What’s the best way to cook cube steak in a Crock Pot

As autumn arrives, the thought of a warm, comforting meal in the slow cooker is very appealing. Cube steak, often overlooked, is a great choice for a stress-free dinner. It becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly in a crock pot. Steak Recipes

Key Takeaways

• Cube steak is an economical and tenderized cut of beef that’s perfect for slow cooking.
• This crock pot recipe is quick to prepare and made with basic ingredients such as onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth.
• The slow cooking process ensures the cube steak becomes fork-tender and infused with rich, savory flavors.
• The dish can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, making it a versatile and budget-friendly weeknight meal.
• This recipe allows for easy customization, such as using different cuts of beef or alternative soup flavors.

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

Cube steak comes from the cow’s shoulder, a tough area. It’s made tender by a special process. This makes it soak up flavors and become soft during cooking.

What Part of the Cow is Cube Steak?

Cube steak is from the cow’s shoulder, or chuck. This part is very used, making the meat tough. A special machine makes the meat tender and gives it a unique pattern.

Benefits of Using Cube Steak

• Cube steak is lean and affordable, perfect for slow cooking.
• The tenderizing process makes the meat absorb flavors and become tender.
• Slow cooking, like in a cube steak crock pot or slow cooker cube steak recipe, makes it tender and flavorful.

Why Tenderizing Matters

Tenderizing cube steak is key. It breaks down tough fibers and tissue. This method ensures the meat becomes tender and packed with flavor. Slow cooking, like in a crock pot, makes it even better.

Slow cooking is the secret to transforming tough, inexpensive cuts of beef like cube steak into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak

Making the perfect slow cooker cube steak starts with the right ingredients. You’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs of cube steak, or about 4-6 individual steaks
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup.
• 1 packet of onion soup mix and dip mix
• 1 1/4 cups of beef broth
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch for thickening
• Salt and pepper to taste

For extra flavor, consider adding a few more ingredients:

1. A splash of Worcestershire sauce
2. A tablespoon of tomato paste
3. Minced garlic cloves or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
4. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
5. A dash of paprika or other spices

The beauty of a cube steak in crock pot or slow cooker cube steak recipe is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you can make a delicious dish. It’s ideal for hectic weeknights or relaxing weekend dinners.

“The key to a mouthwatering cube steak crock pot dish lies in the preparation.Choosing the right ingredients and letting them meld together in the slow cooker is the key to success.”

With these essential ingredients, you’re on your way to making a tender, flavorful cube steak dish. Your family will love it.

Preparing Cube Steak in Crock Pot: Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking cube steak in a crock pot is easy and delicious. Follow these steps to make a tasty crock pot cube steak and gravy. Your family will love it.

Initial Preparation Steps

Start by mixing 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of French onion soup, 1 envelope of au jus mix, and 3 cups of water in your crock pot. This mix will be the base of your gravy.

Then, add 6 beef cube steaks, each 4 ounces. Make sure they’re covered in the soup and au jus mix. You can also add diced onions and mushrooms on top of the steaks.

Layering Ingredients

After adding the ingredients, set the crock pot to cook. Cook the cube steaks on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will make the meat tender.

Setting Cooking Time and Temperature

About an hour before serving, make a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.Combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir it into the crock pot. Cook on high for 30 minutes until the gravy thickens.

Let the meat become fork-tender before serving. Serve your crock pot cube steak and gravy over mashed potatoes or noodles. It’s a comforting meal.

Creating the Perfect Gravy for Your Cube Steak

Make your crock pot cube steak dish even better with a rich, tasty gravy. The secret to a great gravy is in the mix of ingredients. Start with a can of cream of mushroom soup and an onion gravy mix packet.

Add some beef bone broth, a bit of Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste for extra flavor. This mix will make your gravy rich and savory.

As the cube steak cooks, the flavors will blend beautifully. To thicken the gravy, mix a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and cold water) towards the end. Adjust the thickness by adding more slurry or broth until it’s just right.

The slow cooking method ensures the flavors combine perfectly. Serve the cube steak in a Crock Pot and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It’s a comforting meal that will please your taste buds. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1073264154944930771/

FAQ

What is cube steak and why is it well-suited for slow cooking?

cube steak in a Crock Pot is an affordable beef cut, typically taken from the shoulder. It’s tenderized to make it tender when cooked slowly. This makes it perfect for crock pots or slow cookers.

What are the key ingredients needed for crock pot cube steak?

You’ll need cube steaks, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and French onion soup. Also, au jus gravy mix, water, and cornstarch for thickening. You can add diced onions, mushrooms, beef broth, tomato paste, and seasonings for extra flavor.

How do you prepare and cook cube steak in a crock pot?

Begin by combining the soup, onion soup mix, au jus mix, and water in the cube steak in a Crock Pot. Add the cube steaks, making sure they’re covered. Then, add any extra veggies. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your preference.

About an hour before serving, mix cornstarch with water to thicken the gravy.

What role does the gravy play in this dish, and how can you prepare it?

The gravy enhances the dish with a rich, savory flavor. It’s made from cream of chicken or mushroom soup, French onion soup, and au jus mix. You can also add beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce for more flavor.

To thicken it, add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.

Can I use low-sodium or no-sodium alternatives for the ingredients?

Yes, you can use low-sodium or no-sodium versions of the cream of soup, French onion soup, and au jus gravy mix for a lower-sodium dish.