CROCK POT CUBE STEAK is my answer to that late afternoon moment when you peek into the fridge and wonder how dinner will magically appear. It cooks itself while you live your life, which is exactly what I want on a busy day. The meat turns tender and the gravy gets silky without much fuss, and the whole house smells like comfort. If you crave a hearty meal that does not require babysitting the stove, this recipe is for you. I have tested it a bunch of times, and I will walk you through exactly what works best so you can sit down to a cozy plate with confidence.
What Is Beef Cube Steak?
Cube steak is simply a tougher cut of beef that has been run through a mechanical tenderizer. Those little indentations that look like tiny squares are why it is called cube steak. You will usually find it cut from top round, and it is a budget-friendly option when you want steak flavor without the price tag.
Because it starts out a bit tough, slow cooking is a dream match. The long, gentle heat breaks it down until it is fork tender. That is why CROCK POT CUBE STEAK is so popular in my kitchen. The gravy that forms in the slow cooker wraps every bite in savory comfort, and even picky eaters tend to forget they once turned up their noses at cube steak.
If you love set-it-and-forget-it dinners, I keep a running list of favorites on my site. You can browse more slow cooker comfort foods in my Crock Pot collection whenever you need ideas.
One more note on picking the meat. Choose pieces that are about a half inch thick and fairly uniform in size. That way everything cooks evenly and finishes at the same time.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Let me show you how I build big flavor with simple steps and pantry ingredients. No fancy techniques, just honest comfort food that works every single time. I like to keep the flavors classic so the beef stays the star and the gravy tastes familiar and soothing.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cube steak
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, or creamy onion soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix, or 1 tablespoon beef base with dried onion
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter for richness, optional
Directions
- Season the cube steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Do not be shy with the seasoning.
- Lay sliced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the cube steaks on top in a single layer, tucking in where needed.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, cream soup, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire. Pour evenly over the steak.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 3 to 4. Low gives you the most tender result.
- When the steak is tender, stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Move the steaks to one side and whisk the slurry into the gravy. Add butter if you like a silky finish. Cover and cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve with a scoop of the onions and plenty of gravy.
Equipment
- 5 to 6 quart slow cooker
- Small whisk and a heatproof spoon
- Measuring cup for the slurry
I tried this on a rainy Sunday and my picky kid asked for seconds. The gravy is a 10 out of 10 and the meat was so tender. This is going into our twice-a-month rotation.
Shortcut lovers, if you enjoy easy weeknight wins like this CROCK POT CUBE STEAK, you might also love my ultra-cozy Crock Pot Million Dollar Pasta. It is the same vibe of minimal effort with maximum payoff.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Beef Cube Steak
This dish begs for sides that soak up the gravy. I like to pair it with something creamy and something fresh or crunchy so the plate feels balanced. Here are some easy winners.
- Mashed potatoes are classic. If you want a slow cooker version that tastes like a hug, try these three cheese mashed potatoes. The gravy drapes over them so nicely.
- Buttered egg noodles or rice. The gravy clings to every strand or grain.
- Simple steamed green beans or a crisp salad for freshness.
- For a holiday or potluck vibe, this crockpot green bean casserole is an easy crowd pleaser.
Want to round out the table with a cozy starter or an extra bite for grazing while dinner finishes up Try a warm dip and some crusty bread so no one gets hangry while the slow cooker does its thing.
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Let the slow cooker do the work. Low and slow gives you the softest steak and the most mellow, developed gravy. If you are in a rush, high works, but check for tenderness earlier so you do not overcook and dry it out.
Do you need to brown the meat first You can, and it will add deeper flavor, but it is not required. On nights when I want extra richness, I quickly sear the steaks in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Then I add them to the slow cooker. On busy days, I skip it and the dish still turns out delicious.
Salt mindfully. Onion soup mix and broth both bring salt to the party. Taste the gravy at the end and adjust then. It is easier to add salt than to take it away.
Using cream of mushroom soup feels traditional here, but creamy onion, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce works. The goal is a velvety base that turns into gravy with that cornstarch slurry.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
You can assemble everything the night before and refrigerate the slow cooker insert if it is safe for your model. In the morning, set it in the base and cook as usual. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of broth. You can also freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over low heat. The texture holds up nicely thanks to the gravy.
For more hearty bowl dinners when chilly weather hits, I am also a fan of brothy, loaded stews and soups. If that sounds good to you, take a peek at my cozy family favorites like shipwreck stew and lentil soup on another day.
Similar Recipes
If you are building a slow cooker rotation to keep weeknights easy, here are some recipes my readers and I revisit often. A slow cooked stew with chunky veggies, a lighter soup for busy nights, and a big-batch pasta bake for reheating, all bring the same simple comfort as CROCK POT CUBE STEAK.
Think of a thick, hearty stew loaded with potatoes and ground beef for game day. Or a gentle soup that simmers while you work and greets you with a savory aroma when you walk in the door. And if you are in a pasta mood, there are a couple of creamy choices that practically serve themselves. These kinds of dishes let you cook once and enjoy twice, which is why I love them for meal prep and leftovers.
If you want to mix things up on the weekend, try a slow cooked chicken night or a fun dip for movie time. The slow cooker is quietly the most helpful tool in my kitchen. It keeps cleanup light and flavor big.
Common Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef
Yes. Thinly sliced round steak or tenderized top sirloin can work. Adjust the cook time if the cut is thicker.
Can I skip the soup packet
You can. Use extra dried onion, a bit more garlic, and a teaspoon of beef base. Taste and adjust salt at the end.
How do I keep the gravy from getting lumpy
Mix the cornstarch with cold water first, then whisk it into the hot liquid. Give it a few minutes to bubble and thicken.
What if my gravy is too thick
Stir in a splash of beef broth or water until it loosens to your liking. Adjust salt if needed after thinning.
Can I add mushrooms or peppers
Absolutely. Add sliced mushrooms and bell peppers on top of the onions before the steak. They will soften nicely during cooking.
Ready to Set and Forget Dinner?
There is a reason I keep coming back to CROCK POT CUBE STEAK. It is reliable, budget friendly, and comforting without a lot of effort. If you want to compare techniques or see other spins, check out this helpful guide from Crock Pot Cubed Steak by The Country Cook, and this step by step from Easy Slow Cooker Beef Cube Steak by Glenda Embree. Now grab your slow cooker, season that steak, and let the savory gravy do its thing. I cannot wait to hear how your family likes it too.
Crock Pot Cube Steak
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds cube steak Choose pieces that are about a half inch thick.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, or creamy onion soup You can also use a homemade white sauce.
- 1 packet onion soup mix, or 1 tablespoon beef base with dried onion
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water For slurry.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- to taste Salt and black pepper Season to personal preference.
- 2 tablespoons butter Optional, for richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the cube steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lay sliced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the cube steaks on top in a single layer, tucking in where needed.
Cooking
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, cream soup, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire. Pour evenly over the steak.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 3 to 4 hours until the steak is tender.
- When the steak is tender, stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Move the steaks to one side and whisk the slurry into the gravy.
- Add butter if you like a silky finish.
- Cover and cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Serving
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve with a scoop of the onions and plenty of gravy.
