Crock Pot Cubed Steak

Crock Pot cubed steak is my answer to comfort food on busy nights when I still want something hearty and soul-warming on the table without hovering over the stove. This is the sort of set-it-and-forget-it dinner that tastes like home and fills the house with the nostalgic scent of slow-cooked gravy.

I remember the first time I made this for a Sunday family dinner. Everyone wanted seconds and even the picky eaters left their plates clean. My slow cooker has never let me down with this recipe.

Ingredients

• Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy base and savory flavor Look for low sodium versions for balance
• French onion soup: Brings richness and onion sweetness Choose condensed for thicker gravy
• Au jus gravy mix: Boosts the umami and browning factor Pick a brand with no MSG if desired
• Cubed steaks: They soak up all the flavors while cooking Select cuts with some marbling for tenderness
• Cornstarch: For thickening the gravy later Always use with cold water to prevent lumps
• Water: Combines everything and helps with the right texture Use filtered water if possible

Instructions

Prep the Gravy Base:

Combine the cream of chicken soup french onion soup au jus gravy mix and water in the bottom of a six quart slow cooker. Stir thoroughly until you have a smooth and unified mixture with no clumps

Add the Steaks:

Nestle the cubed steaks into the gravy mixture making sure each steak half is coated in the liquid. If they stack up in layers that is fine as they will cook evenly submerged in the sauce

Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Let the mixture cook undisturbed for six to eight hours. You are looking for the meat to be very fork tender so it breaks apart easily

Thicken the Gravy:

Once the cooking time is finished prepare a slurry by whisking the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth with no dry spots. Pour this mixture into the crock pot and stir gently to combine without breaking up the steaks

Finish the Gravy:

Switch your slow cooker to the high setting. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about thirty minutes longer. Stir now and then and watch for the gravy to become thick and glossy

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the gravy is thick serve the steaks hot with your favorite sides and spoon extra gravy over each portion for maximum flavor

Cubed steak is my favorite piece for this dish because the sauce clings to all the little edges and crevices I always remember my grandmother making extra gravy and letting us pour it over mashed potatoes on the side Such a warm memory

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. To reheat place pieces and gravy in a saucepan over low heat and add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can freeze single servings or a whole batch in freezer safe bags and it holds together well after thawing. Lay bags flat in the freezer for quicker defrosting. For meal prep divide into meal sized portions and freeze in small containers so you can grab and go for busy weeknights

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a more earthy flavor. If you want to avoid canned soup try making a quick roux with butter flour and chicken stock as a base. Cubed steak is traditional but tenderized round steak or even chicken breasts work well and come out tender. Vegetarian broth and mushroom caps can be used for a meatless twist though the cooking time may need to be shortened

Serving Suggestions

Serve the steak over garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the extra gravy. It also tastes great with steamed green beans or corn on the cob for a complete southern comfort meal. For an easy lunch try shredding leftovers and piling them on buttered sandwich rolls with extra sauce. You can add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a restaurant worthy presentation

Cultural Note

Cubed steak cooked slow with gravy is a classic southern dish It is found on diner menus across the United States and is loved for both its flavor and low cost. It is the kind of meal that brings generations together always with a plate of biscuits or cornbread nearby.

Seasonal Adaptations

For fall add a dash of dried thyme and a handful of sliced mushrooms. In summer try stirring in fresh corn kernels for sweetness. Add diced carrots and celery in winter for extra heartiness

Success Stories

This recipe has gotten rave reviews at several family gatherings with even the cousins asking for seconds For new cooks it is a confidence boost because it is so reliable and forgiving

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble everything including the gravy mixture and raw steaks in a large freezer bag and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and dump straight into the slow cooker on a busy morning

This crock pot cubed steak is sure to become a family favorite for busy weeknights. Enjoy fork-tender meat with rich gravy every time you make it.

Recipe Q&A

→ What cut of meat is used for cubed steak?

Cubed steak is typically made from top round or top sirloin that's been tenderized with a meat mallet.

→ Can I use a different soup base?

Yes, cream of mushroom or celery soup work well if you prefer different flavors in the gravy.

→ How do I thicken the gravy?

Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the gravy near the end of cooking to reach the desired thickness.

→ Should the steak be browned before slow cooking?

Browning is not necessary, but it can add extra flavor if you wish to take that step.

→ What sides pair well with cubed steak?

Mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables complement the tender steak and gravy perfectly.