Cooking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have the right recipes at your fingertips. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to prepare cube steak, the crockpot is your best friend. Here, we’ll explore some delicious cube steak crockpot recipes that are sure to become family favorites.
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized and flattened by pounding it with a meat mallet. This process gives it a distinctive look, with indentations that resemble small cubes. Cube steak is typically made from top round or top sirloin and is known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
Benefits of Cooking with a Crockpot
Convenience
One of the greatest advantages of using a crockpot is convenience. You can prepare your ingredients, set the crockpot, and forget about it until dinner time. This is particularly useful for busy families or anyone who prefers a hands-off approach to cooking.
Enhanced Flavors
Cooking cube steak in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the seasonings and sauces used in the recipe.
Versatility
Crockpots are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasts and desserts. When it comes to cube steak, the possibilities are endless.
Essential Ingredients for Cube Steak Crockpot Recipes
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a look at some essential ingredients you’ll need:
- Cube steak
- Beef broth
- Onion
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper
- Herbs and spices (like thyme, rosemary, or paprika)
Classic Crockpot Cube Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper. Place them in the crockpot.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced onions and minced garlic over the steaks.
- Mix Liquids: In a bowl, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the steaks and onions.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender.
- Serve: Serve the cube steaks with the sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Mushroom and Onion Cube Steak
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Season the cube steaks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place them in the crockpot.
- Layer Vegetables: Add the sliced onions and mushrooms on top of the steaks.
- Combine Sauces: In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the steaks and vegetables.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve: Serve the steaks with the mushroom and onion gravy over your choice of side dish.
Spicy Crockpot Cube Steak
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Season the cube steaks with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Place them in the crockpot.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onions and minced garlic on top of the steaks.
- Mix Liquids: In a bowl, combine the beef broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour the mixture over the steaks and onions.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve: Serve the spicy cube steaks with rice or tortillas for a delicious meal with a kick.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Cube Steak
Choose the Right Cut
Cube steak can vary in quality, so choose steaks that are evenly tenderized and have a consistent thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender results.
Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot
For best results, avoid overcrowding the crockpot. This allows the heat to circulate evenly and ensures that each piece of steak is cooked to perfection.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh onions, garlic, and mushrooms can make a significant difference in the taste of your dish.
Conclusion
Cooking cube steak in a crockpot is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a tender and flavorful meal. Whether you prefer a classic recipe, a savory mushroom and onion dish, or a spicy kick, there’s a cube steak crockpot recipe for everyone. With these recipes and tips, you’re well on your way to creating mouthwatering meals that will have everyone asking for seconds.
So, dust off your crockpot and get ready to enjoy some delicious cube steak dishes. Happy cooking!