This Delicious Cubed Steak has become a true family favorite. My kids always ask for it, especially on those chilly fall evenings when a warm, comforting meal is exactly what everyone needs. It’s also a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I can throw everything in the crock pot in the morning, and dinner is ready and waiting when we get home.
Trust me, once you try this easy crock pot cubed steak recipe, it will become a staple in your house too. It’s so simple, so delicious, and so incredibly comforting. Plus, you’ll have more time for the things that truly matter, like spending time with your family.
INGREDIENTS:
Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing easy crock pot cubed steak recipe. Don’t worry, it’s all super simple stuff!
- 2 pounds cubed steak
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup I always use the Campbell’s brand; it just seems to have the best flavor.
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix Lipton’s is my go-to!
- 1 cup beef broth I like to use low-sodium so I can control the saltiness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour For dredging the steak – this helps it get nice and tender!
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms My family loves mushrooms, so I usually add them!
Now, a little kitchen wisdom for you. When I buy my cubed steak, I like to get it from the butcher counter if possible. It just seems fresher, you know? And if you can’t find dry onion soup mix, don’t panic! You can substitute it with a tablespoon of onion powder, a teaspoon of dried parsley, and a pinch of celery salt. It works like a charm!
For those busy weeks, here’s a shortcut: You can prep all the ingredients the night before! Just toss the cubed steak with the flour, salt, and pepper, and store it in a container in the fridge. Then, in the morning, you can just dump everything into the crock pot and go!
And a little cost-saving tip? Keep an eye out for sales on cubed steak. When it’s on sale, I stock up and freeze it in individual portions. It’s such a lifesaver to have on hand!
As for storage, leftover cream of mushroom soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dry onion soup mix? Just keep it in a cool, dry place in its original packaging.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this easy crock pot cubed steak recipe is practically foolproof. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step.
- First, we’re going to dredge the cubed steak. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Then, take each piece of steak and coat it in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. I learned the hard way that too much flour can make the gravy a little gloppy!
- Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the floured steak in batches until browned on all sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the steak will steam instead of sear. Trust me, the searing is worth the extra step! It adds so much flavor to the final dish.
- Now, it’s crock pot time! Transfer the seared steak to your crock pot. I use a 6-quart crock pot, but any size will work.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth. Pour this mixture over the steak in the crock pot. Make sure the steak is mostly covered by the liquid.
- If you’re adding mushrooms (and I highly recommend it!), stir them in now.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. In my kitchen, it usually takes about 7 hours on low for the steak to get fall-apart tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the steak is easily shredded with a fork.
- Once the steak is cooked, give it a good stir. The gravy should be nice and thick. If it’s too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by whisking together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, and then stirring it into the crock pot. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
While that’s cooking, I like to get the rest of dinner ready. Usually, that means making some mashed potatoes and a side of green beans. It’s the perfect comforting meal! It should smell absolutely divine in your kitchen right now.
And here’s a little family-tested shortcut: If you’re really short on time, you can skip the searing step. Just toss the floured steak directly into the crock pot. It won’t have quite as much flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How I Love to Serve This
Okay, now for the fun part: serving this delicious easy crock pot cubed steak recipe! My family absolutely devours this meal, and I’ve found a few ways that they especially love it.
The kids love it when I serve it over mashed potatoes with a side of steamed broccoli. They call it “comfort food heaven!” My husband, on the other hand, prefers it over rice with a big dollop of sour cream.
My go-to side dishes are definitely mashed potatoes and green beans. They just complement the richness of the steak and gravy so perfectly. But you could also serve it with egg noodles, rice, or even a simple salad.
This is perfect for a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening, but it’s also great for potlucks or casual get-togethers. I’ve even made it for holiday dinners when I want something a little less traditional.
I learned that a little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice pop of color and freshness. And a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt is always a welcome addition.
If you have extras (which is rare in my house!), the leftover steak and gravy are amazing in sandwiches or over biscuits. You can also freeze it for a quick and easy meal later on.
For a seasonal variation, try adding some chopped carrots and celery to the crock pot along with the steak. It makes it even more hearty and comforting, especially in the winter.
My friends always ask for the recipe when I make this! They can’t believe how easy it is to make something so delicious.
You can also make it into a meal prep for the week, or add it into a crockpot loaded steak and potato bake. You can also use the sauce for a quick sauce for cheesesteak tortellini in creamy provolone sauce.
FAQs
Oh, I’m so glad you asked! Here are some of the questions I get asked all the time about this easy crock pot cubed steak recipe.
- Can I use a different kind of soup? Absolutely! While I prefer cream of mushroom soup, you can definitely use cream of celery, cream of onion, or even cream of chicken soup. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. My mom always used cream of celery, and it was delicious!
- What if I don’t have beef broth? No problem! You can use chicken broth or even water in a pinch. Just add a little extra salt and pepper to compensate for the lack of flavor. You know what I do when that happens? I add a bouillon cube to the water!
- Can I make this in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can! Sear the steak using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- My gravy is too thin! What do I do? Oh, I’m so glad you asked that! This has happened to me more times than I care to admit. The easiest fix is to whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, and then stir it into the crock pot. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
- Can I add vegetables? Definitely! Carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions all work great in this recipe. Just add them to the crock pot along with the steak. My family loves it when I add potatoes!
- Is it possible to overcook this? Yes, it is. If you cook it for too long, the steak can become dry and tough. I always check it after 6 hours on low, just to be sure.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. I always make a double batch so I can freeze some for later!
- How do I make this recipe healthier? You can make this recipe healthier by using low-sodium beef broth, lean cubed steak, and by serving it with brown rice or quinoa instead of mashed potatoes. You can also add more vegetables, like broccoli or spinach.
Conclusion
This easy crock pot cubed steak recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents a turning point in my cooking journey. It was one of the first recipes that I truly felt confident making, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s a reminder that delicious, comforting meals don’t have to be complicated or intimidating.
My Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip the searing step! It adds so much flavor and texture to the steak.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-cut mushrooms. It’s a huge time-saver!
- Taste and adjust the seasonings before serving. Everyone’s taste is different, so make sure it’s seasoned to your liking.
Here are a few variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crock pot for a little kick. My husband loves this version!
- Mushroom Lover’s Version: Use a combination of different mushrooms, like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms. The kids devour this one!
- Vegetable Packed Version: Add a medley of vegetables, like carrots, celery, potatoes, and peas. This is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
I’d love to hear how you make this easy crock pot cubed steak recipe your own! Do you have any secret ingredients or variations that your family loves? Please share them with me in the comments below!
I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your family as it has to mine. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, having fun, and creating memories. So don’t be afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the process! You’ve got this! And remember to always follow proper food safety guidelines when handling raw meat. Information about best practices can be found on the USDA Food Safety Guidelines website.
Print7 Simple Steps For Delicious Cubed Steak
This recipe will guide you through creating tender and flavorful cubed steak in just 7 easy steps. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cubed steaks
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned.
- Remove steaks from skillet and set aside.
- Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Return steaks to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until tender. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a clove of minced garlic to the skillet along with the onion. You can also serve the cubed steak with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cubed steak, beef, dinner, easy, quick