Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
Hearty Family Comfort Beef.
Tender cube steak slow-cooked in a creamy mushroom gravy. A perfect, hearty family meal.
I remember my mom making a version of this when I was a kid. Coming in from playing outside on a chilly afternoon to the smell of beef and gravy simmering away… that’s a core memory. I wanted to create that same feeling for my own family. This recipe is my quiet, simple version of that. It’s not fussy. It doesn't need much attention. You just let the slow cooker do its work, and at the end of the day, you have this beautiful, comforting meal waiting for you. It’s the best kind of cooking.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
- •It’s a true 'set it and forget it' meal, perfect for busy days.
- •The steak becomes unbelievably tender and flavorful.
- •The gravy is rich, savory, and perfect for sopping up.
- •It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- •The whole house will smell warm and inviting.
- •It’s pure comfort food that feels like a hug.
Wow. Just, wow. I made this for dinner tonight and my family could not get enough. The cube steak was so tender you could cut it with a fork, and that gravy is just heavenly over mashed potatoes. This has officially been added to our regular rotation. Thank you!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Cube Steak: This is a budget-friendly cut of beef that has been tenderized. It’s perfect for slow cooking because it just melts into tenderness over time.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is our shortcut to a creamy, savory gravy. It provides the perfect base and saves so much time. Look, sometimes simple is best.
- Dry Onion Soup Mix: This little packet is a powerhouse of flavor. It adds a deep, savory, and salty dimension to the gravy that’s just so satisfying.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, you'll mix your flour and seasonings in a dish.
- Then, gently press each piece of steak into the flour, coating both sides. This little flour coat helps thicken the gravy later.
- Sear the steak in a hot skillet. Please don't skip this. That browning is where so much of the deep, rich flavor comes from.
- This part is almost too easy. Just grab a bowl.
- Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, the onion soup packet, and the beef broth.
- Keep whisking until it’s all smooth. That’s it. Your gravy is ready.
- Lay your beautifully browned steak in the slow cooker.
- Pour that simple, delicious gravy right over the top.
- Put the lid on, turn it to low, and walk away. Seriously. Let it do its thing for the next 6-8 hours.
A Few Common Questions
→Do I have to brown the steak first?
I really, really recommend it. Browning the meat creates a deeper, richer flavor through the Maillard reaction. While you can skip it in a pinch, the final dish won't have the same depth.
→Can I use something other than cream of mushroom soup?
Of course. Cream of celery or cream of chicken would also work, though they will change the flavor profile slightly. A golden mushroom soup would be lovely, too.
→What should I serve with this?
Oh, the best part! It's absolutely perfect over creamy mashed potatoes. Egg noodles or fluffy white rice are also wonderful for soaking up all that amazing gravy. I always serve it with a simple green vegetable, like steamed green beans or peas.
→Can I cook this on high heat to speed it up?
You can. It will take about 3-4 hours on high. However, for the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak, low and slow is always the best way to go if you have the time.
Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
Tender cube steak slow-cooked in creamy mushroom gravy in a crock pot. Hearty and comforting. Perfect for a family dinner.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
6-8 hours
Total Time
6 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Cube Steak
- 016 pieces cube steak (about 1.5 lbs)
- 021/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 031 teaspoon salt
- 041/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 051/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 062 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Gravy
- 011 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 021 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 031 cup beef broth
- 041 cup sliced mushrooms, fresh or canned (optional)
- 051 medium onion, sliced (optional)
Instructions
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece of cube steak in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cube steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. You may need to do this in batches. This step adds so much flavor!
Place the browned cube steak into the bottom of your slow cooker. If using sliced onions, scatter them over the steak.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth until smooth.
If using mushrooms, stir them into the gravy mixture. Pour the gravy evenly over the cube steak in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is fall-apart tender.
Serve the steak and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Enjoy that cozy feeling.
Notes & Tips
- 1Feel free to add a cup of sliced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
- 2If your gravy isn't as thick as you'd like at the end, you can make a small slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high.
- 3This recipe is very forgiving. It’s hard to mess up, which is why I love it.
Tools You'll Need
- •Pat the cube steak dry before dredging in flour. This helps the coating stick and gives you a better sear.
- •Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning the steak. Work in batches to ensure each piece gets a nice, even crust.
- •After browning the steak, pour a little of the beef broth into the hot skillet to scrape up any browned bits (deglazing) and add that liquid to the crock pot. So much flavor there!
- •If you have time, layer sliced onions on the bottom of the crock pot before adding the steak. They'll caramelize slightly and add a lovely sweetness.