Easy Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe

Imagine coming home to a delicious, tender cube steak that’s been cooking all day in your slow cooker. This easy slow cooker cube steak recipe makes it easy to get a flavorful meal. It’s perfect for busy people who want a home-cooked meal without spending hours cooking.

Using a slow cooker for cube steak ensures it’s tender and full of flavor. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to cook a tasty meal quickly. It’s great for a quick dinner or a special occasion.

Key Takeaways

• You can cook a delicious and tender cube steak with minimal effort using a slow cooker.
• The slow cooker allows for a hands-off cooking experience, making it ideal for busy individuals.
• This easy slow cooker cube steak recipe is perfect for those who want to cook a delicious and tender cube steak with ease.
• The slow cooker cube steak recipe is a great way to ensure that your meat is tender and full of flavor.
• This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to cook a delicious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
• The best slow cooker cube steak recipe is a great option for a quick and easy dinner idea or a meal that’s perfect for a special occasion.

What is Cube Steak and Why Use a Slow Cooker?

Cube steak is a special type of steak cut into small cubes. It’s perfect for slow cooking. The slow cooker makes the meat tender and flavorful. This is especially true with a cube steak recipe slow cooker method, which is easy to use.

Using a slow cooker for cube steak is very convenient. With a slow cooker smothered cube steak recipe, you just add all the ingredients and let it cook. It’s great for busy days when you don’t have much time to cook.

Definition of Cube Steak

Cube steak is a type of steak cut into small cubes. It usually comes from tougher cuts like top round or top sirloin. This meat is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful easily.

Benefits of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking has many benefits, like cooking meat perfectly without watching it all the time. It’s perfect for beginners or those new to cube steak. Some benefits include:

• Tender and flavorful meat
• Convenient and hands-off cooking method
• Perfect for busy days or special occasions

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Cube Steak

To make a tasty slow cooker cube steak and gravy, you’ll need a few key ingredients. You’ll need cube steak, gravy mix, and beef broth. The cube steak is the main part, and you can pick between top round or top sirloin. The gravy mix and beef broth will make a rich, flavorful gravy to go with your steak.

For extra flavor in your slow cooker cube steak with mushroom gravy, consider a few options. Add sliced mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes to the slow cooker with the steak and gravy mix. These will add sweetness and depth to the dish. For even more flavor, try adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Essential Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds cube steak
• 1 packet of gravy mix
• 2 cups of beef broth

Optional Add-Ins for Flavor

• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary

With these ingredients, you can make a hearty, flavorful slow cooker cube steak with mushroom gravy. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The slow cooker does all the work, so you’ll have a ready-to-eat meal when you get home.

Preparing Your Cube Steak for Cooking

To make a slow cooker tender cube steak, start by preparing the meat right. Season the cube steak to enhance its natural flavors. Then, sear it to add a crispy texture. When cooking with onions, balance the flavors and textures well.

Begin by seasoning the cube steak with your favorite herbs and spices. Use a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or try something different. The goal is to boost the flavor without overwhelming it. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the cube steak for 2-3 minutes on each side. This creates a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

When searing cube steak, keep a few things in mind. Use a hot skillet, don’t overcrowd the pan, and avoid moving the steak too much. This helps form a nice crust. Also, pat the cube steak dry with a paper towel before searing to remove excess moisture. By doing these steps, you’ll get a delicious slow cooker tender cube steak with a crispy outside and a tender inside.

Properly Seasoning the Meat

• Use a mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a classic flavor
• Experiment with other herbs and spices to find your favorite combination
• Don’t overseason the cube steak, as this can overpower the natural flavor

Tips on Searing Cube Steak

• Use a hot skillet to create a nice crust on the outside
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent the cube steak from searing properly
• Pat the cube steak dry with a paper towel before searing to remove excess moisture

The Best Slow Cooker Settings for Cube Steak

Choosing the right settings for cooking cube steak in a slow cooker is key. You want it to be tender and full of flavor. The slow cooker cube steak recipe helps you achieve this. First, you need to decide between low and high heat.

Low vs. High Heat

Cooking on low heat makes the steak tender. High heat cooks it faster. But, think about the steak type and other ingredients in your recipe.

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low heat, 3-4 hours on high heat
• Temperature: 275-300°F (135-150°C) on low heat, 300-325°F (150-165°C) on high heat

Recommended Cooking Times

To get your cube steak just right, follow the recommended times. Here’s a table to help you plan:

How to Make the Perfect Gravy

Gravy is just as key as the steak in slow cooker cube steak and gravy. A rich, flavorful gravy can turn the dish into a comfort food classic. Start by deglazing the slow cooker with a bit of liquid like broth or wine. This releases the browned bits from the bottom.

This is where the magic starts, and your slow cooker smothered cube steak comes together. Use this liquid as the base for your gravy. Add a bit of flour to thicken it. For a simple gravy, mix flour and butter to make a roux. Then, slowly add your liquid, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Or, you can use an instant gravy mix for ease. These mixes save time but follow the instructions carefully to avoid lumps. High-quality gravy mixes from popular brands can make your slow cooker cube steak and gravy delicious.

Simple Gravy Recipe

• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 cup of liquid (broth or wine)
• Salt and pepper to taste

By following these steps and using basic ingredients, you can make a tasty gravy for your slow cooker cube steak and gravy. Whether you’re using a simple recipe or an instant mix, whisk constantly to avoid lumps. With practice, you’ll make perfect gravy, and your slow cooker smothered cube steak will shine.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To cook the perfect slow cooker cube steak, follow these easy steps. Start by setting up your slow cooker with the ingredients you’ve prepared. Place the cube steak in the slow cooker, followed by your choice of vegetables and seasonings. You can use a slow cooker cube steak recipe to guide you through this process.

Next, set the slow cooker to the desired temperature and cooking time. For an easy slow cooker cube steak, cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. This will ensure that your cube steak is tender and flavorful.

• Cooking time: 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high
• Temperature: Low or high, depending on your preference
• Ingredients: Cube steak, vegetables, seasonings

By following these simple steps and using a slow cooker cube steak recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious and easy slow cooker cube steak dish. It’s perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Achieving Tender Cube Steak

To get a tender cube steak, it’s key to cook it to the right temperature. A slow cooker is great for this. It breaks down the meat’s connective tissues, making it tender and flavorful.

Don’t overcook the cube steak. This can make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be 160°F (71°C) for medium-rare and 170°F (77°C) for medium.

Avoiding Overcooking

• Cook the cube steak on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.
• Use a slow cooker with a temperature control to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Check the meat periodically to avoid overcooking.

By following these tips, you can make a delicious, tender slow cooker cube steak with onions. Just remember to cook it to the right temperature and avoid overcooking. This will ensure a flavorful and enjoyable meal.

Recommended Cooking Techniques

Using a slow cooker is a great way to cook cube steak. It cooks evenly and breaks down the meat’s connective tissues. Also, cooking it with onions and other aromatics adds flavor and tenderness.

Serving Suggestions for Your Cube Steak

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your slow cooker cube steak and gravy. Options like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad are great. They balance flavors and textures, enhancing the tender cube steak.

Pairing the slow cooker cube steak with mushroom gravy is excellent with egg noodles or rice. The creamy mushroom gravy complements the savory steak, making for a tasty meal. Adding steamed broccoli or green beans can round out the dish.

Ideal Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables (such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus)
• Egg noodles
• Rice (white or brown)
• Salads (such as a simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad)

Complementary Sauces

You can also serve your slow cooker cube steak with other sauces. Here are some ideas:

• A horseradish sauce for a spicy kick
• A tangy BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor
• A rich demiglace for a more intense flavor

By offering a variety of side dishes and sauces, you can create a satisfying meal. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special event, your slow cooker cube steak and gravy will impress.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Cube Steak

After enjoying your slow cooker cube steak recipe, you might have leftovers. It’s key to store them right to keep the taste and texture of your easy slow cooker cube steak. You can keep the leftover cube steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat your leftover cube steak, use your slow cooker again. Just put the cube steak in the slow cooker with some broth or gravy. Heat it on low for a few hours. This way, the cube steak reheats evenly and stays moist.

Here are some tips for reheating your leftover cube steak:

• Use a low heat setting to prevent the cube steak from drying out.
• Add some liquid to the slow cooker to keep the cube steak moist.
• Heat the cube steak for a few hours to ensure it’s heated through.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftover slow cooker cube steak recipe again. It will taste just as good as when you first made it. The easy slow cooker cube steak is great for meal prep or leftovers because it can be reheated in many ways.

Variations on the Classic Cube Steak Recipe

Cooking cube steak opens up a world of possibilities. You can mix and match flavors and ingredients to make the dish exciting. For instance, slow cooker cube steak with tomatoes adds a juicy twist. Or, slow cooker cube steak with onions brings a sweet and savory taste.

Some popular twists on the cube steak recipe include:

• Asian-inspired cube steak, marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic
• Southwest style cube steak, seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and lime juice

These variations are perfect for a slow cooker. It cooks the meat evenly and quickly. The slow cooker tenderizes the meat and enhances the flavors. Whether you prefer something classic or adventurous, there’s a recipe for you.

Why not try a new cube steak recipe today? A slow cooker makes it easy to create a delicious meal. Just add your ingredients, set it, and let it cook. Serve it with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cube Steak

Slow cooker cube steak is tasty and simple to make. You might still have questions. Let’s cover some common ones about this tasty meat.

How to Know When It’s Done?

Slow cooking makes it hard to overcook cube steak. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F.

Can You Freeze Cube Steak?

Yes, you can freeze slow cooker cube steak recipe. Let it cool, then put it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It lasts 2-3 months in the freezer.

To thaw, keep it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until it’s warm.

With these tips, you’ll master slow cooker smothered cube steak. Enjoy this affordable and tasty dish with your loved ones.

FAQ

How do I know when my slow cooker cube steak is done?

To check if your slow cooker cube steak is ready, use a meat thermometer. Look for an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F. This ensures the steak is tender and juicy.

Remember, the meat will cook a bit more after you take it out of the slow cooker. So, it’s better to slightly undercook it.

Can I freeze leftover slow cooker cube steak?

Yes, you can freeze leftover slow cooker cube steak. Let it cool down first. Then, put it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

What is the best way to reheat slow cooker cube steak?

The best way to reheat slow cooker cube steak is in the slow cooker. Set it to low for 2-3 hours, until it’s hot again. This keeps the meat moist and tender.

Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop. Use low heat and add some broth or gravy to keep it moist.

Can I use a different cut of meat instead of cube steak?

You can try different cuts of meat in this slow cooker recipe. Round steak, chuck roast, or flank steak work well. Just remember, cooking time might vary based on the meat’s thickness and toughness.

Do I need to sear the cube steak before putting it in the slow cooker?

Sealing the cube steak before cooking is optional but recommended. It helps lock in flavor and creates a caramelized crust. If you can, sear the steak in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker.