Slow Cooker Cubed Steak: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Slow Cooker Cubed Steak: Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak, simmered to perfection in a rich and flavorful gravy. That’s the magic of this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe! Forget slaving over a hot stove; with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Cubed steak, a budget-friendly cut of beef that’s been tenderized, lends itself beautifully to slow cooking. This method transforms the often-tough cut into a succulent and delectable dish. While the exact origins of cubed steak are somewhat debated, it’s a staple in many American households, often associated with comforting, home-style cooking. It’s a testament to resourceful cooking, making the most of affordable ingredients.

People adore this slow cooker cubed steak recipe for several reasons. First, the convenience is unmatched. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and dinner is ready when you are. Second, the taste is phenomenal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deeply savory and satisfying gravy that perfectly complements the tender steak. The texture is also a winner – the steak becomes incredibly soft and easy to eat, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Finally, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal. So, are you ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food? Let’s get started with this amazing slow cooker cubed steak recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds cubed steak
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
• 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving
• Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Preparing the Cubed Steak:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is prepare our cubed steak. This step is crucial for getting that nice, browned crust that adds so much flavor to the final dish. Don’t skip it!

1. Season the Steak: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be our dredging station. Make sure the flour is evenly distributed with the salt and pepper. This ensures each piece of steak gets a good coating of flavor.
2. Dredge the Steak: One piece at a time, dredge the cubed steak in the flour mixture, making sure to coat each side thoroughly. Press the flour into the steak to help it adhere. Shake off any excess flour – we want a light coating, not a thick, pasty one.
3. Brown the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be nice and hot before adding the steak. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the dredged steak to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the steak will steam instead of brown. You may need to do this in batches.
4. Sear Each Side: Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s nicely browned. We’re not cooking it all the way through at this point, just developing that beautiful, flavorful crust. Remove the browned steak from the skillet and set it aside.

Preparing the Sauce and Vegetables:

While the steak is resting (well, more like waiting!), let’s get the sauce and vegetables ready. This is where the magic happens, creating that rich and savory gravy that will coat the steak in the slow cooker.

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet you used to brown the steak (don’t wash it – all those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits (fond) that are stuck to the pan. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so don’t skip this step!
4. Add the Soups and Onion Soup Mix: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and dry onion soup mix. Mix well until everything is combined and the sauce is smooth.
5. Optional: Add Mushrooms: If you’re using mushrooms, add them to the skillet now and stir them into the sauce.
6. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Slow Cooking the Cubed Steak:

Now for the easy part! We’re going to let the slow cooker do all the work. This is where the flavors meld together and the steak becomes incredibly tender.

1. Layer the Ingredients: Pour a thin layer of the sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, arrange the browned cubed steak in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the steak, making sure to coat it evenly.
2. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The steak is done when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
3. Check for Doneness: After the cooking time, check the steak for doneness. If it’s not quite tender enough, cook it for another hour or so.

Serving the Slow Cooker Cubed Steak:

Almost there! Now it’s time to serve up this delicious and comforting meal. I love serving it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, but you can choose your favorite side dish.

1. Prepare Your Side Dish: While the steak is finishing up in the slow cooker, prepare your egg noodles or mashed potatoes according to package directions.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the slow cooker cubed steak and gravy over the egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Optional: Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes. Add them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use Different Soups: You can experiment with different cream soups, such as cream of chicken or cream of mushroom with roasted garlic.
• Add Wine: For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of red wine to the skillet when you deglaze the pan.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, simply transfer everything to the slow cooker in the morning.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover slow cooker cubed steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions:

For longer storage, you can freeze the slow cooker cubed steak. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Slow Cooker Cubed Steak recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. I know, I know, there are a million slow cooker recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak, the rich, savory gravy, and the sheer ease of preparation makes it an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day, when in reality, you just tossed everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity, really. We’re not talking about complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just good, honest food that’s cooked low and slow to perfection. The cubed steak becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart with each bite. And that gravy? Oh, that gravy! It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a crusty piece of bread. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

But the best part about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. If you’re a mushroom lover, sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Want to add some veggies? Carrots, celery, and potatoes all work beautifully in this dish. You could even throw in some green beans during the last hour of cooking for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions: I personally love serving this Slow Cooker Cubed Steak over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of steamed green beans. It’s a classic combination that never fails to please. But it’s also delicious served over rice, egg noodles, or even polenta. And don’t forget the bread! You’ll definitely want something to soak up all that delicious gravy. A crusty baguette or some homemade biscuits would be perfect.

Variations to Explore:

• Mushroom Lovers: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the slow cooker.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Add 1 cup of chopped carrots and 1 cup of chopped celery to the slow cooker.
• Creamy Gravy: Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

I truly believe that this Slow Cooker Cubed Steak recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Happy cooking!