Best Crock Pot Cube Steak

Best Crock Pot Cube Steak

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Tender, savory, and smothered in a rich onion gravy, this Best Crock Pot Cube Steak is the comfort food classic your weeknight dinner rotation has been missing. The slow cooker transforms economical cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, making every bite hearty and satisfying. Paired with mashed potatoes or green beans, it’s a full Southern-style meal without the fuss.

What makes this dish even better? It’s made with simple pantry staples and takes just minutes to throw together. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this hands-off recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it fills your home with the most incredible aroma while it simmers all day long.


Why You’ll Love This Best Crock Pot Cube Steak

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive cube steak and stretches a small list of ingredients into a full meal.
  • Effortless Cooking: Just layer, pour, and let the slow cooker do the magic.
  • Flavor-Packed: The onions and gravy slowly infuse the steak with deep, savory notes.
  • Family Favorite: A nostalgic and kid-approved dish that reminds many of Sunday dinners at grandma’s.
  • Versatile Pairing: Perfect with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even creamy grits.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, a little prep and the right tools will ensure everything goes smoothly:

Essential Tools and Equipment:

  • Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): The star of the show. A 6-quart size is ideal to comfortably hold the meat and gravy.
  • Tongs: Useful for transferring cube steak into the crock pot without tearing the meat.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: For precise sauce and seasoning proportions.
  • Cutting Board + Sharp Knife: To slice onions evenly, ensuring they cook down to tender sweetness.
  • Whisk or Fork: For blending the gravy mix smoothly with broth or water.

Each of these tools plays a key role: the slow cooker guarantees the steak becomes ultra-tender, while the rest help streamline your prep so you can walk away and let dinner cook itself.


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Ingredients for the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak

  • Cube Steak: This inexpensive cut is pre-tenderized, making it ideal for low and slow cooking.
  • Yellow Onions: Sliced and cooked down into the gravy, they add depth and sweetness.
  • Beef Broth: Creates the savory base for the gravy and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Brown Gravy Mix: Adds convenience and concentrated flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle warmth and enhances the beef.
  • Salt & Pepper: For essential seasoning and balance.
  • Cornstarch (optional): For thickening the gravy if needed.

How To Make the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Layer sliced onions in the bottom of your crock pot. This forms the bed for the cube steaks to rest on and helps them absorb oniony goodness as they cook.

Step 2: Season and Stack

Season cube steaks on both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lay them over the onions in a single layer (or slightly overlapping if needed).

Step 3: Mix the Gravy

In a bowl, whisk together beef broth and brown gravy mix until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the steaks and onions.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and infused with gravy flavor.

Step 5: Thicken If Desired

If you prefer thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the crock pot. Let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes.


Serving and Storing This Recipe

Serve this hearty crock pot cube steak over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up every bit of the rich gravy. Round it out with green beans, roasted carrots, or a warm biscuit for a comforting Southern-style meal.

To store, let the leftovers cool completely and transfer them to airtight containers. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cube steak?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and texture.

What if I don’t have brown gravy mix?

You can substitute with onion soup mix or make a homemade gravy using beef broth, flour, and butter.

Can I add mushrooms?

Absolutely! Add fresh or canned mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy boost.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak?

Use the low setting and don’t exceed 8 hours. Cube steak becomes tender but can dry if cooked too long.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your gravy mix and broth labels. Use a gluten-free version to keep the dish gluten-free.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, cook on high pressure for 20 minutes with a natural release.


Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you love this hearty slow-cooked dish, here are more meals to cozy up to:


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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or maybe swap the broth? Did you serve it over rice or potatoes?

I love hearing how others bring their twist to these cozy dishes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, one meal at a time.

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Best Crock Pot Cube Steak

Best Crock Pot Cube Steak


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  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

This Best Crock Pot Cube Steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner—tender cube steaks slow-cooked in rich onion gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday meals. Made with pantry staples and packed with hearty flavor, it’s a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Keywords: crock pot cube steak, slow cooker steak, onion gravy, comfort food, beef recipe, Southern dinner.


Ingredients

2 pounds cube steak

2 large yellow onions, sliced

2 cups beef broth

2 packets brown gravy mix

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)


Instructions

1. Layer sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

2. Season cube steaks with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place them over the onions.

3. In a bowl, whisk beef broth with brown gravy mix until smooth. Pour over the steak and onions.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until meat is fork-tender.

5. Optional: For thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for 15–20 more minutes.

6. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Enjoy!

Notes

You can add sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor.

Use low-sodium broth if watching salt intake.

Leftovers taste even better the next day after soaking in the gravy.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6th of recipe)
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 790mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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