If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s absolutely effortless yet brings a hug-on-a-plate kind of comfort, you’re going to adore this Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. I love how you toss everything in the slow cooker in minutes and come back to tender, melt-in-your-mouth cube steak swimming in rich, creamy mushroom gravy. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special without any fuss. Let me walk you through why this recipe is a total keeper and share everything you need to nail it at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: You’ll appreciate how simple this recipe is—just combine a few ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic all day.
- Tender Results Every Time: Cube steak can sometimes be tough, but slow cooking it in mushroom gravy makes it incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Versatile Comfort Food: This hearty dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles—perfect for any cozy meal.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need fancy stuff—everyday pantry staples come together to create an impressive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role to build those comforting, rich flavors. I suggest finding good quality cube steaks and fresh onions—it really boosts the dish.
- Cube Steaks: These are budget-friendly cuts that become so tender when slow-cooked—you’ll love the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is your gravy base; you can swap with cream of celery or chicken if you want a slight twist.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce—homemade or store-bought both work.
- Red Onion: Mincing it finely helps distribute sweetness and savoriness throughout the gravy.
- Homemade Beef Bouillon Powder or Onion Soup Mix: This pack adds an extra punch of beefy flavor and seasoning—don’t skip it!
Variations
I love making this Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe my own by sneaking in different flavors or adapting it for what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment—you’ll discover versions your family adores!
- Herby Twist: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking adds a lovely aromatic note—I tried this on a whim and it instantly elevated the dish.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream soup alternative—your gravy might be lighter but still tasty, perfect if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Mushroom Upgrade: Toss in sliced fresh mushrooms alongside the onions if you’re a mushroom fanatic like me; it makes the gravy even earthier.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat that balances the creaminess.
How to Make Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Base with Onions
Start by small dicing a large red onion—white or yellow onions work just as well if that’s what you have. Spread these evenly across the bottom of your crock pot’s insert. This creates a flavor foundation and keeps the cube steaks from sticking to the bottom.
Step 2: Arrange Cube Steaks over the Onions
Lay your cube steaks on top of the onions in a single layer. You want them evenly spread out so they can cook uniformly. When I first tried stacking them, the cooking wasn’t as consistent.
Step 3: Add Your Seasonings and Liquids
Sprinkle your homemade beef bouillon powder or a packet of onion soup mix right over the steaks. Pour the beef broth on top, and then add the two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Use a fork to gently mix the soup with the bouillon and broth right in the crock pot; it doesn’t need to be perfectly combined because everything will meld during cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your crock pot and set it on low. Patience is key here—let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. When I first left this to cook for 6 hours, the steaks were already tender, but by 8 hours, they were fall-apart amazing. It’s up to your schedule, but don’t rush this step.
Step 5: Transform the Sauce into Gorgeous Gravy
Once your cube steaks are done, carefully remove them from the crock pot and keep warm. Use a stick blender to whirl up the onions and cooking liquid into a smooth, thick gravy. If you don’t have a stick blender, you can carefully transfer the liquid and onions to a regular blender—but watch out for hot splashes! If you like your gravy chunkier, you can skip this step.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Crock Pot Cube Steak topped with that luscious mushroom gravy. It’s divine over mashed potatoes, but I’ve also loved it on buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice. This recipe always feels like a warm, satisfying celebration at the table.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Use Fresh Onions: Fresh onions add natural sweetness and depth—in fact, using red onions gives a nice mild flavor that I prefer.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: The cube steaks need low and slow heat for that perfect tenderness—cutting time short will leave them chewy.
- Blend Sauce for Best Texture: I learned that blending the onions into the sauce makes this dish feel super polished and restaurant-worthy.
- Avoid Dry Steaks: Make sure the liquid covers the steaks well so they don’t dry out—the mix of broth and soup is perfect for this.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives right on top of the mushroom gravy before serving—it brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. I also like a little cracked black pepper for some aroma and mild spice.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my go-to because they soak up every bit of that flavorful gravy. Sometimes I switch it up with buttered egg noodles or steamed rice. Roasted green beans or sautéed garlic spinach bring a fresh contrast to this hearty meal. Your family can’t go wrong with any of these!
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like serving the steak over a bed of creamy polenta, spooning the mushroom gravy artistically over the top. Another fun idea is to plate individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets for an impressive rustic touch—guests always love that! A sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top adds delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the next day’s meal tastes even better. Just make sure to keep the steak submerged in gravy to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully. After cooking, let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for 2–3 months. When I’ve prepped this for busy weeks, it’s been a lifesaver—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain that luscious gravy texture. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce feels too thick. Microwaving works too; just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of beef instead of cube steak?
Absolutely! While cube steak is a traditional choice because it’s affordable and tenderizes well with slow cooking, you can also use sirloin tip, round steak, or even chuck steak cut into thin slices. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness.
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Can I make this Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe on high heat?
You can, but I recommend the low-and-slow method for the best, most tender results. Cooking on high might reduce the cooking time but increases the risk of tougher steak and less developed gravy flavors. If pressed for time, cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours and check tenderness.
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Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure any bouillon or onion soup mix you use is gluten-free. There are great brands available, and this swap doesn’t compromise the delicious flavor.
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Can I add vegetables to the crock pot with the steak?
Definitely! Adding carrots, mushrooms, or baby potatoes is a great way to make it a one-pot meal. Just keep in mind that root vegetables might need to cook longer or be sliced thinner to become tender alongside the steak.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that has quietly become a family favorite for me. It’s so easy and forgiving, perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the hassle. I love coming home to a kitchen filled with savory scent and knowing dinner’s ready to go. Give this recipe a try—you’ll likely be making it over and over, just like I do, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.
Print
Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Cube Steak recipe is a comforting, slow-cooked meal featuring tender cube steaks simmered in a savory mushroom gravy made with cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and onions. Perfect for an easy family dinner, the steaks become melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours in the slow cooker, and the flavorful gravy can be blended for a smooth finish. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery or chicken)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 large red onion, minced (white or yellow also work)
- 3 Tablespoons homemade beef bouillon powder (or 1 packet onion soup mix)
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Small dice the onion and spread it evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker insert to form a flavorful base for the steaks.
- Layer the cube steaks: Lay the cube steaks over the bed of diced onions, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- Add seasoning and broth: Sprinkle the homemade beef bouillon powder (or onion soup mix) evenly over the steaks, then pour the beef broth on top.
- Mix the soups: Add both cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup to the slow cooker. Use a fork to gently combine the soup with the bouillon mixture; it does not need to be perfectly smooth as they will blend further during cooking.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crock pot and set it on low heat. Cook the cube steaks for 6 to 8 hours until they become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Make the gravy: Remove the steaks from the slow cooker. Use a stick blender to puree the onions in the remaining sauce to thicken it into a gravy-like consistency. Optionally, this can be done in a regular blender. If you prefer, you can serve the sauce as is with onion chunks.
- Serve: Plate the crock pot cube steak and pour the thickened gravy over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles and your choice of vegetable sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- Crock Pot Cube Steak is incredibly versatile and pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice.
- Using a stick blender to thicken the gravy gives it a smooth texture, but this step is optional if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
- You can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom according to your taste preferences.
- This recipe is perfect for hands-off cooking, allowing you to come home to a flavorful and tender beef meal ready to enjoy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cube steak with gravy)
- Calories: 321
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 1768 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.4 g
- Fiber: 2.2 g
- Protein: 35.7 g
- Cholesterol: 86.5 mg
