If you’re looking for a simple way to turn an affordable cut of beef into a rich, comforting meal, mushroom crock pot cube steak with gravy is an excellent choice. This recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat cooked slowly in a creamy mushroom sauce, making it easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker does most of the work, letting us come home to a satisfying dinner after a busy day.
The combination of cube steak, onions, and savory mushroom gravy creates a classic dish that pairs well with mashed potatoes or noodles. Using basic ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix, we can make a luscious sauce that deeply flavors the beef. This approach works well for beginners and experienced cooks alike, offering reliable, tasty results every time.
We also explore simple ways to customize the dish and practical tips for serving and storing leftovers. Whether you want to add vegetables, swap out ingredients, or plan ahead, this recipe fits into many busy schedules and tastes.
Key Takeways
- Cube steak becomes tender and flavorful with slow cooking in mushroom gravy.
- The dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, noodles, or vegetables for a full meal.
- It’s easy to prepare ahead and customize to personal tastes or dietary needs.
How to Make Mushroom Crock Pot Cube Steak & Gravy
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that work together to create tender cube steak covered in rich mushroom gravy. We’ll guide you through choosing the best items, cooking the meat properly, making sure it stays tender, and thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutions
We start with cube steak, which is tenderized by a meat tenderizer and usually comes from the top round or sirloin. This cut is cheaper but needs slow cooking to soften. For the gravy, cream of mushroom soup is key to adding creaminess, and onion soup mix adds depth of flavor.
If you want to switch up the mushroom soup, you can use cream of celery soup or a blend of beef broth and tomato paste for a richer sauce. Using low-sodium options helps control the saltiness. Fresh or canned mushrooms add texture, and a little garlic powder enhances taste.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
First, coat the cube steak in a mix of flour, salt, and pepper. Brown the meat in a hot pan with a bit of oil. This seals in juices and adds flavor.
Next, spray or grease the crockpot. Place the browned cube steaks and some sliced onions at the bottom. Mix the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and mushrooms in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the meat.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Slow cooking breaks down tough fibers in the beef and lets the gravy thicken. Avoid lifting the lid often, or it will extend cooking time.
Tips for Achieving Tender Cube Steak
Patience is key with cube steak. Since it is a tougher cut, quick frying results in chewy meat. Slow cooking in a moist environment helps.
Make sure to brown the meat before slow cooking; this adds flavor and keeps the steak from drying out. Adding enough liquid, like mushroom soup or beef broth, prevents the steak from becoming tough.
Avoid cooking on high too long. If you’re short on time, use the high setting but check tenderness early. Also, keeping the gravy ingredients balanced helps maintain moisture and enhances the flavor.
Thickening the Mushroom Gravy
The mushroom gravy gets thick as it slowly cooks with the steak. Sometimes, it may need a little help to reach the perfect thickness.
We recommend making a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons cold water). Stir this into the crockpot about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
If the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a splash of beef broth or water. Taste and adjust salt or seasonings after thickening. This gives you a smooth, rich mushroom gravy that clings well to the steak.
For extra richness, stir in a small amount of butter or cream after cooking if desired.
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations
This dish pairs well with classic sides that soak up the rich mushroom gravy. We can also store and reheat leftovers easily while exploring ways to add new flavors and ingredients for variety.
Best Sides: Mashed Potatoes, Egg Noodles, and Rice
Mashed potatoes are a top choice with this crock pot cubed steak recipe. Their creamy texture absorbs the velvety mushroom gravy perfectly, making each bite comforting and hearty.
Egg noodles are another excellent side. Their broad surface holds the gravy well and adds a delicate chew that contrasts nicely with the tender beef.
White rice offers a lighter base but still catches the sauce. It’s a good option when we want a simple, gluten-free accompaniment that balances the rich flavors.
Adding a side of steamed green vegetables or a fresh salad can help lighten the meal while keeping it balanced.
Storage, Reheating, and Leftover Ideas
We can keep leftover crockpot cube steak in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal taste even better.
When reheating, warming the meat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat works best. Adding a splash of beef broth can help loosen the gravy if it’s thickened too much.
For longer storage, freezing in portions for up to 3 months is ideal. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving at full power to keep the meat tender; use low power and stir the sauce midway.
Leftovers also make great sandwiches with crusty bread or served over a fresh bed of greens.
Creative Add-Ins and Flavor Enhancements
We can customize this Salisbury steak-style dish by adding sliced mushrooms or baby carrots in the last few hours of cooking. These add texture and extra nutrients.
To boost flavor, try mixing in 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine to the gravy. Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley brighten the dish at the end.
If avoiding dairy, replacing cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom broth and flour mix keeps the gravy rich but dairy-free.
For a low-sodium version, using reduced-sodium soups and broth, and cutting back on onion soup mix while adding fresh herbs can control salt without losing taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
We focus on the key ingredients and cooking times that make cube steak tender with rich mushroom gravy. We also explore different cooking methods, flavor bases like cream of mushroom soup, and easy ways to prepare this dish. Plus, we look at variations inspired by popular recipes like the Pioneer Woman’s.
What are the essential ingredients needed for making mushroom gravy cube steak in a crock pot?
The main ingredients include cube steaks, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, sliced onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. These create a rich, savory gravy and tender meat.
How long should cube steak be cooked in a crock pot to ensure it’s tender?
Cube steak should cook on low for about 8 hours. This slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers, making the meat very tender and easy to cut with a fork.
Can mushroom cube steak and gravy be prepared in an oven instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can bake cube steak covered with the gravy mixture in the oven. Cooking at a low temperature for several hours will also tenderize the steak, similar to the slow cooker method.
Is it possible to use cream of mushroom soup as a base for the gravy, and how does it alter the taste?
Cream of mushroom soup is ideal as a gravy base. It adds a smooth, creamy texture and deep mushroom flavor that enhances the richness of the dish without extra work.
What are the steps to creating a quick and easy slow cooker cube steak with gravy?
First, layer sliced onions in the slow cooker. Season the cube steaks, place them on the onions, then add the mixed soup, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 8 hours without lifting the lid to keep heat and moisture.
What adaptations can be made to this recipe to emulate the Pioneer Woman’s style of crock pot cube steak?
We can add more garlic, use regular mushroom soup, and sometimes include red wine or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Adding fresh mushrooms or carrots near the end of cooking also matches her hearty style.
