There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty meal made with minimal effort. This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy dish epitomizes comfort food, allowing you to enjoy tender, flavorful meat enveloped in rich gravy without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe not only showcases the convenience of slow cooking but also delivers a dish that will make everyone at the table feel cherished and satisfied.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe
This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy recipe stands out for several reasons. First and foremost is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can pull together a delightful meal that doesn’t require extensive culinary skills. The cube steak becomes exceptionally tender as it cooks low and slow, absorbing the flavors of the gravy—a beautiful blend of cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix combined with beef broth. Furthermore, this dish is perfect for meal prep, offering rich flavors that only improve with time, making it a go-to for leftovers. Whether you serve it over rice or mashed potatoes, you can easily create a filling and satisfying meal your family will love.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
To prepare this rewarding dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds cube steak
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped onions and mushrooms for added flavor
With these ingredients at hand, you’re well on your way to creating a comforting meal packed with flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Directions
Making Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is as easy as following a few simple steps. Start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring everything is ready to go.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to blend these together until they reach a consistent, smooth mixture. This will serve as the rich gravy that coats your meat and melds all the flavors.
- Next, take the cube steak and season each piece generously with salt and pepper. The seasoning is crucial, as it enhances the natural flavors of the meat and ensures that every bite is delightful.
- Place the seasoned cube steak in the bottom of your Crock Pot, laying them flat to allow even cooking. The more space each piece has, the better it will absorb the gravy.
- Now, pour the savory gravy mixture over the cube steak, ensuring that all pieces are well covered. If you’re adding chopped onions and mushrooms, sprinkle them on top at this stage for an extra boost of flavor and texture.
- Cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. The low temperature will break down the fibers in the meat, resulting in a wonderfully tender dish that practically falls apart with a fork.
- After the time is up, the cube steak should be thoroughly cooked and beautifully tender. You can serve the steak and gravy over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, allowing you to soak up all that delicious gravy.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
Serving Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is simple yet satisfying. Start by plating generous portions of rice or mashed potatoes as a base. Ladle some of the rich gravy over the top, ensuring to include pieces of the tender cube steak. Garnish with some fresh herbs if you have them on hand for an added touch of color and flavor.
As you serve this dish, consider pairing it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. The freshness of the veggies can balance the richness of the steak and gravy, creating a more rounded meal. This dish is not only warm and hearty but also visually appealing, making it perfect for family dinners or even entertaining guests.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
To elevate your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy experience, here are some expert tips:
- Sear the Steak: For an extra layer of flavor, consider searing the cube steak in a hot skillet before adding it to the Crock Pot. This step caramelizes the meat, creating a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to include diced carrots, celery, or even potatoes into the slow cooker. They will absorb the flavors from the gravy and make the dish even more nutritious and hearty.
- Check Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the meat is done, use a meat thermometer; it should read 145°F for fully cooked steak.
- Adjusting the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) at the end of the cooking process, cooking for an additional 15-30 minutes to thicken it up.
How to Store Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
Storing your leftovers is straightforward! Allow the Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s best to store the meat and gravy together for moisture retention. In the refrigerator, the dish will be good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
Don’t hesitate to customize your Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Creamy Mushroom Variation: For mushroom lovers, increase the amount of cream of mushroom soup and toss in fresh mushrooms with the gravy mixture. The added texture and flavor will make your dish even richer.
- Herbed Flavor: Adding fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves will impart an aromatic quality to the dish. Just toss them in with the gravy before cooking.
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the gravy mixture. This will give your dish a nice kick and a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Southwestern Style: Swap out the cream of mushroom soup with a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for a southwestern flair. Serve with tortillas instead of rice or potatoes for a fun twist.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy?
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is a slow-cooked dish made with cube steak slowly braised in a rich gravy composed of cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy?
It typically takes about 6 to 8 hours to cook on low, yielding tender meat that falls apart effortlessly.
Can I use another type of steak instead of cube steak?
Yes, while cube steak is ideal for this recipe, you can use other cuts of beef, such as round steak or sirloin, but cooking times may vary.
What should I serve with Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even egg noodles, along with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
How do I store leftovers of Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy?
Allow it to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for easy future meals.
Now, you’re all set to whip up a comforting platter of Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy that your family will love! Enjoy the simplicity and the delicious satisfaction that comes with this easy-to-make recipe.
Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds cube steak
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- to taste Salt and pepper
Optional Ingredients
- to taste chopped onions For added flavor
- to taste chopped mushrooms For added flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are ready to use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth. Mix until smooth.
- Season each piece of cube steak generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned cube steak in the bottom of the Crock Pot in a single layer.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the cube steak, ensuring all pieces are covered. Add onions and mushrooms if desired.
Cooking
- Cover the Crock Pot and set it to low. Cook for 6 to 8 hours until the steak is tender.
Serving
- Serve the steak and gravy over rice or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh herbs if available.
- Consider serving with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
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