Looking for a comforting, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy days? This Slow Cooker Cube Steak and Gravy recipe is here to save the day! 🍖✨ With tender cube steak smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy, this dish is a family favorite that practically cooks itself. Whether you’re a busy parent, a farmer, or just someone who loves a good home-cooked meal, this recipe is a game-changer. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe
This recipe is all about convenience and flavor. By using your slow cooker, you can skip the searing step and still end up with tender, juicy cube steak, and delicious gravy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, just set it and forget it!
Historical Background of Slow Cooker Cube Steak and Gravy
Slow Cooker Cube Steak has deep roots in Southern and Midwestern cuisine, where home cooks have long sought ways to transform inexpensive cuts of beef into tender, flavorful meals. Traditionally, cube steak, made by mechanically tenderizing tougher cuts like top round or sirloin, was pan-fried or baked. However, with the rise of slow cookers in the 1970s, this dish evolved into a set-it-and-forget-it comfort food that delivers fall-apart tenderness with minimal effort.
During the Great Depression, cube steak became a kitchen staple as an economical way to stretch meals, often paired with gravy made from simple pantry ingredients. Over time, the dish has adapted to modern tastes, with recipes incorporating an onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and slow cooking techniques to maximize flavor and tenderness. Today, Slow Cooker Cube Steak remains a beloved hearty meal that is perfect for busy families looking for an easy yet satisfying dinner
Tools Needed for This Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe
Make cooking easier with these must-have kitchen tools:
- ✅ Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- ✅ Mixing Bowls
- ✅ Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
- ✅ Measuring Cups & Spoons
- ✅ Slow Cooker Liners
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6)
🍖 1.5-2 lbs cube steak
🧅 1 large onion, sliced
🍄 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
🥬 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
🧂 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
💧 1 can of water (use the soup can to measure)
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crock pot.
Step 2: Layer the Cube Steak
- Lay the cube steak on top of the onions.
- Sprinkle black pepper, salt, and garlic powder over the meat.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, Lipton onion soup mix, and water.
- Stir well until combined.
Step 4: Pour & Cook
- Pour the gravy mixture over the cube steak.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until the meat is tender.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Stir the gravy before serving.
- Serve with green beans or corn over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
For more Delicious recipes, check out our collection of easy dinners! 🍽️
Storage Notes for Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Proper storage ensures that your Slow Cooker Cube Steak stays fresh and delicious for later meals. Follow these tips to store and reheat it safely:
Refrigeration
- Allow the cube steak and gravy to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing
- For longer storage, place the cooled Slow Cooker Cube Steak in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
- To prevent freezer burn, make sure the container is tightly sealed, or wrap the steak in plastic wrap before placing it in a bag.
Thawing and Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to restore moisture.
- You can also reheat in a slow cooker in the “warm” setting for about an hour.
Following these storage tips will keep your Slow Cooker Cube Steak flavorful and ready for a quick and comforting meal anytime! 😊
Tips for Success
🍄 Homemade Soup: If you prefer, use homemade cream of mushroom or celery soup for a fresher flavor.
🧅 Extra Onions: Add more onions if you love their sweet, caramelized flavor after slow cooking.
🍖 Tough Cube Steak: This recipe is perfect for tougher cuts of cube steak, as the slow cooking process tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Why This Recipe Works
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, breaking down the cube steak into tender, juicy bites. The combination of cream soups and onion soup mix creates a rich, savory gravy that’s packed with flavor. Plus, the no-sear method makes this recipe incredibly easy and hands-off.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Cube Steak and Gravy
1. Why should I use a slow cooker for cube steak?
Slow cooking breaks down the fibers in cube steak, making it extra tender while allowing it to absorb all the rich flavors of the gravy. This method ensures juicy, fork-tender meat without the risk of overcooking.
2. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes! If cube steak is not available, you can substitute round steak, chuck steak, or boneless pork chops. Just ensure the meat is properly tenderized for the best results.
3. How can I thicken the gravy in my Slow Cooker Cube Steak?
If the gravy is too thin, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker thirty minutes before serving. Let it cook uncovered to thicken properly.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything the night before, store it in the slow cooker insert in the fridge, and start cooking in the morning. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
5. What are the best side dishes for Slow Cooker Cube Steak?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or buttered biscuits. Add a side of steamed vegetables, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
6. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Adding sliced mushrooms, onions, carrots, or green beans will enhance the flavor and make the dish more nutritious.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cube Steak and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a winner.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!
