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I always grab slow cooker cube steak on those exhausting days where I just want cozy food with almost no work. The beef gets super tender in a creamy mushroom gravy all day. When you get home tired, you can scoop it right onto some fluffy potatoes or buttery noodles without any waiting around.
The first try, my house smelled amazing and nobody guessed the steaks would end up so soft. Now I’ll make this anytime it’s gray outside and we want an easy, hearty dinner that doesn’t need babysitting.
Tasty Ingredients
- Cornstarch: Stir with a little water first so the gravy isn’t lumpy and thickens up just right
- Garlic, minced: Brings freshness and a little punch—use fresh if possible for the best flavor
- Seasoned salt: Adds a mellow, salty taste—don’t go overboard or it’ll get too salty
- Black pepper: Just a pinch for some warm, gentle heat
- Water: Mixes into the sauce to loosen it if it’s too thick
- Cream of mushroom soup: Makes everything creamy—try for a version with less weird stuff in it
- Onion soup mix: Cheap shortcut to deep flavor, grab the low-sodium pack if you like
- Cube steak: Look for pieces with some marbling—that’s how they get super soft
- Mushrooms (cremini or baby bella): Earthy and rich—make sure they’re firm, not mushy
- Big onion, sliced: Gets sweet and melts down while it cooks
Simple Steps
- Time to Serve:
- Scoop steaks and extra gravy over your choice of noodles potatoes or rice then dig in
- Get That Sauce Thick:
- Mix up cornstarch and water and add it during the last hour If it has been on low switch to high Stir and wait about half an hour for the sauce to get rich
- Slow Cook ‘Til Soft:
- Put the lid on Set to high for six hours or low for eight hours The long wait gets the meat extra soft
- Add the Gravy:
- Pour your mixed sauce right on top making sure it covers everything
- Make the Gravy Sauce:
- Stir together onion soup mix cream of mushroom soup water pepper seasoned salt and the garlic until it all comes together
- Stack on the Steak:
- Lay your cube steak over top of the veggies If you need to, let them overlap a bit
- Chop Your Veggies:
- Go ahead and throw the onions and mushroom slices into your big slow cooker first This gives the steak extra flavor as it cooks
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I always grab extra mushrooms because they soak up that jumble of savory gravy. I’ll never forget one cold night when my kids literally fought over the last bite of sauce. That’s how you know you’ve got a winning meal.
Keep & Reheat
Wait for leftovers to cool off then use a tight container in the fridge It’s just fine for three days If you save it longer the flavor gets deeper Want to freeze it Let it cool split it into bags and freeze for a max of three months You’ll want to thaw it in the fridge overnight before heating up
Swaps and Options
If you don’t see cremini mushrooms just get ordinary button ones For the soup swap in your own homemade or a can of cream of celery for something new For less salt simply pick up the lower sodium versions of the soup and the mix
How to Serve
Egg noodles are our family favorite, but brown rice or mashed potatoes are easy winners too For veggies throw on some baked carrots or steamed green beans Feeding a group Pass a loaf of bread and see who gets the last bit of gravy
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Origins
This dish is a classic comfort go-to in American homes since way back. The slow cooker trend started in the 70s because you could use tougher cuts and still have everything come out soft and tasty. This is my spin, loaded with that rich throwback creamy sauce.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which cut of meat is used for cube steak?
Cube steak is usually made from tougher cuts like top or bottom round that have been tenderized, giving it its signature bumpy texture.
- → Can I substitute other types of mushrooms?
Of course! Try cremini, portobello, or white button mushrooms to get a similar earthy taste and texture.
- → What are the best serving suggestions for slow-cooked cube steak?
This savory dish is perfect over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up all that sauce.
- → How long does it take for the steak to soften?
After 6 to 8 hours in the slow cooker, cube steak will turn soft, flavorful, and easy to cut with a fork.
- → Should I brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?
No need! While browning can add extra flavor, the slow cooking process alone will tenderize the meat perfectly.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavor often gets even better after sitting, making it a great leftover option.