How to Cook Tender Cube Steak in a Crockpot

Why Crockpot Cube Steak is a Weeknight Hero

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that satisfies the whole family, crockpot cube steak might just be your new go-to recipe. This hearty dish combines the tenderness of slow-cooked beef with rich, creamy gravy—all made with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Thanks to the magic of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal even on your busiest nights.

Unlike stovetop or oven methods, using a slow cooker ensures that cube steak comes out fork-tender without much effort. Cube steak, which is typically a tougher cut like top round or sirloin that’s been mechanically tenderized, benefits greatly from long, moist cooking. For those unfamiliar, cube steak gets its name from the cubed indentations pressed into it during the tenderizing process, not its shape. This preparation helps it absorb flavors more effectively while it slowly simmers.

Slow cooking isn’t just about ease—it’s also about enhancing flavor. The combination of onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth creates a robust gravy that infuses into the meat as it cooks. This process is similar to traditional comfort food methods, as explained in this overview of slow cooker cooking techniques. When served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, crockpot cube steak turns into the kind of warm, savory dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

This guide will show you how to prepare tender cube steak in a crockpot, including step-by-step instructions, variations, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this method will help you get meltingly tender results every time.

What is Cube Steak? A Brief Overview

Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized using a mechanical process, giving it its distinctive cubed or indented appearance. It’s typically made from tougher cuts such as top round or top sirloin, which are passed through a meat tenderizer, also known as a meat cuber or swissing machine. This process breaks down muscle fibers, making the meat thinner, softer, and more suitable for quick or slow cooking.

Although cube steak is sometimes confused with minute steak, the two are not exactly the same. Minute steak may come from different cuts and isn’t always mechanically tenderized. The unique texture of cube steak allows it to soak up flavors well, making it ideal for slow-cooked dishes like stews, gravies, and casseroles. It’s a staple in Southern comfort food and is often used in country-fried steak and gravy.

The cut’s versatility and affordability contribute to its popularity in home kitchens. According to this list of beef cuts, cube steak falls under less expensive but flavor-rich options, making it perfect for budget-conscious cooks.

Since it’s inherently tougher than premium cuts like ribeye or tenderloin, cube steak benefits significantly from low-and-slow cooking techniques. Using a crockpot helps preserve moisture and tenderness while enhancing its flavor. If you’re new to cooking with cube steak, you’ll appreciate its adaptability and how beautifully it complements sauces like cream of mushroom and onion soup mix, both of which feature prominently in this guide to comfort foods.

Whether you’re aiming for a classic Southern-style dish or experimenting with variations like mushroom gravy or ranch seasoning, cube steak is a flexible foundation for countless slow-cooked meals.

Essential Ingredients for Tender Crockpot Cube Steak

Creating tender, flavorful cube steak in a crockpot starts with selecting the right ingredients. These simple yet powerful components form the base of a delicious meal that practically cooks itself. Let’s break down the essentials you’ll need for the best results:

1. Cube Steak

• Choose about 1½ to 2 lbs of beef cube steak.

• Look for pieces that are evenly tenderized and around ½ inch thick.

• Fresh or thawed cuts work best for even cooking.

2. Cream Soups

• Use one can (10.5 oz) each of:

  • Cream of mushroom soup

  • Cream of chicken soup

• These soups add a rich, velvety texture to the gravy and enhance umami flavor.

• Cream of mushroom soup is especially popular in slow cooker meals thanks to its creamy consistency and depth.

3. Soup Mix and Seasonings

• 1 packet of onion soup mix: Adds instant savory depth and balances the creamy elements.

• 1 tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp black pepper: Simple spices that don’t overpower but enhance overall flavor.

• Optional: Add Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika for complexity.

4. Liquid for Moisture

• ½ cup water or low-sodium beef broth is essential to prevent drying out.

• Beef broth contributes a deep, meaty flavor that complements the cube steak well.

• Learn more about how broth is used in cooking on Wikipedia.

5. Thickening Agents (Optional)

• To thicken the gravy toward the end of cooking:

  • Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water to create a slurry.

  • Stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes.

6. Garnishes

• Fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness (optional but recommended).

• Cracked pepper or a sprinkle of paprika adds visual appeal and flavor at serving.

These ingredients come together in a way that turns a humble cut of meat into something that tastes slow-simmered and lovingly made. They also align with what’s commonly found in highly rated slow cooker beef recipes across platforms like Pinterest and other popular comfort food collections.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Tender Cubed Steak in a Slow Cooker

This recipe for crockpot cube steak delivers a hearty, comforting meal with minimal prep. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender while soaking up a rich, creamy gravy. Below is the exact process to get it just right.

Ingredients

• 4 cube steaks (1½ to 2 lbs)

• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• ½ cup water or low-sodium beef broth

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (for thickening)

• Optional garnish: Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following:

• Cream of mushroom soup

• Cream of chicken soup

• Onion soup mix

• Garlic powder

• Black pepper

• Water or beef broth

This blend creates a thick, flavorful sauce that not only tenderizes the meat but turns into a savory gravy. Using both mushroom and chicken soups adds layers of umami, similar to techniques used in comfort food classics.

2. Layer the Cube Steaks

• Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray.

• Place the cube steaks in a single layer at the bottom. If needed, stack with a bit of the sauce in between to prevent sticking.

Cube steak is best suited for long, moist cooking, as discussed in the slow cooking methods article. This process allows even tougher cuts to become fall-apart tender without drying out.

3. Pour the Sauce

• Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the cube steaks.

• Make sure all meat is completely covered to promote even cooking and tenderness.

4. Slow Cook

• Cover the crockpot with its lid.

• Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours.

• Resist the urge to lift the lid, as this lets heat escape and can prolong cooking time.

Optional: Thicken the Gravy

• If a thicker consistency is desired, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water to form a slurry.

• Add to the crockpot about 30 minutes before the end of the cook time.

• Stir gently and allow it to thicken with the lid slightly ajar.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Once the steaks are fork-tender and the gravy is thickened to your liking, turn off the slow cooker.

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley or a touch of black pepper.

• Serve over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

For side dish inspiration, check out these crockpot dinner recipes on Pinterest that pair well with hearty mains. The creamy gravy and tender beef make this dish perfect for soaking into a starchy side, offering a true comfort food experience.

This method guarantees moist, flavorful cube steak every time—ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays alike.

Tips for Making Cube Steak Extra Tender in the Crockpot

Even though cube steak is mechanically tenderized, it still benefits from thoughtful preparation. Follow these proven tips to ensure your steak turns out perfectly tender and not chewy or dry.

1. Low and Slow is Key

• Cooking on low for 6–8 hours is ideal. This gradual method gives the collagen in the meat time to break down, resulting in a fall-apart texture.

• While high heat might seem faster, it often leads to overcooked and rubbery results, especially with leaner cuts.

2. Don’t Skip the Liquid

• Moisture is essential. Using a combination of cream soups and broth or water helps maintain tenderness while infusing flavor.

• According to food safety practices in slow cooking, adequate liquid also ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning.

3. Avoid Overcrowding

• Stack cube steaks in a loose layer if needed, but avoid packing the crockpot too tightly.

• Make sure the sauce touches each piece. Uneven cooking can result in parts of the meat being undercooked or dry.

4. No Need to Sear First (But You Can)

• Searing is optional. While it adds flavor and color through caramelization, it’s not necessary for tenderness.

• Some home cooks prefer to skip searing for convenience, especially when cooking for family dinners.

5. Add the Slurry at the Right Time

• If you’re thickening the gravy with cornstarch, add it only during the final 30 minutes.

• This prevents the gravy from clumping or becoming overly gelatinous.

6. Let it Rest

• After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes with the lid off. This allows juices to redistribute and improves the texture when served.

Following these tips ensures a fork-tender, flavorful cube steak every time—a staple in many classic comfort food meals and weeknight dinners.

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Common Variations of Crockpot Cube Steak Recipes

One of the best things about crockpot cube steak is how adaptable it is. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try one of these tasty variations to switch things up without reinventing your process.

1. Southern-Style with Brown Gravy

• Swap out the cream soups for brown gravy mix and beef broth.

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

• Serve over buttermilk mashed potatoes or with cornbread for a classic Southern plate.

2. With Mushrooms and Onions

• Add a handful of sliced mushrooms and thinly sliced yellow onions to the crockpot along with the steak.

• These cook down beautifully and enhance the gravy with earthy, sweet depth.

• This variation mirrors popular recipes seen on Pinterest, perfect for a rustic, home-style meal.

3. Ranch Cube Steak

• Add a packet of dry ranch dressing mix along with or instead of onion soup mix.

• This creates a tangy, creamy twist on the traditional flavor.

• Pair with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted green beans.

4. Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free cream soups and thicken with arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.

• Double-check all seasoning packets and broths for hidden gluten.

5. Low-Sodium Version

• Opt for low-sodium soups and no-salt-added broth.

• Replace the onion soup mix with homemade onion powder, dried parsley, and garlic powder.

These variations are excellent for those who love the core recipe but want a little change. For more ideas and visuals, visit popular Pinterest boards on crockpot recipes.

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Best Side Dishes to Serve with Crockpot Cube Steak

Pairing your slow cooker cube steak with the right sides turns a simple dish into a full, satisfying meal. Here are some of the best sides that complement its rich, savory flavors.

• Mashed Potatoes – The most popular option. Creamy potatoes soak up the gravy for the ultimate comfort combo.

• Egg Noodles – Wide buttered noodles are ideal for a rustic, filling plate.

• Steamed Rice – A versatile, neutral base that works especially well with extra gravy.

• Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative that keeps the meal light.

• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables – Think carrots, green beans, or broccoli for balance and color.

• Dinner Rolls or Cornbread – Great for sopping up leftover gravy, adding a soft, hearty side to your plate.

Choosing the right side dish can enhance both the flavor and presentation of your meal. For more serving inspiration, explore the variety of pairing ideas on Pinterest’s comfort food boards.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cube Steak

Leftovers from this dish are just as tasty the next day—sometimes even better as the flavors continue to develop. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly for food safety and quality.

Storing

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keeps for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Place cooled steak and gravy in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and date. Best used within 2–3 months.

Reheating

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covered loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much.

• Slow Cooker: For larger portions, reheat in the slow cooker on low until warmed through (1–2 hours).

Proper storage is part of general food safety practices, which ensure leftovers remain both safe and delicious.

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Make-Ahead Tips and Meal Prep Ideas

Slow cooker cube steak is an excellent choice for meal prep. Here’s how to simplify your routine:

• Prep Ahead: Mix your soup and seasoning base the night before. Refrigerate it so it’s ready to pour into the crockpot in the morning.

• Freezer-Friendly Meal Kits: Place raw cube steak and sauce mixture in a freezer bag. Freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

• Use Crockpot Liners: These make clean-up effortless—perfect for busy households or batch cooking days.

Using these techniques, you can prepare hearty weeknight dinners days or even weeks in advance.

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FAQs: People Also Ask

Why is my cube steak tough in the crockpot?

Cube steak becomes tough when overcooked on high heat or if not enough liquid is used. Cooking it low and slow with enough gravy or broth ensures it breaks down gently and stays tender.

Do I have to brown cube steak before slow cooking?

No, it’s not required. While searing adds flavor and color, skipping this step still yields a delicious, tender cube steak. It’s an optional step for more depth, not a necessity.

Can you put raw cube steak in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can place raw cube steak directly in the slow cooker. Just ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F. This method is efficient and safe, as supported by food safety guidelines.

How do you make gravy thicker in the crockpot?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) added during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This thickens the gravy without clumps or altering flavor.

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