Cube steak, a unique cut of beef tenderised through a mechanical process, boasts a fascinating texture and versatile flavour profile. Its tenderised fibres offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience, while its flattened form absorbs marinades and sauces beautifully, making it a perfect canvas for culinary creativity.
Crock pot cooking transforms cube steak into a culinary masterpiece, maximising ease, convenience, and flavour. Simply toss the seasoned meat into the pot, let it simmer for hours, and enjoy a tender, flavourful meal without breaking a sweat. While the juices and seasonings combine to create a rich and incredibly satisfying sauce, the slow cooking method makes the meat incredibly tender.
Exploring the World of Cube Steak Crock Pot
But the true magic of cube steak crock pot recipes lies in their incredible versatility. From classic creamy gravy to vibrant tomato-based variations, these recipes offer a flavour explosion for every palate. Explore the smoky depths of a French onion soup variation, or add a touch of heat with a spicy gravy recipe. Each variation introduces a new dimension of flavour, transforming cube steak into a culinary adventure.
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A tasty and simple way to enjoy this adaptable cut of beef is with one of these cube steak crock pot recipes, regardless of your level of culinary experience. So, grab your slow cooker, explore the variety of flavour profiles, and embark on a culinary journey with cube steak as your guide.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment for Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipes
Unleashing the full potential of cube steak in your crock pot requires a few key ingredients and the right equipment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your culinary adventure is a resounding success:
Essential Ingredients
The essential ingredients for this recipe include several elements, as follows:
Proteins
Cube steak: The star of the show chooses cuts labelled “round steak” or “top round steak” for optimal results. Opt for high-quality, well-marbled meat for maximum tenderness and flavour.
Beef broth: Provides a flavourful base for the gravy and helps tenderise the meat. You can use store-bought broth or opt for homemade for a richer flavour.
Additional protein options: Some recipes may incorporate additional protein sources like ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken for added texture and flavour.
Vegetables
Onions: A staple in most cube steak crock pot recipes, adding depth and sweetness to the sauce. You can use white, yellow, or even red onions, depending on your preference.
Mushrooms: Offer a hearty texture and earthy flavour. Choose button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or even portobello mushrooms for a more robust taste.
Other vegetables: Experiment with additional vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or potatoes for added texture and nutrients.
Broths and Liquids
Beef broth: As mentioned earlier, it provides a flavourful base and helps tenderise the meat.
Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the gravy and prevent scorching.
Onion soup mix: A convenient blend of onions, herbs, and spices, perfect for adding a savoury flavour to the gravy.
Garlic powder: Adds a pungent and savoury kick to the dish.
Black pepper: Provides a touch of heat and depth of flavour.
Other spices: Explore spices like paprika, chilli powder, cumin, or oregano for additional flavour profiles.
High-Quality Ingredients Matter
Using high-quality ingredients significantly impacts the final flavour and texture of your cube steak dish. Choose fresh, flavourful vegetables and avoid processed ingredients whenever possible. Opt for well-marbled cube steak to ensure tenderness and avoid lean cuts that can become dry after slow cooking.
The Right Equipment for Success
Crockpot: The heart of your culinary endeavour. Choose a crock pot with at least 4 quarts capacity to accommodate the meat, vegetables, and liquid.
Sharp knife and cutting board: For slicing the cube steak and prepping vegetables.
Spatula or large spoon: For stirring the ingredients and serving the finished dish.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for ensuring the correct proportions of ingredients.
Optional equipment: A meat tenderiser can be helpful for further tenderising the cube steak, while an immersion blender can create a smooth and silky gravy.
With the right ingredients and equipment, you’re ready to embark on a delicious journey with cube steak crock pot recipes. Remember, experimentation is key! Explore different ingredient combinations and seasonings to discover your own unique flavour favourites.
Mastering Cube Steak in Your Crock Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crock pot cooking simplifies the process of preparing cube steak, but it’s still important to understand the basic techniques involved. This guide will take you through every step, ensuring a delicious and tender meal.
Preparing and Browning the Cube Steak
Tenderise: While not necessarily required, a quick pass with a meat tenderiser can further break down the fibres for an even more melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Season: Season both sides of the cube steak generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
Dredge and brown: This step isn’t essential for crock pot cooking, but browning adds a flavourful caramelised crust to the steak. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Dredge the seasoned cube steak in all-purpose flour (optional) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until browned.
Creating Flavourful Sauces and Gravies
There are two main methods for creating flavourful sauces and gravies in your crock pot:
Method 1: Layer and Simmer
Assemble ingredients: After browning the cube steak (optional), layer it in the crock pot. Add your chosen vegetables, broth, and seasonings.
Simmer and adjust: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. During the final hour of cooking, adjust the seasoning to taste.
Thicken the gravy: If a thicker gravy is desired, whisk together a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons cold water) and slowly pour it into the simmering liquid while whisking constantly. Continue simmering for a few minutes until thickened.
Method 2: Roux and Sauteed Vegetables
Make a roux: Heat a tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in a tablespoon of flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly, until golden brown.
Deglaze and simmer: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add your chosen seasonings and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Assemble and cook: Combine the sauteed vegetables and sauce in the crock pot with the browned cube steak (optional). Add additional broth if needed and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Adjusting Cooking Times and Temperatures
The cooking time for cube steak in a crock pot will vary depending on the size and thickness of the meat, the quantity of ingredients, and the desired level of tenderness. Here’s a general guideline:
4-6 hours on low: 1-2 pounds of cube steak
3-4 hours on high: 1-2 pounds of cube steak
6-8 hours on low: 2-3 pounds of cube steak
4-6 hours on high: 2-3 pounds of cube steak
Consider adding an extra hour of cooking time for thicker cuts of meat or larger quantities. You can also check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer; it should reach 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.
Remember, these are just guidelines. Feel free to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your preferences and experience. With practice, you’ll become a master of creating succulent and flavourful cube steaks in your crock pot.
Popular Cube Steak Crock Pot Recipe Variations
Here are some very popular recipe variations to suit your taste:
1. Classic Creamy Gravy
This recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for a cosy weeknight meal.
For a smoother gravy, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after cooking.
You can add other vegetables to this recipe, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
3. Spicy Gravy
This recipe is perfect for those who like a little heat in their food.
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs cube steak
1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Brown the cube steak (optional) in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
Add the browned cube steak and stir to coat.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Tips:
You can adjust the amount of chilli powder and cayenne pepper to your taste.
For an extra smoky flavour, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
4. French Onion Soup Variation
This recipe is a savory and flavourful twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs cube steak
1 packet (0.75 oz) dry French onion soup mix
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
Brown the cube steak (optional) in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Combine all ingredients except the green onions in the crock pot.
Add the browned cube steak and stir to coat.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Garnish with green onions before serving.
Tips:
For a richer flavour, add a tablespoon of butter to the crock pot before adding the other ingredients.
You can substitute the green onions with shredded Swiss cheese for a more decadent dish.
5. Slow Cooker Smothered Steak
This hearty recipe is perfect for a cold winter day.
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs cube steak
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup of beef broth
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
Brown the cube steak (optional) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Pour the sauce mixture into the crock pot.
Add the browned cube steak and stir to coat.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve the steak and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Tips:
You can add other vegetables to this recipe, such as mushrooms or carrots.
If you want the sauce to be thicker, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water) during the last hour of cooking.
For a more flavourful dish, substitute the beef broth with red wine or beer.
These are just a few examples of popular cube steak crock pot recipe variations. With a little imagination and experimentation, you can create endless, delicious and satisfying meals using this versatile cut of meat.
Advanced Tips and Tricks for Cube Steak Crock Pot Perfection
Here are some further tips and tricks to elevate your cube steak crock pot:
Thicken Your Gravy
Cornstarch Slurry: The simplest and most common method. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering gravy during the last hour of cooking and cook until thickened.
Flour Roux: For a richer flavour, create a roux by heating one tablespoon of butter in a saucepan and whisking in one tablespoon of flour until golden brown. Gradually whisk in the broth or water, scraping up any browned bits, until thickened. Add this roux to the crock pot and simmer for a few minutes.
Customise Your Flavour
Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley add a delightful aroma and depth of flavour. Add them during the last hour of cooking, or sprinkle them on top before serving.
Cheeses: Grated Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, or crumbled blue cheese can add a creamy and decadent touch. Stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or sprinkle them on top for a melty finish.
Vegetables: Beyond the typical onions and mushrooms, explore adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even potatoes for extra flavour and texture.
Texture Variations
Tender and Fall-Apart: Choose thinner cuts of cube steak and cook on low for the full recommended time. This allows the collagen to break down fully, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Slightly Firm and Chewy: Use thicker cuts of cube steak and cook on high for a shorter time. This method preserves some of the meat’s natural texture while still achieving tenderness.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Gravy is too thin: Use the cornstarch slurry or flour roux methods mentioned above to thicken the gravy.
Meat is tough: It might not have cooked for long enough. Increase the cooking time or choose a thinner cut of meat.
Gravy is burnt: This can happen if the crock pot is on high heat for too long. Stir the gravy frequently and use the low heat setting whenever possible.
Lack of flavour: You can adjust the seasonings to taste. Consider adding additional herbs, spices, or Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavour profile.
Bonus Tip: For an extra flavourful kick, deglaze the pan used for browning the cube steak with a splash of red wine or beef broth before adding it to the crock pot. This incorporates all the delicious browned bits into the gravy.
Remember, experimentation is key to creating your perfect cube steak crock pot dish. Don’t be afraid to adjust recipes to your taste and explore different flavour combinations. With these advanced tips and tricks, you can become a master of slow-cooked cube steak and impress your family and friends with delicious, home-cooked meals.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Cube Steak Crock Pot Creation
Here are some serving suggestions for a delicious steak crock pot:
Perfect Pairings
Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food that complements the savoury richness of the cube steak and gravy. For a twist, try mashed sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
Pasta: Egg noodles, spaghetti, or even penne pasta offer a satisfying starch base for the dish. Consider adding some cooked vegetables like peas or broccoli to the pasta for a complete meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a healthy element to the meal.
Garnishes for a Finishing Touch
Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley, chives, or rosemary add a vibrant pop of colour and a subtle herbal flavour.
Grated Cheese: Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese offers a salty and creamy element.
Sliced Green Onions: These add a bit of sharpness and a fresh bite to the dish.
Crispy Fried Onions: This topping adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness.
Repurposing Leftover Cube Steak
Don’t let leftover cube steak go to waste! Here are some creative ways to repurpose it:
Cube Steak Quesadillas: Shred the leftover steak and use it as a filling for quesadillas along with your favourite cheese and vegetables.
Cube Steak Salad: Chop the leftover steak and add it to a salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Cube Steak Soup: Turn the leftover steak and gravy into a hearty and flavourful soup by adding additional vegetables and broth.
Cube Steak Hash: This is a delicious way to use up leftover steak and potatoes. Simply chop the steak and potatoes, fry them together in a skillet until crispy, and top with your favourite toppings like eggs, cheese, and salsa.
With these serving suggestions and leftover ideas, you can turn your cube steak crock pot creation into a versatile and satisfying culinary experience.
Further Exploration
Recipe Websites: Allrecipes, Food Network, Taste of Home
Cookbooks: “The Complete Book of Crock Pot Cooking” by Robin Miller, “The Essential Crockpot Cookbook” by Beth Hensperger
Cube steak, a unique and versatile cut of beef, transforms into a culinary masterpiece in the crock pot. This convenient and efficient cooking method delivers tender, flavourful results, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of your day.
The potential for flavour exploration is endless, from classic creamy gravy to vibrant tomato-based variations. Experiment with different spices, herbs, and vegetables to discover your perfect culinary combination. Each recipe variation offers a new adventure for your taste buds.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, cube steak crock pot recipes offer a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy this versatile cut of meat. Don’t be afraid to experiment, explore different flavours, and create your own signature dish.
With a little creativity and these resources, you’ll become a master of cube steak crock pot cooking, ready to impress your family and friends with delicious and satisfying meals. So grab your crock pot, unleash your inner chef, and embark on a culinary adventure with cube steak!
Salma Ihab 