Tasty Cube Steak Recipes for Your Crock Pot
As autumn arrives, nothing beats the smell of a slow-cooked meal in your crock pot. Cube steak, often ignored, can become the star of your dinner. Let’s dive into some delicious cube steak recipes for your crock pot. These dishes will warm your heart and excite your taste buds.
Key Takeaways
- Discover tasty cube steak recipes perfect for your crock pot
- Learn how to turn tough cuts of meat into tender, mouthwatering meals
- Explore budget-friendly and family-friendly cube steak crock pot dishes
- Uncover comforting and flavorful one-pot cube steak crock pot wonders
- Enjoy the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cube steak crock pot cooking
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak comes from the cow’s shoulder or round area. It’s a tough, lean cut that gets tenderized to make it more enjoyable to eat. This process uses a machine with sharp blades or hammers to create small indentations or “cubes” on the meat’s surface.
Explaining the Cut and Tenderizing Process
The tenderizing process breaks down the meat’s muscle fibers. This makes cube steak great for quick cooking, like pan-frying, or slow cooking in a crock pot. It keeps the meat tender and juicy, even when cooked for a long time.
This preparation method makes cube steak perfect for many recipes. It’s great for both classic comfort foods and new, creative dishes.
| Key Characteristics of Cube Steak | Benefits of Tenderizing |
|---|---|
| – Comes from the shoulder or round area of the cow – Naturally tough and lean cut of beef – Mechanical tenderization creates a unique “cubed” texture | – Breaks down muscle fibers for a more tender texture – Allows for quick-cooking methods like pan-frying or slow cooking – Results in a flavorful, juicy cut of beef |
Cube steak is a versatile and affordable choice for many dishes. Knowing how it’s made and tenderized opens up a world of tasty possibilities in your kitchen.
Slow Cooker Cube Steak Basics
Cooking slow cooker cube steak turns a tough cut into tender, flavorful meat. The low heat breaks down the meat over hours, making it tender. Cube steak is perfect for the crock pot, becoming tender and juicy over time.
To start cooking cube steak in the crock pot, remember these tips:
- Cube steak comes from top round or sirloin, tenderized by pounding.
- It cooks for about 6 hours, depending on its thickness.
- Don’t rinse the steak before cooking, as it’s not recommended for raw beef.
- It’s different from Minute steak, which is thinly sliced and pounded.
When making slow cooker cube steak, try different flavors and sides. The slow cooking keeps the meat tender and juicy. It’s great for busy nights or weekends.
| Recipe | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooker Cube Steak Chili | 5 minutes | 6 hours | 6 hours 5 minutes | 6 | 1 1/2 pounds cube steak, 10 oz tomatoes with green chiles, 30 oz tomato sauce, 15 oz dark red kidney beans, 15 oz chili beans in sauce, 15 oz mixed beans in chili sauce, 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed peppers and onions, 1 oz chili seasoning, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp sugar |
“Slow cooker cube steak is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The meat comes out so tender and flavorful, it’s hard to believe it’s the same tough cut you started with.”
Classic Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
Preparing classic crock pot cube steak with gravy is a beloved tradition. It’s a simple dish that combines tender cube steak with a delicious, savory gravy. This recipe uses just a few ingredients.
Ingredients and Instructions
To make this crock pot cube steak with gravy recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs cube steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (1 oz) packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 (1 oz) packet beefy onion soup mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Optional: 3 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water, for thickening
- Optional: Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Start by placing the cube steak in your slow cooker. Then, mix the cream of chicken soup, au jus gravy mix, beefy onion soup mix, and 1 1/2 cups of water. Pour this over the steak. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the meat is tender.
To thicken the gravy, remove 1/4 cup of the liquid 30 minutes before serving. Whisk in the cornstarch and water mixture. Return it to the slow cooker and simmer until it thickens. Serve the classic crock pot cube steak with gravy over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
This comforting dish is both budget-friendly and delicious. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the tender cube steak and rich, savory gravy.
Flavorful Mushroom and Onion Cube Steak
Adding sautéed mushrooms and onions to cube steak in the slow cooker boosts flavor. The caramelized onions add sweetness, while the mushrooms bring an earthy taste. This mix creates a rich sauce that’s amazing over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
To make this flavorful cube steak crock pot recipe, you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds of cube steak
- 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (button, baby bella, or brown mushrooms work well)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- Low or no-sodium beef broth
- Seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
First, sauté the mushrooms and onions until they’re caramelized. Then, put the mushroom and onion cube steak crock pot ingredients in your slow cooker. Mix the water and cornstarch for a thickener, and pour it over. Add beef broth to make a tasty gravy.
Cook the mushroom and onion cube steak on low for 3.5-4 hours. When it’s done, the beef will be tender. This flavorful cube steak crock pot dish will delight your taste buds.
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 481 |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Protein | 49g |
| Sodium | 1113mg |
This mushroom and onion cube steak crock pot recipe elevates the classic dish. The slow-cooked beef and savory sauce make for a comforting meal.
Budget-Friendly cube steak recipes crock pot
Cube steak is a cheap cut of beef perfect for slow cooker recipes. To save money, buy cube steak when it’s on sale. Keep it frozen until you’re ready to cook. Also, use cheaper versions of ingredients like canned soups to cut costs without losing flavor.
Shopping Tips and Cost-Saving Strategies
- Look for cube steak on sale or in the clearance section of your grocery store.
- Stock up on cube steak when prices are low and keep it frozen until ready to use.
- Substitute lower-sodium or generic versions of ingredients like canned soups and gravy mixes to save money.
Cube steak is a cheap choice compared to pricier cuts of meat. It’s great for making affordable meals. The recipe is easy, needing just 30 minutes of prep time. It’s a comforting meal that feels good to eat.
You can serve cube steak with many sides like mashed potatoes or pasta. This lets everyone choose what they like. Before slow cooking, sear the steak with oil. This makes the dish richer and more flavorful.
“Cube steak is an economical and versatile choice for budget-friendly slow cooker recipes. With a few simple substitutions and smart shopping strategies, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank.”
Cube steak cooks well in a crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. This makes it tender without being tough. You can swap cream of mushroom soup for other soups or make your own. The recipe also offers gluten-free options, like using gluten-free flour to thicken the dish.
One-Pot Cube Steak Crock Pot Wonders
Cube steak is the star in many tasty crock pot meals. Just add it to the slow cooker with veggies, potatoes, and sauces. This makes a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up.
These cube steak crock pot recipes are great for busy weeknights. They offer a hassle-free, satisfying meal. Try classic cube steak with gravy or mushroom and onion variations for a breeze at dinner time.
- Recommended cooking time for Slow Cooker Cube Steak: 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW.
- Leftover storage time: Up to three days in the fridge.
- Nutrition per serving: 171 calories, 2g carbohydrates, 13g protein, 12g fat, 517mg sodium.
For a complete cube steak crock pot wonder, add potatoes, carrots, onions, and your favorite seasonings. The result is a delicious, comforting dish perfect for sharing.
Whether you’re craving a classic cube steak crock pot recipe or something new, these easy cube steak crock pot meals will be loved by all. Relax and let your slow cooker make a hassle-free, flavorful dinner.
Tender Cube Steak Crock Pot Dishes
Cooking Times and Techniques
To get your cube steak tender in the slow cooker, follow the right cooking times and techniques. Cube steak should cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours. This breaks down the connective tissues, making the meat tender.
It’s important to check the internal temperature of the cube steak. Adjust the cooking time if needed to avoid dry or tough meat.
Patience is key for tender cube steak in the crock pot. Cooking it low and slow tenderizes the meat. For the best flavor, sear the cube steak in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
When making tender cube steak crock pot recipes, the cook time matters. Recipes usually suggest 6-8 hours on the low setting. Adjust the time based on the meat’s size and thickness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the cube steak reaches 165°F for safety.
“Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to tender cube steak crock pot dishes. The long, gentle cooking process is the key to transforming this economical cut of meat into a delectable, fork-tender meal.”
By following these cooking time and technique tips, you can enjoy tender cube steak dishes in your crock pot. The slow-cooking method melds flavors and makes the meat soft and juicy.
Comforting Cube Steak Crock Pot Classics
Cube steak is the base for many comfort food classics in the slow cooker. From comforting cube steak crock pot recipes to hearty cube steak stroganoff, these classic cube steak crock pot dishes are perfect for home-cooked meals. The slow cooking makes the cube steak tender, and the sauces and seasonings add a familiar taste that everyone loves.
The classic cube steak and gravy is a favorite comforting cube steak crock pot recipe. It combines tender cube steak with creamy gravy and veggies for a satisfying meal. Seared before slow-cooking, the cube steak gets extra flavor. The gravy thickens, making a rich sauce to enjoy with the steak.
Another favorite classic cube steak crock pot dish is cube steak stroganoff. It has cube steak in a creamy mushroom sauce, served with buttery noodles. The slow cooking makes the steak tender, and the sauce and mushrooms add a comforting taste.
Looking for a classic comforting cube steak crock pot recipe or a twist on a favorite? The slow cooker is great for making cube steak into a delicious, family-friendly dish. With little effort and lots of flavor, these classic cube steak crock pot dishes will become your new comfort food favorites.
Easy Cube Steak Crock Pot Meals
Preparing cube steak dishes in your slow cooker is super easy. Many easy cube steak crock pot recipes need just a few pantry staples. This way, you can enjoy tender, delicious cube steak with little effort.
Simple Prep and Minimal Ingredients
Simple cube steak crock pot meals are great because they need very little time. Recipes often use canned soups, gravy mixes, and basic seasonings. With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a comforting meal cooking while you do other things.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cube Steaks | 4 pieces |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kosher Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, thinly sliced | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Beef Broth | 1 cup |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Dried Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Cold Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Chopped Fresh Parsley | For garnish |
With just a few ingredients, you can make a tasty easy cube steak crock pot recipe your family will love. The slow cooking makes the cube steak tender and flavorful.
Looking for a quick dinner or a weekend meal? Simple cube steak crock pot meals are perfect. They require little prep and cook hands-off, making your meal tender and juicy.
Family-Friendly Cube Steak Crock Pot Favorites
Cube steak crock pot recipes are a hit with families. They are tender, savory, and easy to love. Plus, they’re simple and budget-friendly, making them perfect for any meal.
Kid-Approved Side Dish Pairings
For a meal everyone will love, pair your cube steak with classic sides. Here are some tasty options:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttery egg noodles
- Fluffy white rice
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
These sides are comforting and appeal to kids. They make the meal even better, combining with the savory cube steak.
The nutrition in these family-friendly cube steak crock pot recipes is great. A serving has 747 calories, with 52g of protein, 33g of carbs, and 43g of fat. It’s a balanced meal with fiber and vitamins.
“Cube steak crock pot dishes are a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly way to feed the whole family. The tender meat and comforting side dishes create a meal that even the pickiest eaters will love.”
These kid-friendly cube steak crock pot meals are easy to make. Prep takes just 10 minutes, and cooking is 5 hours in the slow cooker. They’re perfect for busy nights, offering a delicious, nutritious meal for all.
Conclusion
Cube steak is a versatile and budget-friendly cut of beef. It shines when prepared in a slow cooker. The low, steady heat of the crock pot makes tough cube steak tender and flavorful.
Whether you’re craving a classic cube steak and gravy or something new, there are endless options. Cube steak crock pot dishes are delicious and easy to make.
Try cube steak recipes crock pot for hearty, comforting meals. The slow cooking breaks down the meat’s tough fibers. This makes it melt-in-your-mouth perfect with rich gravies and savory mushrooms.
Plus, slow cooker cube steak recipes can be tailored to fit your diet. They’re great for low-carb, keto, or nutrient-dense meals.
As you explore more cube steak crock pot recipes, remember its affordability. With a little creativity and your slow cooker, you can make comforting dishes. These will become new favorites in your home.
