Cooking with a crock pot is a perfect way to make tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort. One of the best ingredients to use in a slow cooker is cube steak, a cut of beef that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about cube steak recipes for the crock pot, from the basics of preparation to advanced variations, helpful tips, and creative serving ideas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
What is Cube Steak? Understanding the Basics
Cube steak is a piece of beef, typically from the top round or top sirloin, that has been mechanically tenderized by a meat cuber. This process leaves a distinctive pattern of indentations on the surface, which makes it ideal for slow cooking methods. The cut is relatively affordable and becomes wonderfully tender when cooked in a crock pot.
By using a crock pot to cook cube steak, you can create delicious meals that are easy to prepare. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that is rich, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.
Benefits of Using a Crock Pot for Cube Steak
Using a crock pot offers several advantages when preparing cube steak:
- Tenderness: The slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it incredibly tender.
- Flavor Infusion: Slow cooking allows the meat to absorb the flavors of any seasonings, broths, or sauces added to the pot.
- Convenience: With a crock pot, you can set it and forget it, freeing up time for other activities.
For instance, try a recipe that combines cube steak with a rich blend of onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth for a comforting meal. Alternatively, use cream of celery soup or add root vegetables like carrots and potatoes to create a complete one-pot dish.
Classic Cube Steak with Gravy: A Staple Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz each)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (for thickening)
Instructions:
- Place the cube steaks in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth until combined. Pour this mixture over the steaks.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the crock pot to thicken the gravy.
Variations:
- Cube Steak with Vegetables: Add chopped potatoes, carrots, and celery to the crock pot along with the cube steak for a complete meal.
- Different Soup Bases: Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soups and broths to reduce the salt content of the dish.
Creative Serving Ideas for Cube Steak Dishes
Serving cube steak with the right accompaniments can elevate the dish to a new level. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your crock pot cube steak:
- Over Egg Noodles or Mashed Potatoes: The creamy gravy pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles.
- Open-Faced Sandwiches: Use leftover cube steak to make delicious open-faced sandwiches. Simply place the steak and gravy over a slice of toasted bread.
- Hearty Casseroles: Mix leftover cube steak with vegetables and top with mashed potatoes for a simple and comforting casserole.
Tips for Perfect Cube Steak in a Crock Pot
To make sure your cube steak turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Meat: If using frozen cube steak, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to ensure even cooking.
- Control the Cooking Time: Cook on low for 6-8 hours to achieve the best texture. Cooking on high can result in tougher meat.
- Thicken the Gravy Properly: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
For more helpful tips, check out these Essential Slow Cooker Tips from Taste of Home, a great resource for learning the basics of using a crock pot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cube Steak Recipes
Can I use frozen cube steak in the crock pot?
It’s best to thaw cube steak overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Cooking from frozen can extend the cooking time and may result in uneven texture.
What can I substitute for the onion soup mix?
If you prefer to avoid pre-made mixes, you can substitute with homemade seasonings like garlic powder, beef bouillon, and a mix of dried herbs like thyme and parsley.
How do I store and reheat leftover cube steak?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little added broth to maintain moisture.
Is it necessary to add extra liquid when slow cooking cube steak?
No extra liquid is typically required beyond the soups and broths used in the recipe. However, if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a small amount of water or broth during cooking.
For more creative ideas on how to use cube steak, explore Creative Cube Steak Recipes from The Country Cook.
Advanced Cube Steak Recipes and Variations
Cube Steak with Red Wine and Herbs
Add depth to your cube steak by incorporating red wine and fresh herbs. This variation is perfect for a more gourmet approach.
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water for thickening
- Instructions:
- Layer the onions and garlic in the crock pot. Place cube steaks on top.
- Pour red wine and beef broth over the steaks.
- Sprinkle with thyme and rosemary.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Thicken the gravy with cornstarch mixed with water 30 minutes before serving.
Cube Steak with Creamy Dijon Sauce
For a rich, tangy twist, try a creamy Dijon sauce:
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water for thickening
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients except the cream in the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Stir in the cream and cornstarch mixture 30 minutes before serving to thicken.
Healthier Options for Crock Pot Cube Steak
If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider the following adjustments:
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soups and broths. Opt for fresh herbs and spices instead of salt-heavy mixes.
- Reduce Fat: Trim any visible fat from the meat and use low-fat or fat-free soups.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, including soups and thickeners, are certified gluten-free.
How to Store and Reheat Cube Steak
Leftover cube steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat with a bit of added broth to prevent drying.
To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Cooking cube steak in a crock pot is a fantastic way to enjoy this budget-friendly cut of meat. Whether you opt for a classic recipe with rich gravy or experiment with new flavors like red wine and herbs, the crock pot makes it easy to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and serving ideas to keep your meals exciting!
By incorporating these tips and recipes, you’ll soon discover that cube steak is a versatile, tasty option for your crock pot repertoire.