If you’re looking for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that practically cooks itself, this Crockpot Cube Steak recipe is your answer. It transforms simple, budget-friendly cube steak into a tender, flavorful dish with the help of onions, mushrooms, and a rich gravy. Ideal for busy weeknights or slow Sundays, this recipe brings hearty, home-cooked goodness to your table with minimal effort.
Why You Should Make This Dish
Cube steak is a fantastic cut for slow cooking. While it’s inexpensive, it can be tough unless cooked properly. That’s where the magic of the crockpot comes in. Slow cooking the meat in a seasoned broth allows the steak to become incredibly tender while soaking up the deep flavors of onion, mushrooms, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s a great way to serve a satisfying, protein-packed meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Plus, this is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, you’ll have a hearty dinner ready by evening without the need to stand over the stove.
Ingredients
- 6 cube steaks (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1½ cups beef bone broth or beef stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons homemade herb and garlic seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Water (for slurry)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by placing the cube steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the diced onions and sliced mushrooms over the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herb and garlic seasoning, and paprika. Stir until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the cube steaks, onions, and mushrooms in the crockpot.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Steak
Place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. The meat should be fork-tender and well-cooked.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About one hour before the cooking time is up, mix the cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. This will help thicken the gravy as it finishes cooking.
Step 5: Serve
Once the cooking time is complete and the gravy has thickened, serve your cube steaks hot with a generous ladle of sauce over each portion.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Searing the cube steaks before placing them in the crockpot is optional but adds a depth of flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, brown the steaks in a hot skillet first.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor of the gravy.
- If you prefer a creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream after thickening the sauce.
- For a low-sodium version, use unsalted beef broth and reduce or omit the Worcestershire sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well and can even be repurposed into sandwiches or wraps.
Variations
- Creamy Mushroom Cube Steak: Add ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese toward the end of cooking for a rich, creamy gravy.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in carrots, celery, or green beans with the mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Gravy Shortcut: Use a packet of brown gravy mix in place of tomato paste and seasoning for an easy flavor boost.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or a gluten-free thickener.
- Herb-Heavy: Mix in Italian seasoning or fresh chopped parsley.
- Balsamic Twist: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the broth for a tangy, sweet note.
- Cheesy Gravy: Stir in shredded mozzarella or parmesan for a savory cheese infusion.
- Tomato Lover’s Version: Add a small can of diced tomatoes to the mix for extra tomato flavor.
What to Serve with Crockpot Cube Steak
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:
- Mashed potatoes
- White or brown rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Garlic bread
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Creamed spinach
- Cornbread
- Baked potatoes
- Side salad with vinaigrette
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
To freeze, let the steak and gravy cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Quantity Tips for Family Gatherings
If you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe scales up easily. For every 6 cube steaks, double the sauce ingredients. Use a large 7–8 quart slow cooker if preparing a larger batch. Always check that the meat is fully covered by liquid for the best results.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prep this recipe the night before. Simply add all the ingredients (except the cornstarch and water) to the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the crockpot base and start cooking as directed.
You can also pre-make and freeze the uncooked ingredients in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and dump everything into the slow cooker.
Crockpot Cube Steak
Ingredients
- 6 cube steaks about 1.5 pounds
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1½ cups beef bone broth or beef stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons herb and garlic seasoning homemade or store-bought
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water for slurry
Instructions
- Add cube steaks to the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with diced onions and sliced mushrooms.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herb and garlic seasoning, and paprika.
- Pour the mixture over the steaks, onions, and mushrooms in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook:
- On low for 6–8 hours
- Or on high for 3–4 hours, until meat is tender.
- One hour before the end of cook time, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Cover and continue cooking for the final hour until the gravy thickens.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
