Best Crockpot Cube Steak

Introduction

Best Crockpot Cube Steak is tender, savory, and smothered in rich gravy—slow-cooked until fork-tender with almost no effort. Cube steak, known for its affordability and toughness, transforms beautifully in the crockpot, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers low and slow. This classic comfort meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Ultra-tender meat every time
• Set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal
• Rich, comforting gravy
• Budget-friendly cut of beef

• Family-favorite comfort food

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

• 1½–2 lb cube steak
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet onion soup mix

• Optional: sliced mushrooms, fresh parsley

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
• Skillet (optional)
• Tongs

• Measuring spoons

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Season the cube steak

Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Optional browning

For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear cube steaks 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds depth but can be skipped.

3. Layer the slow cooker

Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay cube steaks on top in a single layer or slightly overlapping.

4. Mix the gravy

In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix until smooth.

5. Add the sauce

Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the cube steaks, ensuring the meat is well covered.

6. Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cube steak is fork-tender.

7. Rest and finish

Let the cube steak rest 10 minutes before serving. Spoon gravy over the meat and garnish with parsley if desired.

8. Serve

Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Mistakes to avoid

• Cooking on HIGH too long — tough meat
• Skipping seasoning — bland results
• Not covering meat with sauce — uneven cooking
• Stirring frequently — broken meat
• Overcrowding without sauce — dry edges

Variations of Best Crockpot Cube Steak

• Mushroom Gravy — add sliced mushrooms
• Brown Gravy — Use brown gravy mix instead of cream soup
• Onion-Heavy — double the onions
• Southern Style — add a splash of Worcestershire sauce

• Dairy-Free — use a dairy-free cream soup alternative

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
• Freeze up to 2 months
• Reheat gently with extra broth if needed

• Flavor improves overnight

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to brown the cube steak first?
No, but browning adds flavor.

Why is my cube steak tough?
It likely didn’t cook long enough on LOW.

Can I use chicken cube steak?
This recipe is best with beef cube steak.

How do I thicken the gravy?
Remove lid and cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Best Crockpot Cube Steak turns an inexpensive cut into a deeply comforting, tender meal with rich gravy and minimal effort. Perfect for busy days and cozy dinners, this slow cooker classic delivers reliable results every time. Once you try it, cube steak will become a staple in your crockpot rotation.