Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy – A Hearty, Set-It-and-Forget-It Meal
Imagine coming home to a warm, comforting meal that’s been cooking all day in your crock pot. Crock pot cube steak and gravy is a delicious, slow-cooked meal that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. You can serve it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
This recipe is simple and only needs a few ingredients. You’ll need cube steak, cream of mushroom soup, and beefy onion dry soup mix. It cooks for 6 to 8 hours on low, so you can just set it and forget it. Whether you’re craving a classic comfort food or a slow cooker cube steak, this recipe will be a hit.
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Why Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is Your New Favorite Comfort Food
Comfort food like cube steak with gravy is unmatched for warmth and satisfaction. It’s a classic recipe that’s easy to make, perfect for easy crock pot recipes. Slow cooking turns tough meat into tender, fall-apart pieces that everyone loves.
Comfort food recipes like this are simple and versatile. They require little prep time, making a delicious meal ready for you after a long day. The slow cooking makes the meat tender and flavorful, great over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
This recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses affordable ingredients like cube steak and canned soups. It makes a lot of food, ideal for big families or meal prep.
- Easy to prepare and cook
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for feeding a large family or for meal prep
- Can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes or egg noodles
Its rich flavor and tender texture make cube steak and gravy a favorite comfort food recipe. Thanks to easy crock pot recipes, you can enjoy it any day.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cube Steak and Gravy
To make a delicious tender cube steak recipe, you’ll need some key ingredients. You’ll need cube steak, gravy mix, and beef broth. You can find these at most grocery stores.
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds of beef (6 cube steak patties)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
- 1.5 cups of beef bone broth or beef stock
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons of homemade herb and garlic seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for thickening
These ingredients will help you make a rich and savory crock pot beef gravy. This gravy will go perfectly with your tender cube steak. You can also adjust the recipe to fit your taste.
Preparing Your Cube Steak for the Crock Pot
Preparing cube steak for the crock pot is key to success. You need to season and prepare it well before cooking. This ensures a delicious, one pot meal.
Start by seasoning the cube steak with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This enhances the steak’s natural flavors. You can pre-sear the steak in a pan or add it straight to the crock pot.
To make a rich gravy, mix cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and tomato paste. Add a cornstarch slurry in the last hour. This makes the steak tender and perfect with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Remember, use 2 cube steaks for every 1 cup of sliced onions and mushrooms. Layer the ingredients for a flavorful dish. With these tips, you’ll make a satisfying one pot meal for any night.
Creating Rich and Savory Gravy From Scratch
To make your savory crock pot dishes even better, especially crock pot cube steak and gravy, you need a homemade gravy. This gravy boosts the dish’s flavor and texture. It turns a simple meal into a hearty, easy-to-make dish.
Creating a great gravy starts with the right ingredients and methods. Begin by deglazing the pan with a bit of beef broth or wine. This loosens the browned bits from the bottom. Next, mix flour and butter to make a roux. This thickens the gravy and adds flavor.
- Use a mix of beef broth and cream of mushroom soup for extra richness and taste.
- Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary for a herbal twist.
- For a deeper, richer gravy, use more broth and simmer it longer.
By following these steps and trying out different ingredients and methods, you can make a delicious gravy. It will perfectly match your crock pot cube steak and gravy. This makes your savory crock pot dishes even more enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To make a tasty slow cooker cube steak, just follow a few easy steps. Start by getting your ingredients ready. You’ll need 4 cube steaks, 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, and 1.5 cups of beef broth. Then, season your cube steaks with your favorite spices and put them in the slow cooker.
Next, set your slow cooker to the right temperature. You can choose high or low. For cube steak, cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. You can also try easy crock pot recipes to make cooking simpler.
While the steak cooks, prepare some veggies to add to the slow cooker. Carrots, potatoes, and green beans are great choices. Just slice or chop them and add them for the last 30 minutes.
To check if your steak is done, use a meat thermometer. It should read at least 145°F (63°C). You can also test it with a fork or knife. If it slides in easily, it’s cooked right.
Here’s a quick summary of the cooking steps:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on low OR 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 8 hours and 10 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
By following these steps and using easy crock pot recipes, you can make a delicious slow cooker cube steak. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When cooking comfort food like tender cube steak, knowing common problems is key. Issues like overcooking or undercooking can happen. But, there are ways to fix these problems. Data shows 34 common slow cooker mistakes, and knowing them can help you avoid them.
To get tender cube steak, cook it at the right temperature and for the right time. Don’t overfill the slow cooker. This can cause uneven cooking and spills. It’s best to fill it to two-thirds capacity.
Here are some more tips for cooking tender cube steak:
- Use 50% more dried herbs than you normally would.
- Cook fish and seafood in the last 30 to 60 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Don’t open the lid too often, as it can increase cooking time.
By following these tips, you can make delicious and tender cube steak in a slow cooker. Always cook to the recommended internal temperature for a safe and tasty meal.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Your Cube Steak
When serving cube steak and gravy, pick side dishes that match its rich flavors. You can go for classic choices or try something new. For a comforting meal, mashed potatoes or egg noodles are great. They pair well with the crock pot beef gravy.
For a lighter meal, try roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. These options are tasty and offer a nice contrast to the cube steak. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with quinoa or grilled asparagus. These choices add a modern twist to your meal.
Some other options to consider include:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Sauteed spinach
- Grilled bell peppers
These side dishes are quick to make and perfect for a fast, tasty meal. Feel free to add your own twist with different seasonings. This way, you can make a meal that highlights your cube steak and simple crock pot meals.
Choosing the right side dishes can make your cube steak and gravy even better. So, don’t be shy to try new recipes. With a bit of practice, you’ll master serving delicious cube steak meals.
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Egg Noodles | 5 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Roasted Vegetables | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating your cube steak and gravy is key to keeping it tasty. It’s important to use the right methods for one pot meals and savory crock pot dishes. This way, you can enjoy your dish for a longer time.
You can store your cube steak and gravy in the fridge for 3-4 days. Or, freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it again, warm it up in a saucepan or microwave until it’s hot.
Here are some tips for reheating your cube steak and gravy:
- Reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Use the microwave, covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat it in 30-second increments until heated through.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your cube steak and gravy for a longer time. It’s perfect for one pot meals and savory crock pot dishes.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this crock pot cube steak and gravy recipe is its flexibility. Once you get the hang of it, try new ingredients and spices. You can use cube steak, pork chops, or chicken breasts for a twist. Adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can enhance the flavor.
For a spicy kick, add a bit of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
This slow cooker cube steak recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. So, start experimenting and enjoy the tasty outcomes!