Crock Pot Cube Steak

Crock Pot Cube Steak is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender cube steak with flavorful onion soup mix and creamy mushroom soup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time. As it cooks slowly, the flavors meld together, creating a rich gravy. You can serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. But what makes this dish so popular? Let’s explore its history and ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious, this Crock Pot cube steak recipe is a fantastic choice.

With a quick prep time of just 10 minutes, you can throw everything into the crock pot and let it work its magic. The simple ingredients—cube steak, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth—ensure you won’t be hunting for anything fancy. Cube steak is known for its affordability and versatility, making it an accessible option for many home cooks.

Once it’s cooking, you can relax while the slow cooker makes the steak tender and flavorful. You can serve it over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, making it a versatile option.

Plus, leftovers are easy to reheat, so you can enjoy this hearty meal again without any stress.

History

Cube steak has a rich history that dates back to its origins in the top round or top sirloin of a cow. The name comes from the cube-shaped indentations made during the tenderization process. You mightn’t know that this involves pounding the meat to make it softer and easier to chew. Cube steak became popular in American cuisine, particularly in dishes like chicken-fried steak. This dish has roots linked to German and Austrian immigrants in Texas during the 19th century. The term “chicken-fried steak” first appeared in a restaurant advertisement in 1914. Mechanical tenderizers are often used to create the cube-shaped indentations that give this cut its unique texture.

Recipe

Crock Pot Cube Steak is a delicious and easy meal option that’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a comforting dinner. The combination of cube steak, onion soup mix, and cream of mushroom soup creates a rich and flavorful gravy that pairs wonderfully with egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Cube steak is typically a cut of top round or top sirloin, making it a budget-friendly choice for families.

Simply throw all the ingredients into your crock pot, set it to cook, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. This recipe not only guarantees tender and juicy cube steak but also allows for some flexibility with ingredients. You can easily customize it by adding additional vegetables or trying different types of cream soup.

Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or for a family gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients
– Cube steak (1-1.5 lbs)
– Onion soup mix (1 oz package)
– Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can)
– Beef broth (1/2 cup to 1 cup)
– Egg noodles or mashed potatoes for serving

Instructions
1. Begin by placing the cube steaks into the crock pot. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the steaks.
2. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the top of the steaks, followed by the beef broth. Adjust the amount of broth based on how thick you prefer the gravy.
3. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, prepare your egg noodles or mashed potatoes according to package instructions or your preferred recipe.
5. If you desire a thicker gravy, mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it into the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.

For best results, consider browning the cube steaks in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot. This step enhances the flavor considerably.

Feel free to experiment with different varieties of cream soup or add fresh vegetables like mushrooms or potatoes to make the dish your own. Remember that cooking on low for the full 8 hours will yield the most tender results, so plan accordingly for a delicious meal!

Final Thoughts

As you consider making Crock Pot Cube Steak, remember that it’s not just a meal; it’s an opportunity for a satisfying dining experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. With minimal preparation and cleanup, it’s perfect for busy days. The slow cooking process tenderizes the meat, allowing rich flavors to develop in the gravy. To achieve the best results, cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours. Additionally, longer cooking times enhance tenderness and flavor, making every bite even more enjoyable. Layering ingredients properly enhances flavor, and browning the steak beforehand can add depth. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it an economical choice for hearty meals. Enjoy the delicious outcome of your efforts!

FAQ

Wondering what common questions people have about Crock Pot Cube Steak?

First, cooking time varies: on LOW heat, it takes 6-8 hours, and on HIGH heat, it’s about 5-6 hours. The key is cooking until the meat is tender. Cube steak is typically sourced from the top round or top sirloin, making it an ideal choice for slow cooking.

Typically, you’ll use 4-6 cube steaks and thinly slice onions for better flavor. Don’t skip browning the steaks in a skillet first; it adds depth to the dish.

For nutrition, each serving has around 250 calories and 28 grams of protein. If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.

Finally, using fresh onions instead of canned will enhance the flavor. Enjoy making your delicious Crock Pot Cube Steak!