How to Make Tender Crockpot Cube Steak

Craving a tender, flavorful steak without the fuss? This Crockpot Cube Steak recipe is your answer! With minimal prep and slow cooking, you’ll have juicy, melt-in-your-mouth steak perfect for any meal. Whether paired with mashed potatoes or rice, it’s an easy, delicious dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s get started!

Key Benefits of Crockpot Cube Steak

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a tender, juicy steak, this Crockpot Cube Steak recipe is exactly what you need. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Hands-off Cooking: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can set it and forget it, freeing up time for other tasks. It’s perfect for busy days or when you want a stress-free dinner.
• Incredibly Tender: Cube steak can sometimes be tough, but the slow-cooking process breaks down the fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that’s hard to beat.
• Flavorful: The combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings infuses the steak with rich, savory flavor. Every bite is a burst of deliciousness!
• Versatile: This recipe is highly adaptable—add mushrooms, onions, or your favorite vegetables to the pot for an even heartier meal. It’s easy to customize to suit your taste preferences.
• Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make this dish. A few pantry staples are all you need to create a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Crockpot Cube Steak

To make this Crockpot Cube Steak recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, tender dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cube steaks (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for extra richness)

Instructions for Cooking Crockpot Cube Steak

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the easy steps to make this tender, flavorful Crockpot Cube Steak. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort.

1. Sear the Cube Steaks
   While this step is optional, searing the cube steaks before adding them to the crockpot enhances the flavor and gives the steak a beautiful golden-brown crust. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear each steak for 2-3 minutes on each side. Once done, transfer the steaks to the crockpot.

1. Layer the Ingredients
   In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. You can also add mushrooms here if you’re using them. Then, pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour this mixture over the steaks in the crockpot.

1. Season and Add Butter
   Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and dried thyme over the steak and broth mixture. For an extra layer of richness, drop the butter in chunks on top of the steaks.

1. Slow Cook
   Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the cube steak to become incredibly tender, absorbing all the savory flavors.

1. Check for Tenderness
   After the cooking time is up, check the steak. It should be fork-tender and easily shredded when pulled apart. If needed, cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.

Pro Tip: The longer you cook, the more tender the steak will be. If you’re short on time, the high setting works great, but if you have the luxury of waiting, the low setting gives the best results.

Pro Tips and Variations for Crockpot Cube Steak

Looking to customize your Crockpot Cube Steak and make it even more delicious? Here are some pro tips and creative variations to take your meal to the next level:

• Add Vegetables:
  You can easily turn this into a one-pot meal by adding vegetables. Try throwing in some carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers about halfway through the cooking time. They’ll soak up the rich flavors and make the dish even heartier.
• Spice It Up:
  If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or even some chili powder to the seasoning mix. This will give your steak a flavorful kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Make It Gravy:
  After cooking, you can thicken the broth into a savory gravy. Simply transfer the liquid to a saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it up. Pour the gravy over the steak for an extra indulgent touch.
• Switch Up the Protein:
  Not a fan of cube steak? You can swap it for other cuts of beef like chuck roast or round steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different cuts may require a bit more or less time to reach the desired tenderness.
• Herb Variations:
  Experiment with fresh or dried herbs to add more flavor. Rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves can complement the beef beautifully. Try switching up the thyme for a different herb to see what you like best!

Pro Tip: For an even more luxurious finish, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving. This adds a creamy richness that takes the dish to new heights.

Servings for Crockpot Cube Steak

This Crockpot Cube Steak recipe makes about 4 servings, which is perfect for a family meal or for meal prepping for the week ahead. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and ability to be stretched with a few side dishes.

Here are some ways to serve it:

• Serve over mashed potatoes: The creamy potatoes will soak up the savory sauce, creating a comforting combination.
• Pair with rice: A fluffy bed of rice complements the rich, tender steak and absorbs all the flavorful juices.
• Add a vegetable side: Steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots will balance out the richness of the steak and add some color to the plate.

Pro Tip: If you’re serving a larger group or need to stretch the meal further, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker can handle the extra ingredients, and you may need to extend the cooking time slightly.

FAQ for Crockpot Cube Steak

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can substitute cube steak with a chuck roast or round steak. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as tougher cuts may require more time to become tender.

2. How do I know when the steak is done?
The steak is ready when it’s fork-tender and can be easily shredded. If it’s not tender enough, cook it for an additional 30 minutes.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Store the steak and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge and reheat when ready.

4. How can I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce, then let it cook for a few minutes until thickened.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add carrots, potatoes, or onions to make the meal more filling. Add heartier veggies at the start and more delicate ones in the last 30 minutes.

6. Can I cook this on high?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. However, cooking on low for 6-8 hours will give the best tenderness and flavor.