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Get your family together for a tasty, easy dinner with these top crock pot cube steak recipes. Cube steak turns into tender, flavorful dishes when slow-cooked in a crock pot. You can make classic cube steak and gravy or try a savory mushroom and onion version. These recipes are simple to follow and make delicious meals with little effort.
The secret to great crock pot cube steak is the slow cooking. It tenderizes the meat and blends the flavors perfectly. With just a few ingredients and no fuss, you can have a comforting dinner any night. Try these crock pot cube steak recipes for a new favorite dinner.
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Key Takeaways
- Discover the convenience and versatility of crock pot cube steak recipes for easy dinners
- Learn how the slow cooking process tenderizes cube steak and infuses it with rich, flavorful results
- Explore a variety of crock pot cube steak dishes, from classic gravy to savory mushroom and onion variations
- Enjoy hassle-free meal prep with minimal effort required for these crock pot cube steak recipes
- Discover new weeknight dinner favorites that will please the whole family
Understanding Cube Steak: A Perfect Cut for Slow Cooking
Cube steak is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat. It’s great for slow cooking in a crock pot. This cut is made by tenderizing tougher beef, like from the round or shoulder. It becomes tender and perfect for slow cooking.
What Makes Cube Steak Ideal for Crock Pots
The crock pot’s slow heat breaks down cube steak’s connective tissues. This makes it tender and flavorful. The long cooking time also lets the meat soak up all the seasonings and sauces. Plus, its small size fits well in a crock pot, making it easy to cook hearty meals.
Selecting Quality Cube Steak
- Look for cube steak that is a deep, reddish-brown color with a fine, even texture.
- Avoid any packages with visible discoloration, excess fat, or signs of freezer burn.
- Choose cube steak that is USDA Choice or Prime grade for the best flavor and tenderness.
Proper Storage and Preparation Tips
To get the best results with cube steak in crock pot or slow cooker cube steak, follow these tips:
- Store cube steak in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, and use it within 3-5 days of purchase.
- If freezing, wrap the cube steak tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn.
- Before cooking, pat the cube steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Season the cube steak generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.
By understanding cube steak and following these tips, you can make delicious cube steak in crock pot and slow cooker cube steak dishes. They will please your whole family.
Essential Tools and Ingredients for Crock Pot Cube Steak
To make tasty crock pot cube steak recipes, you need a few key things. First, get a good crock pot or slow cooker. Choose one that’s 4-6 quarts big. This size fits your cube steak and other ingredients well.
For seasoning, grab a mix of dried herbs and spices. They should match the beefy taste of the cube steak. Use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. And don’t forget salt to season the meat right.
- Crock pot or slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Black pepper
- Salt
For your crock pot cube steak recipes, add veggies like onions, mushrooms, and potatoes. They bring flavor, texture, and make the meal hearty. With these tools and ingredients, you’re ready to make delicious crock pot cube steak dishes. Your family will love them.
Classic Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe
Craving a hearty, comforting meal? This classic crock pot cube steak and gravy recipe is perfect. Cube steak becomes tender and flavorful in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a great way to make weeknight dinners special.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Gravy
The secret to a delicious gravy for your crock pot cube steak is a few key ingredients:
- Broth (beef or chicken) for a robust, savory base
- Flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency
- Aromatics like onions, garlic, and fresh herbs to infuse the gravy with depth of flavor
- Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for a touch of umami
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Place the cube steak in your crock pot and season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, flour or cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, and any desired herbs and spices.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the cube steak, ensuring the meat is fully submerged.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is fork-tender.
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the crock pot and shred or slice it.
- If the gravy needs to be thickened further, whisk in an additional tablespoon of flour or cornstarch and let it simmer until desired consistency is reached.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crock pot cube steak and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. Add a simple green salad or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is sure to please everyone and have them asking for more.
Savory Mushroom and Onion Cube Steak in Crock Pot
Take your cube steak to the next level with this slow-cooked dish. It’s a mix of mushrooms and onions cooked in a crock pot. This makes the steak tender and full of flavor, great for any day.
The magic happens when mushrooms, onions, and a rich gravy meet the cube steak. Letting it cook for hours in the crock pot creates a dish that’s both cozy and fancy.
Ingredients for Savory Mushroom and Onion Cube Steak
- 2 lbs cube steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the gravy)
Cooking Instructions
- Place the cubed cube steak, sliced mushrooms, and onions in the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cube steak is tender and the vegetables are softened.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid from the crock pot. Slowly pour this mixture back into the crock pot, stirring gently to thicken the gravy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the savory mushroom and onion cube steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
The slow cooking in the crock pot makes the steak tender. The mushrooms and onions add a rich, earthy taste. This recipe is a hit with everyone, guaranteed to get seconds.
Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Finding time to cook a delicious meal can be tough today. But, your crock pot makes it easy to make tasty cube steak dishes. We’ve got quick prep methods and make-ahead tips for busy weeknights.
Quick Prep Methods
When time is short, keep it simple. Choose crock pot cube steak recipes that need little prep. Here are some ideas:
- Season the cube steak with spices and toss it in the crock pot.
- Sear the cube steak in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Put the cube steak with pre-chopped veggies and your favorite sauce in the crock pot.
Make-Ahead Tips
Start your weeknight meals early by prepping cube steak in crock pot dishes ahead. Here’s how to make mealtime easier:
- Brown the cube steak and store it in the fridge until you’re ready.
- Chop and measure all ingredients the night before, then add them to the crock pot in the morning.
- Freeze cooked cube steak recipes for quick reheating on busy nights.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
To keep your crock pot cube steak recipes tasty, follow these storage and reheating tips:
| Storage Method | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Cube Steak | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Reheating | Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. | Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. |
With these tips, you can enjoy slow-cooked cube steak in crock pot dishes, even on your busiest nights.
Troubleshooting Common Crock Pot Cube Steak Issues
Cooking slow cooker cube steak is easy and tasty. But, even experienced cooks face some common problems. Don’t worry, with a few tips, you can make your slow cooker cube steak tender and flavorful.
One big issue is when the cube steak becomes dry or tough. This usually happens when it’s overcooked. To avoid this, watch the cooking time closely. Cook it for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on the meat’s size and thickness.
Another problem is when the cube steak has too much liquid. This can make it taste bad and water down the flavors. To fix this, sear the cube steak in a hot pan before slow cooking. This seals in the juices and makes the sauce richer.
| Common Issue | Troubleshooting Tip |
|---|---|
| Dry, tough cube steak | Reduce cooking time, monitor temperature |
| Excess liquid in crock pot | Sear cube steak before slow cooking |
| Bland or lacking flavor | Marinate or season cube steak generously |
Lastly, if your cube steak lacks flavor, it’s a letdown. To fix this, marinate the meat in a flavorful mix before cooking. Or, season it well with salt, pepper, and other spices.
Remember these tips to make your cube steak recipes crock pot a success. You’ll get tender, tasty results every time.
Creative Variations and Side Dish Pairings
There’s a world of flavors beyond the classic crock pot cube steak recipes. Try adding robust spices and marinades from around the globe. Imagine the taste of Indian curries or Latin American chimichurri on your slow-cooked steak. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, or vibrant roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
International Flavor Inspirations
Step out of the box with international seasonings and sauces. Rub your cube steak with a Moroccan spice mix of cumin, paprika, and harissa. Or, marinate it in a Thai marinade with fish sauce, lime juice, and herbs. For a Latin touch, use a zesty chimichurri sauce with parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar.
Complementary Side Dishes
Choose side dishes that complement your crock pot cube steak. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic mashed cauliflower are comforting. Fluffy white rice or fragrant basmati rice pilaf soak up the juices. Roasting a mix of vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and onions adds color and crunch.
Sauce Alternatives
Don’t just stick to the classic gravy. Try a rich mushroom gravy with sautéed mushrooms and Worcestershire sauce. Or, go for a tangy balsamic reduction or creamy horseradish sauce. Cube steak is versatile, so experiment with different sauces to find your favorite.
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FAQ
What is the best way to cook cube steak in a crock pot?
Brown the steak first, then add it to the slow cooker. Use your favorite ingredients like gravy, mushrooms, or onions. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until it’s tender.
How do I choose the best cube steak for my crock pot recipe?
Choose well-marbled, tender cuts. Avoid tough or dry steak. Proper storage and preparation before cooking are key.
What are the essential tools and ingredients I need for crock pot cube steak recipes?
You’ll need a slow cooker, a skillet, and basic utensils. Essential ingredients include cube steak, broth, vegetables, and seasonings like garlic and herbs.
How do I make the perfect gravy for my crock pot cube steak?
Brown the steak to get a flavorful fond. Then, make a roux with flour and broth. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs for the perfect gravy.
Can I make crock pot cube steak recipes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare ahead. Brown the steak and sauté vegetables first. Then, add them to the slow cooker. This saves time on busy days.
What are some common issues I might encounter when cooking cube steak in a crock pot?
Issues include dry or tough meat. Brown the steak first and don’t overcook. Ensure enough liquid to keep the meat moist.
How can I add more flavor to my crock pot cube steak recipes?
Add garlic, onions, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce for flavor. Try different herbs and spices. Longer simmering times help develop flavors.