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Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipes

Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipes

Easy and flavorful Cube Steak Crock Pot recipe that transforms affordable cube steak into tender, melt-in-your-mouth dishes using simple ingredients and slow cooking. Perfect for comforting, budget-friendly meals with rich flavor infusion and versatile variations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 thin, tenderized cube steaks
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

Optional for Variations

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (for Italian style)
  • 1 tsp basil (for Italian style)
  • 1 tsp oregano (for Italian style)
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (for Smoky BBQ)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (for Smoky BBQ)
  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms (for Mushroom Gravy)
  • Cauliflower mash or extra vegetables (for Low-Carb option)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, to deepen flavor)
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, to deepen flavor)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening sauce)
  • Oil for searing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cube Steak: Season cube steaks generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs or spices to develop a flavorful crust that holds up after slow cooking.
  2. Sear the Meat (Optional): Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the cube steaks until browned on both sides to intensify flavor and lock in juices. This step can be skipped if short on time.
  3. Layer Aromatics and Liquids: Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot. Arrange the cube steaks on top, then pour beef broth and your chosen sauce (tomato sauce or cream of mushroom soup) evenly over the meat.
  4. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the cube steak is tender and the sauce thickens beautifully.
  5. Final Touches: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add fresh herbs as desired. If the sauce is thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken, then cook on high for 10-15 minutes more. Add Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar if desired for extra flavor depth.

Notes

  • Pat dry the meat before seasoning to help it brown better when searing.
  • Do not overcrowd the crock pot; leave space between steaks for even cooking and flavor absorption.
  • Using low heat and slow cooking yields the most tender and juicy results.
  • Check sauce thickness before serving; use a cornstarch slurry if needed to thicken.
  • Customize flavors with additional herbs, Worcestershire sauce, or vinegar to deepen taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: cube steak, crock pot, slow cooker, beef recipe, tender cube steak, comfort food, easy dinner, budget-friendly recipe, gluten-free, slow cooked beef