Have you ever craved a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than your slow cooker and the humble cube steak! This often-overlooked cut of beef transforms into an incredibly tender and delicious dinner with just a little slow cooking magic. In this article, we’ll explore 10 different, easy, and delicious slow cooker cube steak recipes, offering a range of flavors and techniques to make your meal planning simpler and your dinners unforgettable. We will go through cooking times, tips, and FAQ’s for you. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals to new delicious heights, all thanks to your slow cooker.
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Why Slow Cooker Cube Steak is a Game Changer
Slow cookers are invaluable tools for any busy home cook and pairing this tool with affordable and delicious cubed steak, that’s where the magic really begins. Slow cooking is known for breaking down tough cuts of meat, and the cube steak is no exception. With minimal prep time, you can let your slow cooker work its wonders. It results in fall-apart tender meat that’s perfect for a variety of dishes and requires only minimal effort. The benefit of slow cooking means that you are saving on costs such as hydro and more energy consumption. It’s efficient and delicious! It’s time you added slow cooker cube steak to your weekly rotation of meals.
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Understanding Cube Steak: What Makes it Unique
Cube steak isn’t just any piece of beef; it is usually a cut taken from the round or sirloin, then tenderized with a mechanical tenderizer to break down tough muscle fibers. This makes it perfect for slow cooking, because it means it needs longer cook times to properly break it down but you end up with incredibly tender meat! The indentations in the meat created by tenderizing also allows marinades and sauces to soak in easily making every bite super flavorful. This means you don’t need to spend an extraordinary amount on expensive cuts of meat to get restaurant style flavors. Cube steak is accessible and affordable!
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Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cube Steak Every Time
Before you jump into your recipe, keep these key tips in mind to help achieve the best results when making slow cooker cube steak:
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Although this step is optional, searing your cube steak before adding it to the slow cooker adds a delicious caramelized flavor and locks in all the juices. Use a bit of oil or butter in a hot pan and sear on all sides for a golden crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid stacking too much cube steak in your slow cooker. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and prevent the meat from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Adjust Liquids: The slow cooker does retain moisture, so be mindful of the amount of liquids you use. When using high moisture content vegetables it might not require that much liquid at all. Be conservative initially and add more if needed to avoid soggy results.
- Don’t Overcook: The beauty of slow cooker cube steak is that the longer cooking time tenderizes it, but there’s still such a thing as cooking it too long. Once the steak is easily pierced with a fork, it is tender enough! Use the low setting on your slow cooker as it often gives best results to make sure meat is properly tender and not mushy.
- Flavor Boldly: Don’t be shy with your seasoning! Cube steak will soak up flavors amazingly and since its a low and slow process make sure you give a good baseline of seasoning to build up.
- Thicken If Needed: After cooking, you might like to thicken your sauce a little more for better consistence. You can use a mixture of cornstarch or flour with a little bit of cold water and stir until a slurry consistency. Add this to your sauce and let it thicken on high heat until desired.
10 Delicious Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipes
Here are 10 flavorful and easy slow cooker cube steak recipes to inspire your next meal:
1. Classic Creamy Mushroom Slow Cooker Cube Steak
This recipe features a classic flavor combo of cream and mushrooms that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Sear your cube steak in olive oil until golden on both sides, place in slow cooker.
- Add in mushroom soup, mushrooms, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker on top of the seared steak.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until steak is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
2. Homestyle Tomato & Herb Cube Steak in the Slow Cooker
The robust flavors of tomatoes and aromatic herbs create a hearty, homey dish, perfect with mashed potatoes or a side of crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 chopped yellow onion
Instructions:
- Sear cube steak in olive oil until golden, place in slow cooker.
- Add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir before serving.
3. Savory Onion Gravy Slow Cooker Cube Steak
This recipe is your go-to when you want that old fashioned feel of a pot roast, but with cube steak! Rich and flavorful with a simple onion gravy.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions:
- Sear cube steak in olive oil. Then remove and sauté the sliced onions until they are translucent. Place steak and onions in slow cooker.
- Mix in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and cook in slow cooker on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
- To thicken sauce, whisk together cornstarch and water until it forms a slurry and add to the slow cooker. Stir well and let it sit on high heat for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles.
4. Tex-Mex Slow Cooker Cube Steak Fiesta
Infuse your cube steak with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors. This dish makes a great filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes(optional)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Sear your cube steak in olive oil until brown on both sides and place in the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, taco seasoning, onion, bell pepper, chili flakes (if using), cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the steak before serving if desired and enjoy!
5. BBQ Slow Cooker Cube Steak Sandwiches
Transform your cube steak into a BBQ favorite, perfect for hearty sandwiches or sliders. This is great for casual potlucks or gatherings!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small chopped onion
Instructions:
- Sear cube steak in olive oil until golden and place in the slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker mix in the BBQ sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and onion.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred and serve on hamburger buns or sliders with extra BBQ sauce.
6. Garlic and Herb Slow Cooker Cube Steak and Potatoes
A rustic and satisfying one-pot meal that’s infused with garlic, herbs, and tender potatoes. Comforting and so simple!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs small potatoes, quartered
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Sear the cube steak in olive oil until golden and place it into the slow cooker
- Add potatoes, beef broth, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve immediately when the potatoes are fork tender and steak is cooked.
7. Italian Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Peppers and Onions
Enjoy an Italian inspired version of cube steak with a colorful combination of peppers, onions, and flavorful tomato sauce. This is great for pasta or sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup red wine(optional)
Instructions:
- Sear your cube steak in olive oil, remove and sauté the sliced peppers and onion until slightly soft. Then place all into slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper and red wine if using to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve over pasta, with rice, or use for Italian style sandwiches.
8. Hearty Slow Cooker Cube Steak and Vegetable Stew
Create a nutritious and satisfying stew with cube steak and a medley of vegetables! This is the best way to enjoy meat and veggies with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 potatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped frozen peas
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
- Sear cube steak until golden on all sides, place in slow cooker
- Add beef and chicken broth, carrot, celery, potatoes, peas, mushrooms, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir before serving.
9. Sweet and Sour Slow Cooker Cube Steak Stir-fry
An Asian inspired version of cube steak, offering a delicious balance of sweet and sour flavors and great served with a side of steamed rice.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Sear the cube steak in olive oil until brown. Place in slow cooker.
- Mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes then add to slow cooker.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add chopped pineapple for the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid breaking down and serve with a side of rice!
10. Comforting Country Style Cube Steak
This classic dish brings back home-cooked nostalgia and has great depth of flavor! Perfect served over rice or with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Sear the cube steak on both sides in olive oil. Place into slow cooker.
- In slow cooker combine, cream of chicken and mushroom soup, beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Serve with sides such as mashed potatoes or rice.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Cube Steak
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory flavors of slow cooker cube steak.
- Rice or Noodles: These options can soak up any of the delicious gravy and pair well with both the hearty and lighter cube steak recipes.
- Polenta: For a creamy and comforting base, polenta provides a delicious canvas for your tender cube steak.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauces, a side of crusty bread will turn your meal into something unforgettable!
- Green Vegetables: Pair with green veggies to create a full nutritious balanced meal. Great examples are steamed broccoli or asparagus.
- Salads: Pair with a simple fresh salad for a refreshing element!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Slow Cooker Cube Steak
What is cube steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef, usually from the round or sirloin, that has been tenderized mechanically using a machine to help break down the tough fibers. This method results in the characteristic “cubed” texture.
Do you need to sear cube steak before slow cooking?
Searing cube steak before slow cooking is not mandatory, but highly recommended, as searing can result in added depth of flavor, a good color, and added flavor which will make the dish taste even better. If you have the time, don’t skip this step.
Can you overcook cube steak in the slow cooker?
Yes, though the intention with the slow cooker is for the low and slow process to ensure the meat becomes tender, you can still overcook your cube steak. It can be determined by seeing how easily you can pierce the steak with a fork. This should be your indicator when the meat is done and do not need to leave in for longer or it may become mushy.
How long should you slow cook cube steak?
The ideal cooking time for slow cooker cube steak is between 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. However cooking times may vary based on the strength and brand of slow cooker you have. Use the timings as a guideline to help achieve the best results. Make sure to check tenderness to get desired results.
Can I freeze cooked slow cooker cube steak?
Absolutely! Cooked cube steak can be frozen in an air tight freezer bag or freezer safe container. The most ideal results is when you store cube steak in the cooking liquid, as it prevents the meat from drying out in the freezer. Let it thaw completely before reheating gently on stovetop or the microwave.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To make the sauce thicker use a slurry with cornstarch and cold water, and slowly add to your dish with the slow cooker on high heat for a few minutes until your desired consistency is achieved.
What side dishes are best with slow cooker cube steak?
Slow cooker cube steak is so versatile that it pairs well with many side dishes. You can try options such as mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, creamy polenta or some healthy green veggies like broccoli, salad or green beans. Don’t forget your carbs! Crusty bread will go well to mop up that gravy.
Is slow cooker cube steak a good budget friendly meal?
Yes! Absolutely one of the best things about slow cooker cube steak is that it can give incredible, rich, and bold flavors that you would normally need to get with premium priced beef. But in the form of cube steak. It’s the best way to stretch your dollar without sacrificing quality, making slow cooker cube steak a winner.
Conclusion: Why Slow Cooker Cube Steak is Your New Best Friend
Slow cooker cube steak is a perfect example of a meal that provides incredible flavors and flexibility that are simple enough for any level of cook to execute with minimal effort. No matter your flavor preference from the range of comforting classics to zesty Tex-Mex flavors, this guide has a range of meals that everyone will enjoy! With only a few simple tips you are guaranteed a tender, juicy, and savory meal each and every time. Embrace the convenience of the slow cooker and add the amazing cube steak to your weekly meals and enjoy a hearty dinner without the stress. This amazing meal will absolutely transform your weeknight menus and make them all the more delicious!
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