Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipes: Tender, Juicy, and Easy!
Are you looking for an effortless yet incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further than crock pot cube steak recipes! Cube steak, known for its affordability and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, is a perfect candidate for your slow cooker. This guide explores several delicious variations, ensuring you find the perfect recipe for your taste.
Why Crock Pot Cube Steak?
The magic of slow cooking transforms tough cube steak into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The low and slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in a juicy and tender final product. This method requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, the flavors have ample time to meld, creating a depth of taste you won't find with quicker cooking methods.
Essential Ingredients for Amazing Crock Pot Cube Steak
While specific recipes vary, here are the core ingredients you'll commonly find:
- Cube Steak: The star of the show! Choose a good quality cut for optimal results.
- Seasoning: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder is a great starting point. Don't be afraid to experiment with other spices like paprika, cumin, or even chili powder!
- Liquid: This is crucial for keeping the meat moist. Common choices include beef broth, water, or even a combination of both.
- Optional additions: The beauty of crock pot cooking is its versatility. You can elevate your cube steak with onions, mushrooms, potatoes, gravy mix, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Top 3 Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe Variations
Here are three delicious and easy-to-follow crock pot cube steak recipes to get you started:
1. Classic Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the cube steak generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the steak lightly in olive oil (optional, but adds flavor).
- Place the seasoned steak in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the steak.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is fork-tender.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or rice.
2. Creamy Mushroom Crock Pot Cube Steak
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the cube steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the steak (optional).
- Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until softened.
- Place the steak and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and beef broth until smooth. Pour over the steak and mushrooms.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
3. Spicy Crock Pot Cube Steak with Peppers and Onions
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the cube steak with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
- Sear the steak (optional).
- Place the steak, onions, and peppers in the slow cooker.
- Pour the Rotel over the ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with tortillas or rice.
Tips for Crock Pot Cube Steak Success
- Don't overcook: Overcooked cube steak will be dry. Check for tenderness with a fork.
- Use a meat thermometer: For optimal results, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Thicken the gravy: If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Get creative with your sides: Crock pot cube steak pairs well with many sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, and more.
With these recipes and tips, you're well on your way to enjoying tender, juicy, and flavorful crock pot cube steak meals. Enjoy!
