorful broth from the steak combines with cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and seasonings to create a velvety sauce.

Simple Gravy Recipe:

1. Ingredients: After your cube steak has cooked, you'll have an excellent base of beef juices in the crock pot. Add cream of mushroom soup (or another cream-based soup) for richness. Pour in some beef broth for extra flavor. If desired, stir in Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for added depth.
2. Thickening the Gravy: You can thicken the sauce by making a slurry to achieve the perfect gravy consistency. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour with a bit of cold water until smooth, then add it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and let it cook on high for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired texture.
3. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth to reach the right consistency.

By following these steps, you'll have a rich, creamy gravy that enhances the flavor of the cube steak and adds comfort to your meal.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

Crockpot cube steak and gravy is a hearty and comforting meal that pairs well with various sides. Here are some great options to complement the savory flavors of the dish:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes' rich, creamy texture perfectly absorbs the gravy, creating a satisfying combination.
2. Rice: A fluffy bed of white or brown rice is another great option to soak up the flavorful gravy, adding a simple yet complementary base to the meal.
3. Egg Noodles: Soft egg noodles provide a delicate texture and pair wonderfully with the tender cube steak and gravy, giving the dish a more comforting, classic feel.
4. Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter, healthier balance, steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli work well with the rich flavors of the steak and gravy, offering a refreshing contrast.

These sides bring balance to the dish, providing textures and flavors that complement the savory, tender cube steak and its creamy gravy.

Variations for Different Flavors and Dietary Preferences

Flavor Variations:

• Mushrooms: Adding sliced mushrooms enhances the savory depth of the gravy. Mushrooms absorb the flavors of the broth and soup base, creating a rich umami taste.
• Soup Base: While cream of mushroom soup is a classic choice, you can experiment with other soups. For a different flavor, try cream of chicken or a tomato-based soup for a tangy twist.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley can be added to boost flavor. Garlic, onion powder, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce can also add more layers of taste to the dish.

Dietary Modifications:

• Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium beef broth and a reduced-sodium onion soup mix. This way, you can control the salt content while maintaining a flavorful dish.
• Dairy-Free: To make the recipe dairy-free, replace the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative, like a coconut milk-based soup or a non-dairy cream substitute.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free soup and use a thickener like cornstarch instead of flour.

These variations allow you to adjust the flavor and make the dish suitable for various dietary needs while keeping it delicious.

FAQ

Does slow cooking make cube steak tender?

Yes, slow cooking is an excellent method to tenderize cube steak. Cooking at low temperatures for several hours allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a soft and juicy texture. Cube steak, which can be challenging if cooked quickly, becomes tender when simmered. Additionally, the flavors from the broth and seasonings are absorbed deeply into the meat, making each bite flavorful and tender.

Can you cook frozen cube steak in a crock pot?

Cooking frozen cube steak directly in the crock pot is generally not recommended. The slow cooking process could raise the meat's temperature too slowly, potentially leading to food safety concerns. Thaw the cube steak in the refrigerator before cooking it in the crock pot for best results. If you must cook it from frozen, increase the cooking time and ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

How do you thicken gravy in the slow cooker?

To thicken gravy in the slow cooker, you can use a slurry made from cornstarch and water or flour and water. For a cornstarch slurry, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If using flour, create a smooth paste before adding it to the pot.

What is the best cut of beef for slow cooking?

Ideal cuts for slow cooking include tougher ones with more connective tissue, such as chuck roast, round steak, and cube steak. These cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, as the slow process breaks down the fibers and collagen. Cube steak, while a more affordable option, works particularly well because it's already tenderized and absorbs flavors quickly during the slow cooking.

These answers should guide you in making the most of your crock pot cube steak and gravy recipe!