Struggling to find the perfect, easy-to-follow recipe for cube steak in a crock pot? You’re not alone. This versatile cut of meat can be tricky, but with the right steps and ingredients, it transforms into a tender, mouthwatering meal. Let’s learn how to cook cube steak in crock pot!
In this blog post, we’ll unravel the mystery of cooking cube steak in a crock pot, providing you with step-by-step instructions as well as tips to make your meal truly shine. Ready to impress at your next dinner party?.
Key Takeaways
- Cube steak can be cooked to perfection in a crock pot, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
- Marinating the cube steak before cooking and using a meat tenderizer can help ensure optimal tenderness.
- Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours is recommended for juicy and delicious results.
- Cube steak cooked in a crock pot pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads.
How To Cook Cube Steak In The Crock Pot
To cook cube steak in the crock pot, you will need a few simple ingredients and follow these step-by-step directions.
Ingredients Needed
Starting on your culinary adventure to create delicious cube steak in a crock pot requires gathering the following ingredients:
- Cube steaks: You can typically find these pre-cubed at your local butcher or grocery store.
- Onion soup mix: This helps add a rich depth of flavor to the dish, and it’s commonly used in slow cooker recipes.
- Brown gravy mix: This will thicken and enrich our sauce, making it perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or rice.
- Condensed mushroom soup or cream of mushroom soup: These are key components for the gravy providing a creamy, rich taste.
- Beef broth: It adds an extra layer of hearty flavor and helps keep the steaks moist during slow cooking.
- Sliced onions: They give added flavor and texture to this recipe, as recommended by The Pioneer Woman herself.
Step-by-step Directions
To cook cube steak in a crock pot, follow these simple steps:
- Start by gathering the necessary ingredients:
- Cube steak
- Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder)
- Condensed mushroom soup or beef broth (optional)
- Season the cube steak:
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides of each cube steak.
- Preheat your crock pot:
- Set your crock pot to the desired heat setting (low or high) based on your preferred cooking time and schedule.
- Place the seasoned cube steaks in the crock pot:
- Layer the steaks evenly in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add optional ingredients:
- If desired, pour condensed mushroom soup or beef broth over the cube steaks to enhance flavor and add moisture.
- Cover the crock pot:
- Put on the lid securely to ensure proper cooking and heat retention.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours:
- Depending on your time constraints and desired tenderness of the meat, choose either low or high heat setting.
- Check for doneness:
- About 30 minutes before serving, check if the cube steaks are tender by gently poking them with a fork.
- Serve hot:
- Plate each cooked cube steak with a side dish of mashed potatoes and ladle some gravy from the crock pot over each piece.
- Enjoy!
Cooking Time And Temperature
The cooking time and temperature for cube steak in a crock pot can vary depending on your preference. For tender and juicy results, it is recommended to cook the cube steak on low heat for around 6-7 hours or on high heat for approximately 3-4 hours.
This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful. By using your crock pot, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while dinner practically cooks itself.
So whether you’re looking for a convenient weeknight meal or want to impress guests with a delicious dish, cooking cube steak in a crock pot is an easy yet satisfying option.
Tips For Tender Cube Steak
To ensure tender cube steak, marinate the meat before cooking and use a meat tenderizer to break down the fibers. Cook on low heat in the crock pot for optimal tenderness.
Marinating The Steak
Marinating the steak is a key step to ensuring tender and flavorful cube steak in the crock pot. Before cooking, take some time to marinate the cube steak in your favorite marinade or seasoning blend.
This helps to infuse the meat with delicious flavors and also helps to break down any tough fibers, resulting in a more tender end result. You can use simple marinades like soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce or get more creative with herbs, spices, and citrus juices.
Letting the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight will give it ample time to soak up all those delicious flavors. Remember, marinating is an optional step but highly recommended for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Using A Meat Tenderizer
One way to ensure your cube steak comes out tender and juicy when cooking it in a crock pot is to use a meat tenderizer. Tenderizing the meat helps break down its fibers, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Start by sprinkling the cube steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, using a meat tenderizer tool or the flat side of a heavy knife, gently pound the steak all over to help break down any tough fibers.
This process not only tenderizes the meat but also allows any marinades or seasonings to penetrate deeper into the steak for enhanced flavor. By utilizing this simple technique, you can elevate your crock pot cube steak recipe to new heights of tenderness and deliciousness.
Cooking On Low Heat
Cooking cube steak on low heat is essential for achieving tender and flavorful results. By cooking the steak slowly in the crock pot, you allow enough time for the meat to break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Low heat also helps to infuse the flavors of any seasonings or sauces you use throughout the cooking process, resulting in a deliciously seasoned dish. Additionally, cooking on low heat ensures that your cube steak doesn’t dry out or become tough.
The long hours of slow cooking help to retain moisture and keep the meat juicy and succulent. So, if you want perfectly cooked cube steak that falls apart with each bite, be sure to set your crock pot on low heat and let it do its magic!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your tender and flavorful cube steak from the crock pot with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Looking for more mouth-watering ideas? Keep reading!
Mashed Potatoes And Gravy
One classic and delicious way to serve cube steak cooked in the crock pot is with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and rich, savory gravy. The tender cubes of steak perfectly complement the smooth texture of the mashed potatoes, while the flavorful gravy adds an extra layer of indulgence.
This comforting combination makes for a satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you choose to make traditional white or garlic-infused mashed potatoes, or even opt for sweet potato mash, the creamy base serves as the perfect canvas for soaking up all that tasty gravy goodness.
So go ahead and ladle that luscious gravy over your mound of fluffy mashed potatoes – it’s pure comfort food at its finest!
Roasted Vegetables
To complement your tender cube steak cooked in the crock pot, serve it with a side of flavorful roasted vegetables. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious charred flavor.
Simply toss your favorite vegetables like carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at around 425°F for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned.
The combination of juicy cube steak and caramelized roasted vegetables creates a balanced meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Salad Or Coleslaw
A fresh salad or tangy coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to a hearty dish of cube steak cooked in the crock pot. The crispness and crunchiness of the vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the tender meat.
You can toss together a simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for a light and healthy option. If you’re looking for something creamier, try making coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing.
The coolness of these side dishes complements the savory flavors of the cube steak and adds a delightful textural element to your meal.
Recipe FAQs And Variations
Can you use frozen cube steak in the crock pot? Yes, you can use frozen cube steak in the crock pot. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can you use different seasonings for your cube steak recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Can you add vegetables to the crock pot along with the cube steak? Yes, adding vegetables such as carrots, onions, or potatoes can enhance the flavor of your dish. Just be aware that they may take longer to cook than the cube steak itself.
These are just a few FAQs and variations for cooking cube steak in a crock pot. Get creative and explore different possibilities for a delicious meal!
Can You Use Frozen Cube Steak?
Using frozen cube steak in a crock pot is definitely possible and can make meal preparation even easier. When using frozen cube steak, it’s important to keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be extended slightly to ensure that the meat cooks through completely.
Additionally, you may want to consider thawing the cube steak before placing it in the crock pot to reduce the risk of uneven cooking. However, if you’re short on time or prefer not to thaw beforehand, you can still achieve delicious results with frozen cube steak in a crock pot.
The low and slow cooking method of a crock pot helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavorful ingredients like gravy mixes or soup bases. So whether your cube steaks are fresh or from the freezer, this versatile cut of meat can still be transformed into a satisfying and budget-friendly meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Can You Use Different Seasonings?
You can absolutely use different seasonings when cooking cube steak in a crock pot. Experimenting with different flavor profiles can help enhance the taste of your dish. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra touch of freshness. The key is to be creative and tailor the seasonings to your personal preference. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and adjust the amounts according to your taste buds.
By adding different seasonings, you can elevate the flavors of your cube steak and create a delicious meal that will leave everyone wanting more.
Can You Add Vegetables To The Crock Pot?
Adding vegetables to the crock pot when cooking cube steak is a great way to enhance the flavor and make your meal more nutritious. You can chop up onions, carrots, and celery to add a hearty base to your dish.
These vegetables will release their flavors as they cook with the cube steak, creating a delicious gravy or sauce. Additionally, you can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added variety and texture.
Not only does adding vegetables provide additional nutrients, but it also adds a pop of color to your dish, making it visually appealing as well. So feel free to experiment with different vegetable combinations in your crock pot for a tasty and complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook cube steak in a crock pot?
Yes, you can cook cube steak in a crock pot. Slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.
2. What ingredients do I need to cook cube steak in a crock pot?
To cook cube steak in a crock pot, you will need cube steaks, beef broth or stock, onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or vegetables.
3. How long does it take to cook cube steak in a crock pot?
Cooking times may vary depending on your specific recipe and crock pot settings. However, typically cooking cube steak in a crock pot takes around 6-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat.
4. Can I add other ingredients like potatoes or carrots to my slow-cooked cube steak?
Absolutely! Adding additional ingredients like potatoes or carrots can enhance the flavors of your dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the tenderness of the added vegetables.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking cube steak in a crock pot is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this budget-friendly cut of meat. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can achieve tender and flavorful results.
Whether you choose to serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, your slow-cooked cube steak will make for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. So give it a try and let your crock pot do all the work while you sit back and enjoy the mouthwatering aromas filling your kitchen.