Savory Slow-Cooked Cubed Steak

This comfort food classic has been my secret weapon for busy weeknights for years. Crock Pot Cubed Steak transforms an inexpensive cut of meat into a tender, flavor-packed dinner with minimal effort. The slow simmering process creates a rich, savory gravy that's perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.

I first made this recipe when my husband was working late, and I needed something ready whenever he got home. Now it's our go to meal for busy days when we want something hearty waiting for us after a long day.

Ingredients

• Cream of chicken soup gives a rich base for the gravy while adding silky texture to the final dish
• French onion soup provides deep flavor without having to slice and caramelize onions yourself
• Au jus gravy mix intensifies the beef flavor and adds wonderful savory notes
• Water helps thin the mixture initially so it can properly coat the meat
• Cubed steaks are perfect for slow cooking as they become incredibly tender over time
• Cornstarch creates that perfect thick gravy texture without diluting the flavor
• Cold water mixed with cornstarch prevents lumps forming in your gravy

How To Make Crock Pot Cubed Steak

Create the gravy base

Combine cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, au jus gravy mix, and water in your slow cooker. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This creates the flavorful liquid that will transform as it cooks with the meat.

Add the meat

Place cubed steaks into the liquid mixture, making sure each piece gets completely coated on both sides. The coating ensures the meat absorbs maximum flavor during the long cooking process.

Slow cook to perfection

Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The lengthy cooking time breaks down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in fork tender steaks. The flavors also develop and meld beautifully during this period.

Thicken the gravy

Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine with the existing liquid.

Final cooking

Turn the heat setting to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This activates the thickening power of the cornstarch and transforms the thin cooking liquid into a luscious, silky gravy that clings perfectly to the meat.

My grandmother used to make something similar when I was growing up, but she would pan fry the steaks first. I discovered that skipping that step and using the slow cooker actually results in more tender meat while saving time. The rich gravy always reminds me of Sunday family dinners at her house.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is incredibly versatile. For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture. If you prefer more vegetables, toss in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots at the beginning. These will cook down and add wonderful flavor to the gravy. For a more rustic dish, include small whole potatoes that will absorb all the savory flavors as they cook alongside the meat.

Serving Suggestions

This Crock Pot Cubed Steak was made for mashed potatoes. The fluffy potatoes create the perfect landing place for all that wonderful gravy. Egg noodles or rice also work beautifully. For vegetables, simple steamed green beans or a fresh side salad provide nice contrast to the rich main dish. If you want to get fancy, a slice of crusty bread on the side ensures not a drop of gravy goes to waste.

Storage And Reheating

The flavors in this dish actually improve overnight in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. This dish also freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into meal sized containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, while cubed steak is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can substitute with round steak, chuck roast cut into steaks, or even beef stew meat. Just ensure pieces are uniform in thickness for even cooking.

→ What should I serve with this cubed steak?

This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy. Add a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.

→ Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! You can combine the soups, gravy mix, and water in the slow cooker insert, add the steaks, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just place the insert into your slow cooker and turn it on.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this for stovetop or oven cooking. For stovetop, simmer covered on low heat for about 2 hours. For oven method, combine ingredients in a covered casserole dish and bake at 325°F for 2-3 hours until meat is tender.

→ What if I don't have au jus gravy mix?

Brown gravy mix or onion soup mix make good substitutes. You could also use beef bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water with a bit of Worcestershire sauce for added flavor depth.