Cooking cube steak in a crockpot is one of the best ways to achieve tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. This cut of Meat, known for its unique texture and ability to absorb flavours, becomes incredibly juicy and tender when simmered. This article explores the benefits of using a crockpot for cube steak, shares easy recipes, and provides tips for perfecting your dish every time.
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized by pounding or rolling with a meat mallet, creating small indentations, or “cubes,” on the surface. Often derived from tougher cuts like round steak or chuck, cube steak is prized for its flavour and affordability. This versatile cut can be used in various recipes, from classic comfort food dishes to modern culinary creations.
Why Use a Crockpot for Cube Steak?
Using a crockpot to cook cube steak offers several advantages:
- Tenderness: Slow cooking allows the connective tissues in the Meat to break down, resulting in a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Convenience: The crockpot enables you to prepare meals with minimal active cooking time. Add ingredients, set the timer, and let the crockpot do the work.
- Flavour Development: Slow cooking enhances the flavours of your ingredients, allowing them to blend beautifully over time.
Essential Ingredients for Cube Steak Recipes
When preparing cube steak in the crockpot, certain ingredients are commonly used:
- Cube steak: The star of the dish.
- Broth or stock: Beef or chicken broth adds moisture and flavour.
- Onions and garlic: Essential for building a flavour base.
- Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers are great additions.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs and spices.
Easy Cube Steak Recipes for the Crockpot
Classic Cube Steak with Gravy
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds cube steak
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Sear the Meat (optional) In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season cube steak with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides for 2-3 minutes to develop flavour.
- Add to Crockpot: Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Layer the seared cube steak on top.
- Mix Broth and Soup Mix: Combine beef broth and onion soup mix in a bowl. Pour over the cube steak.
- Chef: Lid on, simmer on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or over rice to enjoy the rich gravy.
Crockpot Cube Steak with Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds cube steak
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Place sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer Steak: Add cube steak, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Mix Soup and Broth: Mix cream of mushroom soup and beef broth in a bowl. Pour over the steak.
- Chef: Place a lid on and simmer on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Serve: Great served with egg noodles or rice.
BBQ Cube Steak in the Crockpot
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds cube steak
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Layer Ingredients: Place sliced onions in the crockpot, followed by the cube steak. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Sauces: Pour barbecue sauce and beef broth over the steak.
- Cook: Place the lid on and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
- Serve: Serve on sandwich buns for delicious BBQ sandwiches.
Cube Steak and Vegetable Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds cube steak, cut into cubes
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Vegetables: Place chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add Steak: Add the cube steak cubes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add Broth: Pour beef broth over the ingredients.
- Cook: Place the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Serve A hearty meal perfect for cold days.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Cube Steak in the Crockpot
- Recommended Cooking Times: Cooking on low for 6-8 hours ensures tender results, while cooking on high for 3-4 hours is suitable for quicker meals.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on cooking times to prevent the Meat from becoming too dry or mushy.
- Enhance Flavor: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices to personalize the flavour of your dish.
Conclusion
Cooking cube steak in a crockpot is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful cut of Meat. The recipes provided can create comforting, tender dishes that your family will love. Whether you prefer classic gravy, hearty stew, or BBQ flavours, there’s a cube steak recipe for every taste.