Crock pot cube steak recipes are an ideal way to create tender, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or an experienced home cook looking for fresh ideas, this article will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare delicious cube steak meals in your crock pot. We’ll cover basic ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips for getting the best results. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped to make mouthwatering crock pot cube steak dishes that will impress your family and friends.
Before diving into the recipes, it’s essential to understand why cube steak is so well-suited for crock pot cooking.
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef, typically top round or top sirloin, that has been tenderized with a meat mallet or mechanical tenderizer. The process gives it a distinctive texture and appearance with tiny indentations or “cubes” across the surface. Due to this tenderizing process, cube steak can be cooked quickly in a skillet or, better yet, slow-cooked in a crock pot to produce melt-in-your-mouth dishes.
Why Use a Crock Pot for Cube Steak?
- Even Cooking: The slow, even heat of a crock pot allows the tough muscle fibers of cube steak to break down, resulting in a tender texture.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Simply add ingredients to the crock pot in the morning, set it to low or high, and enjoy a hot meal by evening.
- Flavor Infusion: Slow cooking gives time for the ingredients to meld, resulting in richer and deeper flavors.
For more information on maintaining a balanced diet while enjoying these recipes, visit this guide.
Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipes
While there are many variations of crock pot cube steak recipes, a few core ingredients are commonly used:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cube steak | 1.5 lbs | Base protein |
| Onion soup mix | 1 package | Adds flavor and seasoning |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 2 cans (10.5 oz each) | Creates a creamy texture and flavor |
| Beef broth | 1 cup | Adds moisture and enhances flavor |
| Sliced onions | 1 medium | Adds sweetness and texture |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Adds depth of flavor |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| Optional vegetables | Carrots, potatoes, bell peppers | Adds nutrition and texture |
Feel free to adjust these ingredients to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. You can also substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or even condensed tomato soup for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Value of Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
These values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
How to Make Crock Pot Cube Steak: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Cube Steak
- Tenderize the Meat: While cube steak is already tenderized, an additional round of tenderizing with a meat mallet or rolling pin can help ensure a tender texture.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This seasoning will penetrate the meat during the slow cooking process.
- Optional Browning: For an added depth of flavor, brown each steak in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before placing it in the crock pot.
Step 2: Setting Up the Crock Pot
- Layer the cube steak at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add sliced onions and any additional vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth over the meat and vegetables.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the top to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Choosing the Cooking Time
- Low Setting: Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This setting is ideal for tenderizing the meat and allowing the flavors to meld.
- High Setting: Cook on high for 3-4 hours. Use this setting when you’re short on time but still want a flavorful meal.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Before serving, stir the sauce to ensure it is well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder based on your preference.
For more detailed steps and another approach to cube steak, check out this Easy Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe.
Variations of Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipes
Creamy Garlic Cube Steak
Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup and add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for a creamy, garlicky twist. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.
BBQ Cube Steak
Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. The sweet and tangy flavors will complement the savory steak perfectly. This version works well as a sandwich filling or served with coleslaw.
Italian Style Cube Steak
Use a can of diced tomatoes instead of cream-based soup. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a dash of red pepper flakes. Serve with pasta or over a bed of polenta for a taste of Italy.
For more variations, check out the Ultimate Guide to Cube Steak Recipes.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Cube Steak
Cube steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few recommendations:
Best Side Dishes for Cube Steak
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich gravy of cube steak.
- Steamed Rice: A simple side that soaks up all the delicious gravy.
- Buttered Noodles: A classic side dish that enhances the flavor of cube steak.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and nutrition.
Garnishing Ideas
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top for a tangy contrast.
- Serve with a side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the steak.
If you’re looking for a full meal experience, pair the cube steak with Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie.
Tips for Making the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Place the steaks in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Choose Low Sodium Options: If using canned soups or broths, opt for low-sodium versions to control the salt levels.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid Frequently: Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and extends the cooking time. Only check for doneness during the last hour of cooking.
- Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor and Texture: Carrots, potatoes, and celery make great additions to this dish. They cook down and absorb the flavors of the gravy, making them perfect side companions.
For more in-depth tips on preparing crock pot dishes, check out this Ultimate Guide to Perfect Cube Steak Recipes.
FAQs About Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipes
Q: Can you put raw cube steak in a crock pot?
Yes, you can put raw cube steak directly into the crock pot. However, browning it beforehand can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Q: Should cube steak be browned before adding to the crock pot?
Browning is optional but highly recommended as it adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the meat.
Q: How do I keep cube steak from getting tough in the crock pot?
To avoid tough meat, cook the cube steak on low heat for a longer period and avoid lifting the lid frequently.
Q: Can I make cube steak in the crock pot without soups or gravy?
Yes, you can! Use beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs for a lighter version.
Q: What other meats can be used in these recipes?
Chicken, pork chops, or even turkey breasts can be substituted in these recipes. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat.
Additional Cube Steak Recipes to Try
For those looking to explore more recipes using cube steak, consider the following dishes:
- Creamy Beef and Mushroom Stew: A hearty dish featuring slow-cooked beef cubes with fresh mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
- Savory Onion and Pepper Steak: Tender cube steak cooked with bell peppers and onions, served over steamed rice.
- Country Fried Cube Steak: Breaded and fried cube steak topped with country gravy.
For a similar comforting meal, try the Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe, which pairs beautifully with cube steak dishes.
Conclusion
Cooking cube steak in a crock pot is an excellent way to create a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal effort. With these tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you’ll be able to master the art of cooking cube steak in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors, and remember to enjoy the process! This guide has equipped you with everything you need to know to prepare a perfect crock pot cube steak dish every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!