How to Make Tender Crockpot Cube Steak
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How to Make Tender Crockpot Cube Steak
What is Crockpot Cube Steak?
Are you tired of dry, tough cube steak? If you’re looking for a foolproof way to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with minimal effort, you’ve landed in the right place! Crockpot cube steak is a kitchen miracle. By leveraging the gentle, slow heat of your slow cooker, even the toughest cuts transform into fork-tender delights that practically dissolve on your tongue. This method is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a comforting, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Forget the pre-packaged, often disappointing versions; this recipe puts you in control of flavor and texture, ensuring a consistently delicious outcome. We’re talking about a dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice, soaking up every drop of savory sauce. Let’s dive in and discover how to make cube steak so tender, it’ll become your new go-to comfort food.
Ingredients For Tender Crockpot Cube Steak
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
The Ideal Cube Steak
- 1.5 to 2 pounds Cube Steak: Look for well-marbled cuts. The tenderizing process is already done (hence “cube”), but good marbling adds flavor and moisture.
Flavor Boosters
- 1 medium Onion, sliced thinly: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that softens beautifully.
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced: For that essential pungent depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, it complements beef wonderfully.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Adds a touch of spice.
- 1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour: This helps to lightly coat the steak and thicken the sauce later.
Liquid Gold
- 1 cup Beef Broth: The richer, the better for that deep savory flavor. Low-sodium is a good choice if you’re watching salt intake.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce: This umami powerhouse adds a complex, tangy, and savory note that is indispensable.
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (optional): For an extra layer of saltiness and depth, especially if using low-sodium broth.
- 1 tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil: For searing the steak, if you choose to.
Timing is Everything
Compared to traditional pan-frying cube steak, which can be done in under 30 minutes but often results in a less tender outcome, this Crockpot method requires significantly more patience but delivers unparalleled tenderness. Most slow cooker cube steak recipes fall within this generous cook time range, allowing the connective tissues to break down for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Tender Crockpot Cube Steak
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Pat your cube steaks dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a good sear if you choose to go that route! In a shallow dish or plate, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and thyme. Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This light coating will help create a richer sauce and a slightly better sear.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended)
While not strictly required for tenderness in a slow cooker, searing your cube steaks adds an incredible depth of flavor (Maillard reaction, anyone?). Heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the floured cube steaks for about 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. This step is truly a flavor game-changer, so I highly recommend it if you have the extra time!
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place half of the sliced onions on the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the seared (or un-seared) cube steaks on top of the onions. Spoon the minced garlic over the steaks. Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce (if using) evenly over everything. Top with the remaining sliced onions.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The steaks are done when they are incredibly tender and easily shred with a fork. Cooking on low for a longer period generally yields the most tender results, allowing the connective tissues to break down gradually. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this releases heat and prolongs cooking time.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Once the steak is tender, you can thicken the cooking liquid if desired. Carefully remove the cube steaks and place them on a serving platter. You can either skim off excess fat from the liquid or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Set your slow cooker to HIGH (if it wasn’t already) and whisk the slurry into the liquid. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking. If you want an extra rich gravy, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the tender cube steak spooned with the rich, savory sauce. It’s absolutely divine!
Nutritional Snapshot
Nutritional information can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, but a typical serving of Crockpot cube steak (without side dishes) might look something like this:
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (steak and sauce)
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g (can vary significantly based on the cut of steak and added fats)
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g (mostly from the flour and onions)
Please note: This is an estimate. For precise calculations, it’s best to use a recipe nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives & Flavor Swaps
Want to make this dish even healthier or give it a new twist? Try these ideas:
- Leaner Broth: Opt for low-sodium, fat-free beef broth.
- Reduced Fat: Skip the optional searing butter and use a non-stick cooking spray or just rely on the rendered fat from the steak. Omit the final tablespoon of butter when thickening the sauce.
- Thicker, Healthier Sauce: Instead of a cornstarch slurry, you can thicken the sauce by blending a portion of the cooked onions and broth until smooth, then returning it to the slow cooker.
- Vegetable Boost: Add chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms along with the onions for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Herbal Variations: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or a bay leaf for a different aromatic profile.
- Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for a delicious mushroom-infused gravy.
Serving Suggestions
This tender cube steak is incredibly versatile. Here are some classic and creative ways to serve it:
- Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food pairing. The savory gravy is perfect for drizzling over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice are excellent bases to soak up the sauce.
- Egg Noodles: A classic German-American combination, especially if you add mushrooms to the sauce.
- Polenta or Grits: For a creamy, satisfying base.
- Crusty Bread: For dipping into that glorious sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: To add a fresh, healthy element to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe, a few common pitfalls can lead to less-than-perfect results:
- Not Patting Steak Dry: This prevents a good sear, if you choose to sear, and can lead to a less developed flavor in the sauce.
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: This can lead to uneven cooking and a less tender steak. If your steaks are piled too high, consider using a larger slow cooker or cooking in batches.
- Opening the Lid Too Often: Each time you open the lid, you release precious heat. Resist the temptation to check on it constantly.
- Under-seasoning: Salt is essential for flavor. Taste the sauce at the end and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cooking Too Long on High: While cube steak is forgiving, cooking on HIGH for much longer than recommended can still lead to a slightly tougher texture compared to a long, slow cook on LOW.
Storing Your Delicious Creation
Leftovers are a good thing with this recipe! Allow the cube steak and sauce to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the microwave, or even back in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting until heated through. The flavors often meld even further overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more so!
Frequently Asked Questions
***Why is my cube steak still tough?***
Several reasons: it might not have cooked long enough, the slow cooker temperature might be lower than calibrated, or the steaks themselves were very lean. Ensure you cook on LOW for at least 4 hours, ideally 5-6, for maximum tenderness.
***Can I use a different cut of beef?***
While this recipe is specifically designed for cube steak, you could try it with other similarly tender cuts like flank steak or sirloin that are thinly sliced. However, tougher cuts like chuck roast will require a much longer cooking time and may not achieve the same texture.
***Do I have to sear the steak?***
No, you don’t have to. The slow cooking process will tenderize the meat regardless. However, searing adds a significant amount of flavor through the Maillard reaction, making the dish more complex and delicious. It’s highly recommended if you have the extra time!
***How can I make the sauce richer?***
For an even richer sauce, you can use a higher quality beef broth, add a splash of red wine during the searing stage (let it reduce before adding other liquids), or stir in a tablespoon of butter at the very end after thickening. Using beef consommé as part of the liquid can also add depth.
***Can I freeze this dish?***
Yes, the cooked cube steak and sauce freeze well. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
How to Make Tender Crockpot Cube Steak
Make tender Crockpot Cube Steak with a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for busy nights, this easy slow-cooker recipe is pure comfort food!”
Instructions
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