If you’re looking for the best cube steak recipes for your crockpot, you’ve come to the right place! Slow-cooking cube steak in a crockpot results in tender, juicy, and flavorful meat with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving classic cube steak with rich brown gravy or a creamy mushroom version, this guide will show you how to create mouthwatering crockpot cube steak recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Why Cube Steak in the Crockpot?
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef, usually from the top round or top sirloin, that has been mechanically tenderized to create a distinctive “cubed” texture. This process helps break down tough muscle fibers, making it softer and easier to cook. Despite being tenderized, cube steak still requires slow cooking for the best texture.
Why Use a Crockpot for Cooking Cube Steak?
A crockpot (slow cooker) is the best way to cook cube steak because:
It allows low and slow cooking, which makes the meat super tender.
The moist heat prevents dryness, keeping the steak juicy.
It’s hands-off cooking, so you can set it and forget it!
Cube steak absorbs flavors well, so every bite is rich and delicious.
Benefits of Slow Cooking Cube Steak
Here’s why your crockpot is your best friend for cooking cube steak:
- Tender & Juicy: No more tough, chewy meat!
- Flavor-Infused: The slow simmering enhances all the seasonings.
- Minimal Effort: Just throw everything in, and the slow cooker does the work.
- Budget-Friendly: Cube steak is affordable, but the crockpot makes it taste restaurant-quality!
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Cube Steak Recipes
Choosing the Best Cube Steak
To get the most tender and flavorful cube steak, follow these tips:
Look for even thickness: About ½ to ¾ inch thick is ideal.
Check for marbling: A little fat = more flavor!
Fresh is best: If possible, buy fresh over frozen for the best texture.
Grass-fed vs. Grain-fed: Grass-fed beef has more flavor, while grain-fed tends to be softer.
Best Seasonings for Cube Steak
The right seasonings can turn your cube steak from basic to mouthwatering!
Try these classic flavor boosters:
- Salt & Black Pepper – Simple but essential!
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Adds depth.
- Paprika or Smoked Paprika – Enhances richness.
- Italian Seasoning or Thyme – A great herbal touch.
- Cajun or Chili Powder – For a spicy kick!
Vegetables & Sides That Pair Well
Adding veggies to your crockpot makes the dish even better! Here are some great options:
🥕 Carrots – Sweet & tender when slow-cooked.
🧅 Onions – Enhances flavor with a natural sweetness.
🥔 Potatoes – Absorbs juices for a hearty meal.
🫑 Bell Peppers – Adds a pop of color and mild crunch.
🍄 Mushrooms – Perfect for creamy cube steak recipes.
Classic Crockpot Cube Steak Recipe
Ingredients & Preparation
This classic cube steak recipe is simple, requiring only a few ingredients to create a rich and hearty meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cube steak | 4 pieces |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 large |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Onion soup mix (optional) | 1 packet |
| Butter or olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Preparation Steps
1️⃣ Season the Steak: Sprinkle cube steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and a light dusting of flour. This helps create a rich, thick gravy as it cooks.
2️⃣ Sear the Meat (Optional, But Recommended): Heat butter or oil in a skillet and sear each side of the cube steak for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
3️⃣ Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot, then add the cube steak on top.
4️⃣ Pour in Liquids: Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix. Pour over the meat.
5️⃣ Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until fork-tender.
6️⃣ Thicken the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.
Variations of Cube Steak Crockpot Recipes
Smothered Cube Steak with Gravy
Want extra-rich and creamy gravy? Try this smothered version!
Extra Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream or milk (for creamier texture)
½ cup mushrooms (optional, for depth)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions:
- Follow the classic recipe, but add mushrooms before slow cooking.
- After cooking, stir in heavy cream for an ultra-rich gravy.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry if needed.
👉 Perfect Pairing: Serve with mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits to soak up all the creamy goodness!
Cube Steak with Onion Soup Mix
This two-ingredient recipe is a life-saver when you want a lazy but delicious meal!
Extra Ingredients:
✔ 1 packet dry onion soup mix
✔ 1 can cream of mushroom soup (optional, for creamier texture)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Place cube steak in the crockpot.
2️⃣ Sprinkle onion soup mix over the meat.
3️⃣ Pour 2 cups of beef broth (or water if needed).
4️⃣ Add cream of mushroom soup (optional).
5️⃣ Cook on LOW for 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
👉 Why You’ll Love It: The onion soup mix creates a deep, rich umami flavor with zero effort!
Creamy Mushroom Cube Steak
Love rich, creamy, and indulgent meals? This mushroom-infused cube steak is your go-to comfort dish!
Extra Ingredients:
One cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Follow the classic recipe, but add mushrooms before slow cooking.
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard for a creamy sauce.
- For extra richness, add Parmesan cheese before serving.
👉 Best Served With: Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread!
Spicy Cajun-Style Cube Steak
Want a little heat? This Cajun-inspired cube steak has the perfect spicy kick!
Extra Ingredients:
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 green bell pepper, sliced
Instructions:
- Season the cube steak with Cajun spices before searing.
- Add sliced green bell pepper into the crockpot for a hint of sweetness.
- Follow the classic recipe, but reduce Worcestershire sauce to 1 tbsp.
- Serve over rice or cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal!
Best Sides to Serve with Crockpot Cube Steak
Cube steak is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right side dish takes it to the next level!
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes! Simply scoop the thick, rich gravy over the potatoes for a comforting and filling meal.
Rice or Pasta Pairings
White Rice – Perfect for absorbing all the delicious juices!
Egg Noodles – Soaks up the creamy or onion-based gravies.
Butter Garlic Pasta – A simple but hearty pairing!
Roasted Vegetables & Salads
Want something lighter? Try these fresh pairings:
🥦 Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans – Adds a crunchy contrast!
🥗 Fresh Garden Salad – A light side to balance the richness of cube steak.
🍠 Sweet Potato Mash – A sweet & savory combo that works beautifully!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Best Ways to Store Leftovers
Properly storing your leftover cube steak ensures it remains fresh and delicious for future meals. Here’s how:
📌 Refrigerator Storage (Short-Term)
Allow the cube steak to cool completely before storing.
Place in an airtight container with some of the gravy to keep it moist.
Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
📌 Freezer Storage (Long-Term)
Use a freezer-safe container or vacuum-sealed bag.
Store gravy separately in an airtight bag to maintain texture.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
💡 Pro Tip: Label your storage container with the date to track freshness!
How to Reheat Without Losing Tenderness
Reheating cube steak the right way is crucial to keep it juicy and tender, avoiding dryness or toughness.
📌 Stovetop (Best Method)
Place cube steak in a pan over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of beef broth or gravy to maintain moisture.
Cover with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
📌 Oven (For Large Batches)
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Place steak in an oven-safe dish with some gravy or broth.
Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
📌 Microwave (Fastest Method)
Place cube steak on a microwave-safe plate.
Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Heat in 30-second intervals, checking frequently.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid high heat when reheating, as it can make the meat rubbery and dry!
Final Tips for the Best Crockpot Cube Steak
Choosing the Right Cut for Tender Cube Steak
While cube steak is pre-tenderized, choosing a high-quality cut makes a difference!
📌 Best Beef Cuts for Cube Steak:
- Top Round – Lean but tender when slow-cooked.
- Top Sirloin – Slightly richer in flavor.
- Bottom Round – Tougher but works well in crockpot recipes.
💡 Pro Tip: If possible, buy fresh cube steak instead of frozen for the best texture!
How to Make Cube Steak Extra Flavorful
Want deeper, richer flavors? Here’s how to elevate your dish:
Sear the Steak First: Browning adds a rich, caramelized flavor.
Use High-Quality Broth: Homemade or low-sodium beef broth improves taste.
Let it Rest Before Serving: Letting the steak sit for 5 minutes helps the flavors absorb!
Enjoy more similar recipes opportunities
Before wrapping up, here are related recipes from Saison Recipes that pair well with cube steak:
Beef Steak Pasta Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Meal – If you love beefy, comforting meals, this pasta dish is a must-try!
👉 Beef Strips Recipes: Delicious & Easy Dishes – Another great way to cook tender beef for a satisfying dinner.
👉 Spaghetti Squash in Crockpot: Easy Recipes & Cooking Tips – Perfect if you’re looking for a healthy side to balance out your rich cube steak meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about cube steak recipes crockpot
Why is my cube steak tough in the crockpot?
If your cube steak turned out tough, it likely wasn’t cooked long enough. The key to tender, fall-apart cube steak is low and slow cooking for at least 6-7 hours on LOW.
💡 Solution:
Cook longer if the steak is still chewy.
Make sure there’s enough liquid (broth or gravy) in the crockpot.
Don’t cook on HIGH heat for too long, as it can dry out the meat.
2. Do I need to brown the cube steak before adding it to the crockpot?
No, but browning the steak first helps add depth and richness to the flavor.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have time, sear the steak in a pan for 1-2 minutes per side before slow cooking. It’s not required, but it enhances the taste significantly!
3. Can I cook frozen cube steak in the crockpot?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking and food safety concerns.
💡 Solution:
✅ Thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to the crockpot.
✅ If you must cook from frozen, increase the cooking time by 1-2 extra hours.
4. Can I use other types of meat for these recipes?
Yes! While cube steak is the best choice, you can also use:
Round steak – Slightly leaner but still works well.
Chuck steak – Has more fat, making it juicier.
5. What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, try these substitutes:
Chicken or vegetable broth – Milder flavor but still works well.
French onion soup – Adds a rich, savory taste.
Water + bouillon cubes – A quick and easy fix!
6. Can I make cube steak in the crockpot without gravy?
Absolutely! If you prefer no gravy, simply cook the steak with:
Beef broth instead of cream-based liquids.
Sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor.
Herbs like thyme or rosemary for a natural taste.
👉 This keeps the dish lighter and healthier while still tender and flavorful!
7. How do I thicken my gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy is too runny, you can thicken it easily:
Cornstarch Slurry – Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, stir into the crockpot, and cook for 30 minutes.
Flour & Butter – Mix equal parts and stir into the sauce.
Instant Mashed Potatoes – A great hack for thickening without altering flavor!
8. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with cube steak?
Yes! Adding veggies makes the meal even more delicious and nutritious. Some great choices:
🥕 Carrots – Sweet and tender when slow-cooked.
🥔 Potatoes – Absorbs the rich flavors of the broth.
🧅 Onions & Bell Peppers – Adds natural sweetness and depth.
👉 If adding veggies, place them underneath the steak so they soak up all the juices!
Conclusion & Final Cooking Tips
Cooking cube steak in a crockpot is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy this budget-friendly cut of beef. With minimal effort, you can create tender, flavorful, and comforting meals that the whole family will love.
📌 Key Takeaways:
Cook on LOW for the best texture – Patience = tenderness!
Don’t skip the seasonings – They enhance the flavor.
Add enough liquid – Keeps the meat juicy and prevents drying out.
Customize the recipe – Try different seasonings, gravies, and side dishes.
Store leftovers properly – Keep them fresh for future meals.
Whether you choose the classic recipe, a smothered version, or a spicy Cajun twist, crockpot cube steak is a fail-proof comfort meal that fits any occasion!
👉 Ready to try it? Let me know your favorite variation! 😊