I Like to Make This for My Family – A True Comfort Food

I like to cook hearty, satisfying meals for my family, and this crock pot cube steak with gravy is always a favorite. It can be the best meal when you want something warm, filling, and full of rich flavors. This dish is a Southern classic that transforms simple cube steak into a tender, flavorful meal with a delicious, savory gravy.

I make this recipe when I want something that is both easy and delicious. When I prepare it, the kitchen fills with the comforting smell of slow-cooked beef, onions, and gravy. I love how the cube steak becomes fork-tender, soaking up all the flavors from the broth and seasonings. It’s rich, creamy, and delicious.

If you like slow-cooked meals that require little effort but taste amazing, this is a must-try! The result is just amazing! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect meal, serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up all that delicious gravy.

I prefer to enjoy it with a warm biscuit on the side, dipping it into the thick, flavorful gravy. Sometimes, I add a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish is super easy to make, and it’s one of those recipes that gets better the longer it cooks.

What Makes This Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy Special?

This crock pot cube steak with gravy is special because it takes a budget-friendly cut of meat and turns it into a tender, flavorful dish. The slow cooking process allows the steak to absorb the rich, savory broth while keeping it incredibly moist. The homemade gravy is thick, creamy, and perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes or rice. It’s a true comfort food that brings warmth to any meal.

Perfect For:

• Busy Weeknights: If you need a meal that requires minimal prep but delivers big flavors, this is a great option. Just set it and forget it.
• Family Gatherings: This dish is always a hit with kids and adults alike. The tender meat and thick gravy make it a comforting meal for any occasion.
• Budget-Friendly Meals: Cube steak is an affordable cut of beef, and this recipe makes it taste like something from a restaurant.
• Meal Prepping: If you like to prepare meals ahead of time, this recipe works great because it reheats beautifully and can be stored for several days.

Ingredients

• 4-6 cube steaks
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 packet onion soup mix (or homemade equivalent)
• 1 packet brown gravy mix (or 2 tablespoons flour/cornstarch for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk (for a creamy gravy, optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for extra richness, optional)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need:

• Slow cooker (crock pot)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Skillet (optional, for searing the meat)

How to make Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy

Step 1:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. This will be the flavorful base for the gravy.

Step 2:

Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the crock pot. Place the cube steaks on top of the onions, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the prepared broth mixture over the steaks, ensuring they are well covered.

Step 3:

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks on low, the more tender the cube steak will become.

Step 4:

If you prefer a creamy gravy, stir in the heavy cream or milk 30 minutes before serving. If the gravy is too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup water, then stir it into the slow cooker and let it thicken for 20-30 minutes.

Step 5:

Serve the cube steak hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. Spoon the rich gravy over the top and enjoy!

Additional tips

• Sear the Meat for Extra Flavor: Browning the cube steak in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot gives it a richer taste.
• Use Low Heat for Best Results: Cooking on low for 6-8 hours makes the meat more tender than cooking on high.
• Add Mushrooms for Extra Texture: Sliced mushrooms absorb the gravy and add a nice depth of flavor.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: This helps control the saltiness of the dish, especially if using packaged soup mix.
• Thicken the Gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir the gravy once or twice while cooking to distribute the flavors evenly.

Optional Ingredients

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a slight kick for those who like a bit of heat.
• Heavy Cream: Stirring in a little cream at the end makes the gravy extra rich.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the broth.
• Bay Leaves: A great way to enhance the aroma while slow cooking.
• Thyme or Rosemary: Fresh or dried herbs bring a touch of earthiness to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: A unique addition that adds a slight acidity to balance the flavors.

What to Pair with Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy?

If you love a comforting meal, serve this dish with buttery mashed potatoes. The thick, rich gravy blends perfectly with the creamy potatoes, making every bite satisfying.

If you prefer a lighter option, a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, like green beans or carrots, adds freshness to the meal and balances out the richness.

If you want something filling, serve the cube steak over a bed of warm rice. The rice absorbs the gravy beautifully, making every spoonful full of flavor.

If you enjoy bread with your meals, pair this dish with fresh dinner rolls or biscuits. They’re perfect for dipping into the thick, flavorful gravy.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken Version: Swap the cube steak for boneless chicken breasts or thighs for a different take on the dish. Chicken will cook in about 4-5 hours on low.

Low-Sodium Alternative: Use homemade gravy and broth to control the salt content. You can also add extra fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.

Spicy Option: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños for a spicy kick. Spicy flavors balance out the rich, creamy gravy.

Vegetable-Packed Version: Add chopped carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a heartier dish with more nutrients.

Creamy Mushroom Gravy: Use a can of cream of mushroom soup instead of beef broth for a thicker, richer sauce.

Gluten-Free Option: Replace the gravy mix with a cornstarch slurry and use gluten-free beef broth. This keeps the dish gluten-free without losing any flavor.

Wine-Infused Gravy: Add ½ cup of red wine for a richer, more complex flavor. The wine enhances the depth of the dish and pairs beautifully with beef.

Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and serve the cube steak over Spanish rice or inside flour tortillas for a fun twist.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak: Shape the cube steak into patties and cook them with the same gravy for a Salisbury steak-style meal.

Garlic Butter Steak: Add a few cloves of minced garlic and a pat of butter for extra richness and a deep, savory taste.

Teriyaki-Inspired Cube Steak: Replace the beef broth with teriyaki sauce and add pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory combination.

How to Store

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals.

For freezing, store the cooked cube steak and gravy in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of meat instead of cube steak?

Yes! If you don’t have cube steak, you can use round steak, sirloin steak, or even chuck steak. Just make sure to cook it low and slow to achieve the same tenderness.

Do I need to sear the cube steak before placing it in the crock pot?

Searing is optional, but highly recommended. Browning the cube steak first helps to lock in the juices and adds extra depth of flavor to the dish.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 4-5 hours, but for the most tender results, it’s best to cook it on low for 6-8 hours.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

If you want a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this dish without using packaged gravy or soup mix?

Absolutely! Instead of packaged mixes, use homemade beef broth, seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and a cornstarch slurry for thickening.

What vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can add sliced mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition and texture. Just toss them in with the meat and let them slowly cook together.

Can I use milk or heavy cream in the gravy?

Yes! Adding ½ cup of milk or heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking will create a richer, creamier gravy.

Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

6

hours 

Total time

6

hours 

10

minutes

The Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy is a tender, slow-cooked dish featuring juicy cube steak smothered in a rich, savory gravy.

Ingredients

• 4-6 cube steaks

• 1 onion (sliced)

• 3 cups beef broth

• 1 packet onion soup mix (or homemade equivalent)

• 1 packet brown gravy mix (or 2 tablespoons flour/cornstarch for thickening)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• ½ cup heavy cream or milk (for a creamy gravy, optional)

• 2 tablespoons butter (for extra richness, optional)

Directions

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. This will be the flavorful base for the gravy.
• Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the crock pot. Place the cube steaks on top of the onions, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the prepared broth mixture over the steaks, ensuring they are well covered.
• Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks on low, the more tender the cube steak will become.
• If you prefer a creamy gravy, stir in the heavy cream or milk 30 minutes before serving. If the gravy is too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup water, then stir it into the slow cooker and let it thicken for 20-30 minutes.
• Serve the cube steak hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. Spoon the rich gravy over the top and enjoy!