How to Make Tender Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe in 8 Hours

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Growing up in a busy Midwestern kitchen, I learned a secret. Patience and the right cooking technique can turn tough meat into a tasty meal. My grandmother’s crock pot cube steak recipe was a family favorite. It made an affordable cut of meat into a dinner that seemed to melt in your mouth.

The crock pot cube steak recipe is a game-changer for home cooks. It’s easy to make a delicious meal with little effort. Slow-cooking this budget-friendly cut of meat makes it tender and flavorful. Your family will ask for seconds.

Understanding Cube Steak: What It Is and Why It’s Perfect for Slow Cooking

Creating a tasty pioneer woman crock pot cube steak starts with knowing the meat. Cube steak is a beef cut that gets better with slow cooking. It’s perfect for those who want a tender, flavorful meal.

Where Cube Steak Comes From

Cube steak comes from tougher beef cuts like top or bottom round. Butchers use a special machine to tenderize it. This makes the meat soft and ready for slow cooker recipes.

Benefits of Slow Cooking Cube Steak

  • Transforms tough meat into fork-tender delicacy
  • Enhances natural beef flavors
  • Requires minimal preparation
  • Creates rich, flavorful gravy

Why Tenderizing Matters

Tenderizing is key for cube steak because it’s from lean, muscular parts. Without it, the meat can be tough. Slow cooking breaks down collagen, making it tender and delicious.

Cube Steak Preparation in Slow Cooker

“Slow cooking turns an affordable cut into a restaurant-quality meal.” – Home Cooking Expert

A serving of cube steak has about 26g of protein and 293 calories. It’s a protein-rich meal for families looking for tasty, healthy dinners.

Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe

Making a tasty 3 ingredient crockpot cube steak is easy. My favorite recipe turns simple items into a dish everyone loves. Let’s look at what makes this recipe special.

Main Ingredients List

For a classic crock pot cube steak with onion soup mix, you’ll need these key ingredients:

  • 6 beef cube steaks (4 ounces each)
  • 1 packet of onion soup mix (1 ounce)
  • 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
  • 8 ounces of beef broth

Gravy Components

The secret to a rich, flavorful gravy is in the right mix. My recipe combines special ingredients for a memorable taste.

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • Optional gravy mix variations:
    • Brown gravy mix
    • Mushroom gravy mix
    • Additional onion gravy mix

Optional Add-ins and Variations

Want to make your 3 ingredient crockpot cube steak even better? Try these exciting additions:

  • Sliced fresh mushrooms
  • Chopped onions
  • Garlic powder
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary

Pro Tip: The beauty of this crock pot cube steak with onion soup mix recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Each ingredient is key to a tender, flavorful meal that will be a family hit. Simple ingredients turn humble cube steak into a dish that’s both easy to make and delicious.

Step-by-Step Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe

Making a tasty slow cooker cube steak is easy. I’ll show you how to make a tender, flavorful dish that cooks itself. This crock pot cube steak recipe will be a hit with your family!

  1. Prep your ingredients:
    • 4 beef cube steaks
    • 1 yellow onion, sliced
    • Button mushrooms
    • Beef broth
    • Tomato paste
  2. Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper
  3. Optional: Lightly brown steaks in olive oil for extra flavor
  4. Layer ingredients in the slow cooker:
    • Sliced onions at the bottom
    • Cube steaks on top of onions
    • Mushrooms scattered around
  5. Create a homemade gravy by mixing:
    • Beef broth
    • Tomato paste
    • Cornstarch for thickening
  6. Pour gravy over steaks
  7. Cook on low for 6-8 hours

Pro tip for slow cooker cube steak allrecipes fans: The key is the “set it and forget it” method. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the meat will be incredibly tender!

“Slow cooking transforms tough cube steak into a melt-in-your-mouth meal with minimal effort.” – Home Cooking Expert

This recipe has about 411 calories per serving. It has 39g of protein and a perfect balance of flavors. It will satisfy any comfort food craving.

Tips for Perfect Melt-in-Your-Mouth Results

Creating the ultimate cube steak recipes needs some skill. I’ll share my top secrets to make your slow-cooked meal amazing.

Mastering Temperature and Timing

Getting tender cube steak is all about the cooking. For the best results, follow these steps:

  • Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours
  • Keep the temperature steady
  • Don’t open the lid too often

Gravy Thickness Perfection

The secret to great cube steak recipes is the gravy. Here’s how to get it just right:

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold water
  2. Add it to the crock pot in the last hour
  3. Whisk well to avoid lumps

Smart Storage and Reheating

Keep your delicious cube steak fresh with these tips:

Storage MethodDurationReheating Tip
Refrigerator3-4 daysReheat to 165°F
Freezer1 monthThaw overnight before reheating

“The key to great cube steak is patience and low, slow cooking!” – Grandma’s Kitchen Wisdom

Pro tip: Always store your cube steak in an airtight container to keep flavor and moisture.

Conclusion

I’ve shown you how to make a tasty crock pot cube steak recipe. It turns an affordable cut of meat into a delicious meal. With just a few ingredients and little prep, you can make a satisfying dinner.

This recipe is great for busy families and those who love to cook on a budget. It costs about $4 per pound and feeds 6-8 people. The 6-8 hour cooking time makes each bite tender and full of flavor.

You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It has a 4.99 out of 5 rating and 42g of protein per serving. This shows that tasty meals don’t have to be hard or expensive. Try it out, make it your own, and enjoy a meal that brings people together.

Good cooking is about passion, simplicity, and sharing. Your crock pot is more than a kitchen tool. It’s a way to make memories, one tender cube steak at a time.

FAQ

What is cube steak, and why is it good for crock pot cooking?

Cube steak is a tough cut of beef from the top or bottom round. It’s perfect for crock pot cooking because the slow heat breaks down the tough fibers. This makes the meat tender and flavorful.

How long should I cook cube steak in a crock pot?

For tender results, cook cube steak on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking makes the meat soft and flavorful. If you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 3-4 hours, but it won’t be as tender.

Can I make this recipe without using canned soup?

Yes, you can make a homemade gravy. Use beef broth, flour, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix beef broth with cornstarch for a rich, homemade gravy.

What are the best sides to serve with crock pot cube steak?

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted veggies. The gravy is great over these sides. Steamed green beans or a simple salad also pair well.

How do I store and reheat leftover cube steak?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with broth. The meat gets even tastier the next day.

Can I freeze crock pot cube steak?

Yes, it freezes well! Cool, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently, adding broth if needed.

What if my cube steak is still tough after cooking?

If it’s still tough, it needs more time. Cook on low for another 1-2 hours. Use a low temperature and enough liquid. Tough meat needs patience and consistent cooking.

Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

You can use round steak or bottom round instead of cube steak. Choose a lean, less expensive cut for slow cooking. Adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.

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