How to Make Slow Cooker Cube Steak for Tender and Flavorful Meals

Finding time to cook a hearty meal can be tough. Nights when dinner seems daunting are common. That’s where slow cooker cube steak saves the day.

Imagine coming home to a meal that smells amazing, all made while you were out. With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker can turn simple ingredients into a delicious meal. This brings comfort and satisfaction to your table.

In this article, we’ll show you a simple cubed steak recipe. It’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor. You’ll learn how to use your slow cooker to its fullest. So, grab your apron, and let’s cook up something special.

Introduction to Cube Steak

Cube steak is a favorite in comfort food, especially in the Southeast. It’s tender because of a special process. This makes it great for slow cooker recipes.

Knowing about cube steak helps you see why it’s loved by many. It’s perfect for absorbing flavors.

The way you cook it is key. Slow cooking makes cube steak tender and keeps its flavor. It takes about eight hours to cook.

This method makes the meat taste amazing. It becomes so tender, it just melts in your mouth.

What is Cube Steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef that’s been made tender through a special process. The cube steak definition fits cuts like top round or top sirloin. These cuts have special marks that help them soak up flavors better and cook evenly.

Knowing about the types of steak is key. Cube steak is known for being tender and tasty. It’s lean, which is good for health, but can be tough if not cooked right. That’s why slow cooking is perfect for it.

A recipe with cube steak can feed about six people. It cooks for 4 hours, 15 minutes to 8 hours. You can cook it on high or low, with low being longer but making it tender.

Cube steak is great with sides like mashed potatoes or egg noodles. It makes a meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

Cooking Setting	Time	Servings	Calories (per serving)
High	3-4 hours	6	357
Low	6-8 hours	6	357

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

The slow cooker makes cooking easy, especially for dishes like cube steak. It’s great because you don’t have to watch it all the time. Just put everything in, set it, and you’re free to do other things while your meal cooks perfectly.

Slow cooking makes food tender and full of flavor. It’s perfect for tough cuts of meat, turning them into tender, tasty meals. This method is also good for breaking down meat fibers, making it even better.

Cube steak in a slow cooker cooks for 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low. This allows you to decide based on your schedule. When it’s ready, you’ll have a dish with a rich gravy that makes it even better.

Preparing meals is easier with the right ingredients. For example, using 12 ounces of cream of mushroom soup and 2 cups of broth makes a great sauce for cube steak. This way, you get a delicious meal with less effort, giving you more time with your family.

Benefits	Description
Ease of Cooking	Minimal supervision needed; just set it and forget it.
Enhances Flavor	Slow cooking melds flavors together for delicious results.
Tenderizes Meat	Transforms tougher cuts into moist, flavorful meals.
Flexibility in Timing	Adapt cooking times based on your schedule—high or low settings.
Convenient Meal Prep	Simple ingredients combined for a complete, flavorful meal.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Cube Steak

Cooking with cube steak needs the right ingredients for a tender and tasty dish. Here are the key ingredients and dietary substitutions for your slow cooker recipe.

Essential Ingredients

• 4 cube steaks
• 10.75 ounces of cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• 10.5 ounces of French onion soup
• 1 packet of au jus gravy mix
• ½ cup of water
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons of cold water for the cornstarch slurry

Adding diced onions and sliced mushrooms can make your dish even better. With these ingredients, you can make a delicious meal for about two people.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

If you need dietary substitutions, there are options to keep the flavor. Use low-sodium soups for less salt. Homemade gravy mixes can also be used for different tastes. You can choose grass-fed beef or other proteins for better nutrition.

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Begin by cleaning and checking your slow cooker. A 6-quart model is perfect for cube steak, offering enough space for the meat and sauces. Start by placing the base liquids, like cream of mushroom and French onion soups, at the bottom. This step helps the cube steak soak up all the flavors.

Next, place the cube steaks on top of the liquid. Add sliced yellow onion and button mushrooms for extra taste. Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for added flavor. This method skips the need for pre-searing, making it simple yet tasty.

Keep an eye on the liquid levels as cooking progresses. You might need to add more beef broth to keep it moist. Cooking on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours ensures tender and juicy steak.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Cube Steak

To make the perfect tender cube steak in your slow cooker, follow these steps. They focus on cooking techniques for rich flavor and great texture.

Combining Ingredients

Begin by mixing two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup, one envelope of dried onion soup mix, and 1.5 cups of beef broth in your slow cooker. Add the 2 pounds of cube steaks to coat them evenly. You can also add chopped potatoes and carrots for a fuller meal.

Cooking Settings and Times

Set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Cooking on low makes the steak more tender. Keep an eye on moisture and add more broth if needed. Let the gravy thicken for 30 to 35 minutes before serving.

Tips for Ensuring Tenderness

To make cube steak tender, use low and slow cooking. Cooking at low heat for a long time breaks down muscle fibers. This makes the steak tender. It’s recommended to cook it for 6 to 8 hours on low heat.

Adding moist ingredients helps a lot. Beef broth or cream of mushroom soup adds flavor and keeps the steak moist. Use 1 cup of beef broth as a base and add more if you’re adding veggies. Keeping the lid on helps keep the heat and moisture in, making the steak tender.

Marinating the steak before cooking is also good. A simple marinade can add flavor and tenderize the meat. Look for marinades with acidic ingredients to help break down fibers.

By following these tips, you can make your cube steak tender and tasty. Focus on low heat, moisture, and marinating. Your family will love the results.

Serving Suggestions for Cube Steak

When serving cube steak, pair it with hearty sides that match its rich flavor. Good options include mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. These dishes soak up the tasty gravy well. A cube steak with gravy over your starch choice makes for a comforting meal.

Adding a crisp green vegetable balances the meal. Try roasted carrots or sautéed greens. They add color and a refreshing contrast to the steak. This makes for a satisfying and well-rounded meal your family will enjoy.

This recipe makes four servings, perfect for family dinners. Each serving has about 293 calories and lots of protein. It’s a filling and affordable meal. Enjoy the amazing flavors of serving cube steak.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

After enjoying your flavorful slow cooker cube steak, it’s important to handle leftovers safely. Keep them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to save them for later, freezing is a good option. Cube steak can be frozen for up to three months, keeping a tasty meal ready for you.

When reheating cube steak, use gentle heat. You can warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Adding beef broth while reheating keeps your meal juicy and tender.

To summarize the best practices for storing and reheating:

Storage Method	Duration	Recommended Heating Method	Internal Temperature
Refrigerator	Up to 3 days	Microwave or stovetop	165°F (74°C)
Freezer	Up to 3 months	Thaw in the fridge overnight	Reheat gently

Conclusion

Using a slow cooker makes cube steak tender and flavorful, perfect for weeknights. It’s easy to prepare in the morning. By the time you get home, dinner is ready.

This method not only makes the meat tender but also enhances its flavor. The meat absorbs all the tasty ingredients you add.

Slow cooker cube steak is versatile and can be served with many sides. Try it with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies. It’s also great because you can make a lot at once.

This means you can enjoy leftovers or prepare meals for later. It’s a convenient and delicious option.

Remember, slow cooking is all about taste, convenience, and value. It’s simple yet rewarding. Enjoy the delicious results of your slow-cooked meals!

FAQ

What is the best way to cook cube steak in a slow cooker?

To cook cube steak in a slow cooker, mix cream of chicken or mushroom soup, French onion soup, and au jus gravy mix with water. Add the cube steaks. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender results.

Is it okay to cook frozen cube steak in the slow cooker?

Yes, frozen cube steak works in a slow cooker. But thawing it in the fridge first helps it cook evenly. Cooking from frozen still makes it tender, just takes longer.

How do I ensure my cubed steak stays tender while cooking?

For tender cubed steak, cook on low heat for a long time. Don’t open the lid to keep the heat and moisture in. Marinating or seasoning the steak before cooking also helps.

What are some tasty side dishes that pair well with slow cooker cube steak?

Serve slow cooker cube steak with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Roasted carrots or sautéed greens add a fresh touch to the meal.

Can I use other soups in my cube steak recipe?

Yes, you can try different soups like cream of mushroom or homemade gravy mix. Low-sodium options are good for those watching their salt intake.

How do I store leftover slow cooker cube steak?

Keep leftover slow cooker cube steak and gravy in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of beef broth.

Is cube steak safe to freeze?

Yes, you can freeze cube steak. But it’s best eaten fresh for the best tenderness. If freezing, use an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.

How can I add extra flavor to my slow cooker cube steak?

Add extra flavor by including diced onions, sliced mushrooms, or beef broth in your recipe. Seasoning the steak before cooking also boosts the taste.

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