Crockpot Cubed Steak: Easy Recipe & Cooking Tips

Crockpot Cubed Steak: Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak, simmered to perfection in a rich and flavorful gravy. That’s the magic of this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe! This isn’t just dinner; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, ready to warm you from the inside out.

Cubed steak, a humble cut of meat, has long been a staple in American households, offering an affordable and versatile option for hearty meals. Its origins are rooted in resourceful cooking, where tenderizing techniques transformed tougher cuts into delectable dishes. This slow-cooker version elevates the classic, making it even more convenient for busy weeknights.

What makes crockpot cubed steak so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness. The slow cooking process transforms the steak into an unbelievably tender texture, while the gravy, infused with savory seasonings, creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the hands-off nature of the crockpot means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other things. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this easy and flavorful recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs cubed steak
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of onion soup
• 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving
• Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Preparing the Cubed Steak:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prepare our cubed steak. This step is crucial for getting that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re aiming for.

1. Season the Steak: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This mixture will create a lovely crust on the steak and add a depth of flavor. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Dredge the Steak: Take each piece of cubed steak and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring that both sides are completely coated. Press the flour into the steak gently so it adheres well. This coating will help to thicken the gravy as the steak cooks in the crockpot.
3. Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended): While this step is optional, I highly recommend searing the steak before adding it to the crockpot. Searing adds a beautiful color and locks in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the dredged steak in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to work in batches. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until nicely browned. Remove the seared steak from the skillet and set aside.

Building the Crockpot Layers:

Now that our steak is prepped, it’s time to layer everything in the crockpot. This is where the magic happens!

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the bottom of your crockpot with cooking spray. This will prevent the steak from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Layer the Onions and Garlic: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a flavorful base for the steak to cook on. The onions will caramelize and sweeten as they cook, adding a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Add the Steak: Arrange the seared (or dredged) steak on top of the onions and garlic in a single layer. If you have a lot of steak, you may need to create multiple layers, but try to keep them as even as possible.
4. Optional: Add Mushrooms: If you’re using mushrooms, now is the time to add them. Scatter the sliced mushrooms over the steak. They will absorb the flavors of the gravy and become incredibly tender.
5. Combine the Soups and Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of onion soup, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps.
6. Pour the Sauce: Pour the soup mixture over the steak in the crockpot, ensuring that the steak is mostly submerged. If needed, add a little more beef broth to cover the steak.

The Slow Cooking Process:

This is the easiest part! Now we just let the crockpot do its thing. The low and slow cooking process is what makes the steak so incredibly tender.

1. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the steak is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures that the steak doesn’t dry out.
2. Cook on High (Alternative): If you’re short on time, you can cook the steak on high heat for 3-4 hours. However, I highly recommend cooking on low for the best results.

Shredding and Serving:

Almost there! Once the steak is cooked, it’s time to shred it and serve it up. Get ready for a delicious and comforting meal!

1. Shred the Steak: Once the steak is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. The steak should be so tender that it easily falls apart.
2. Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency.
3. Serve: Serve the shredded cubed steak and gravy over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crockpot, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes. Add them along with the onions and garlic for a complete meal.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup mixture.
• Use Different Soups: Experiment with different cream soups, such as cream of celery or cream of chicken.
• Add Worcestershire Sauce: A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adds a nice depth of flavor to the gravy.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the crockpot in the morning before you leave for work and let it cook all day.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy crockpot cubed steak recipe! It’s a perfect comfort food meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Crockpot Cubed Steak recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I know, I know, sometimes slow cooker recipes can be a bit…underwhelming. But trust me on this one. The combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak, the rich and savory gravy, and the sheer ease of preparation makes this a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Why is it a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The slow cooking process transforms even the most budget-friendly cut of cubed steak into a culinary masterpiece. The meat becomes unbelievably tender, practically falling apart with each bite. And the gravy! Oh, the gravy! It’s a symphony of flavors, perfectly seasoned and thickened to a luscious consistency that begs to be drizzled over everything on your plate.

But beyond the taste, this recipe is also incredibly convenient. Just a few minutes of prep work in the morning, and you’ll come home to a house filled with the aroma of a home-cooked meal. No slaving over a hot stove, no complicated techniques, just pure, unadulterated deliciousness waiting for you. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar, even on your busiest days.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions. My personal favorite is to serve this Crockpot Cubed Steak over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks into the potatoes, creating a truly heavenly combination. But you could also serve it over rice, egg noodles, or even polenta. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple salad.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Want to add a little heat? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer a richer flavor? Use beef broth instead of water. You could even add some sliced mushrooms or onions to the crockpot for extra depth of flavor.

Here are a few variations I’ve tried and loved:

* **Mushroom & Onion Cubed Steak:** Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions before adding them to the crockpot.
* **Creamy Cubed Steak:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Spicy Cubed Steak:** Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of chili powder to the crockpot.

The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.

I truly believe that this Crockpot Cubed Steak recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of slow-cooked cubed steak. And please, don’t forget to share your experience with me! Let me know in the comments below how it turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family thought. I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy cooking!