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Slow Cooker Budget Cube Steak
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- #21228
Cube steaks are slowly cooked in a tasty gravy. The results are a family-favorite meal that won't break the bank.
serves/makes:
ready in:
2-5 hrs
2-5 hrs
16 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
6 cube steaks
2 cans (10.75 ounce size) cream of mushroom soup
1 envelope (1 ounce size) dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup water
directions
Place the cube steaks in the bottom of the crock pot.
Combine the mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and water in a bowl. Mix well. Pour the soup mixture over the cube steaks.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the cube steaks are cooked through and are tender.
Serve the cube steaks with the gravy from the crock pot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
crock pot notes
Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.recipe tips
For added flavor, sear the cube steaks in a hot skillet before placing them in the crock pot.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the gravy for a savory boost.
Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
To make it a one-pot meal, add a can of drained and rinsed beans or corn to the crock pot.
If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the gravy for a creamier texture.
For a richer flavor, use low sodium beef broth instead of water in the recipe.
common recipe questions
What is cube steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef, typically top round or top sirloin, that has been tenderized by pounding or cubing.
Can I use a different type of steak instead of cube steak?
While cube steak is traditionally used in this recipe for its tenderness, you can substitute with other cuts of beef such as round steak or flank steak, though the cooking time may vary. You may want to tenderize any tough cuts of meat either by using a tenderizer seasoning or pounding with the pointed side of a meat mallet. If you don't have a mallet you can prick the meat all over with a fork to help break down the fibers.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup (or any cream soup that sounds good to you - cream of broccoli?) for a different flavor.
Is there a homemade alternative to onion soup mix?
You can make your own onion soup mix by combining dried minced onions, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot with the cube steak?
You can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the gravy in the crock pot towards the end of the cooking time. Let it cook for a bit longer until thickened.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze cooked budget cube steak?
You can freeze the cooked steak and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
tools needed
Crock Pot or Slow Cooker: For cooking the cube steaks in the gravy over a long period of time. If you don't have a crock pot, you can try using a Dutch oven on low heat.
Mixing Bowl: To combine the cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and water into a flavorful gravy that will cover the cube steaks. Make sure it's large enough to mix the ingredients properly. Mixing it before adding to the crock pot helps make sure the dry soup mix is dissolved so there aren't any clumps in the gravy.
what goes with it?
Egg Noodles: because let's be honest, nothing screams comfort food like a thick, rich gravy over soft egg noodles.
Buttered Mashed Potatoes: creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
Green Beans: add some green to your plate with a side of crisp, fresh green beans.
Garlic Bread: because every good meal needs a little bit of garlic. Plus, you can use it to sop up any extra gravy on your plate.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Syrah: The bold flavors and peppery notes in Syrah can stand up to the richness of the gravy in this budget-friendly dish. Look for a Syrah with blackberry and smoky hints to complement the flavors in the meal.
Merlot: A smooth and fruity Merlot can be a great option here. Its medium body and soft tannins can enhance the flavors of the cube steak while not overpowering the dish. Look for one with plum and cherry notes.
Chardonnay: If you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay with buttery and oaky flavors can provide a nice contrast to the savory gravy. Look for one with hints of vanilla and toasted oak.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Brown Ale: The maltiness and nutty flavors in a brown ale can be a nice accompaniment to the savory notes in the gravy. Look for one with caramel and toffee undertones.
Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned, with its mix of bourbon and bitters, can bring out the richness in the cube steak dish. The sweetness of the bourbon can balance the savory elements of the meal.
Whiskey Sour: The zesty kick of a Whiskey Sour can cut through the richness of the gravy and enhance the flavors of the cube steak. The citrusy notes in the cocktail can add a refreshing contrast to the dish.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Root Beer: For a fun non-alcoholic option, try pairing this dish with a cold and bubbly root beer. The sweetness and herbal notes in root beer can complement the savory flavors of the cube steaks.
Iced Chai Latte: The warm spices in an iced chai latte can enhance the flavors of the gravy and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Sparkling Water: If you're looking for a light and refreshing option, a crisp sparkling water can cleanse your palate between bites of this hearty meal. The bubbles can help cut through the richness of the gravy.
nutrition data
268 calories, 17 grams fat, 7 grams carbohydrates, 22 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
see more crock pot cube steak recipes
reviews & comments
April 1, 2016
This is excellent and very tender. Husband loves it.
January 21, 2015
A new family favorite! Even the picky eaters gobbled this up. Now if I could just figure out how to sneak some veggies in LOL!
May 3, 2014
We really enjoyed this. the cube steaks were very tender and the sauce was yummy! Served it over noodles
March 29, 2014
Great recipe to throw together when you're out of ideas!
Just wondering - are you supposed to brown the cube steaks before putting them in the slow cooker?
You don't have to, but you can if you wish. Some people like the texture better of beef when it's browned before adding to the crock. I've done it both ways and don't really have a preference in a recipe like this.
November 18, 2013
On the salty side definitely with all the soups in it. Served it with mashed potatoes (unsalted because I tasted the gravy in this recipe first) which helped cut the saltiness.
October 23, 2013
Served over mashed potatoes this is heavenly. Brings back memories. My mom used to serve something similiar but made from scratch (no mixes or canned soups on the farm). It's not pretty to look at but oh so tasty.
July 15, 2013
Incredibly easy and we all enjoyed it
May 13, 2013
Was not sure about this at first, but it was awesome. Fixed it for Mothers Day, we all really enjoyed it. My daughter does not like cubed steak, but did like this recipe, thanks...
November 6, 2012
My sister introduced me to this recipe just a few days ago, and it was a HUGE success at my house! In fact, its in my crock pot again today! I even cut up a few potatoes in it! I'm spreading this recipe :)
June 12, 2010
This is one of my go to meals when we're super busy. I use low sodium versions of the soup and soup mix and then just season to taste. The meat is always super tender.
January 2, 2010
This was amazing served over mashed potatoes! The gravy it makes is really flavorful and the steaks are tender. My whole family loved it and requested it again for next weekend.
November 20, 2008
I made this recipe and much to my suprise my youngest son (Mr Picky) loved it, as well as the rest of my family. I will definitely make this again. I would like to try adding an onion and maybe some rosemary next time instead of the onion soup.
January 14, 2007
Good but way tooooo salty for me. I'll use half the onion soup mix next time.
May 2, 2006
Not only was the easy but so delishious that my kids asked for seconds. I have ben looking for an good recipe for cubed steak and this is it. THANK YOU!
November 11, 2005
I was kinda suprised that this recipe turned out so well. It just looked too simple to be good but I am here to say it was not just good, but GREAT!
March 21, 2005
Don't let the simplicity of this recipe put you off. It's hands down one of the best cube steak recipes I've had in the crock pot. Yes, it uses canned and dry soup, but you'd be amazed at how good it turns out.