Slow Cooker Cube Steak

There is something almost magical about walking in the door after a long day and being greeted by the savory aroma of slow cooked cube steak. This recipe transforms an affordable cut into a melt in your mouth comfort meal with rich mushroom gravy. I love that I can prepare everything in minutes then let the slow cooker do the work. It is a true family pleaser on busy weeknights or chilly weekends.

I first tried this during a hectic week when I wanted a no fail dinner. My kids spooned up the gravy and begged for seconds which made it an instant favorite.

Ingredients

• Cube steak: Choose well marbled steaks with an even thickness. This cut gets incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
• Yellow onion: Adds mild sweetness and aroma which infuses the gravy.
• Fresh mushrooms: Enhance the umami flavor and make the sauce more luscious. Opt for firm mushrooms with smooth caps.
• Beef bone broth or stock: Builds depth and gives the sauce a savory base. Look for low sodium options.
• Tomato paste: Offers subtle tanginess and color. Use a small amount for big flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a hint of richness and complexity. Choose a quality brand.
• Homemade herb and garlic seasoning: Blends herbs and garlic for earthy notes. Make your own for the freshest flavor.
• Paprika: Provides gentle warmth and a golden finish. Smoked or sweet paprika both shine here.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a silky consistency. Ensure no lumps by mixing with water before adding.

Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker:

Lay the cube steaks in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the diced onion and sliced mushrooms around and over the steaks so everything is nestled closely together.

Mix and Pour the Sauce:

In a bowl whisk the beef bone broth with tomato paste Worcestershire sauce herb and garlic seasoning and paprika. Take your time to fully dissolve the tomato paste. Pour this sauce evenly over the steaks ensuring every piece is moistened.

Slow Cook Until Tender:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set to high for around three to four hours or low for six to eight hours. The steaks will gradually tenderize and soak up flavor. Resist the urge to open the lid often as this extends cook time.

Finish and Thicken the Gravy:

About one hour before serving stir the cornstarch with the same amount of cold water until smooth. Lift the slow cooker lid and thoroughly mix this slurry into the sauce around the steaks. Re cover and let the sauce gently bubble and thicken until you are ready to serve.

Mushrooms are my secret star of this dish. Their earthiness melds beautifully with the onions and gravy. Once my husband tasted the sauce the first time he insisted I always double the mushrooms for extra savory goodness.

Storage Tips

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The steak and gravy also freeze beautifully for up to two months. To reheat simply place the steak and gravy back in a covered skillet over low heat until hot. Add a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick after chilling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cube steak use any other lean steak that can benefit from slow cooking such as round steak. For a gluten free option double check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten free and use arrowroot powder in place of cornstarch. Vegetarians in the house can enjoy the gravy and mushrooms over potatoes by omitting the steak or using a plant based meat.

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the rich gravy and steak over fluffy mashed potatoes or cooked rice. For a lighter option serve alongside roasted vegetables or over cauliflower mash. We often make buttered peas and crusty rolls to soak up the final drops of sauce.

Cultural Note

Cube steak has roots in American home kitchens where thrifty cooks learned to tenderize tougher cuts by pounding and slow cooking. This dish is sometimes called Swiss steak though versions vary by region and family tradition.

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring try adding fresh peas. Summer is perfect for fresh herbs like parsley or thyme stirred in at the end. For fall a handful of diced carrots and celery add sweetness and a deeper gravy.

With just a handful of steps and a willing slow cooker you can enjoy a homey meal that tastes like you spent all day at the stove. This comforting cube steak recipe is the kind of dinner that brings families back to the table asking for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of meat works best with this dish?

Cube steak is ideal for this method as slow cooking tenderizes the meat and infuses it with deep flavor.

→ Can I use a different mushroom variety?

Yes, cremini or button mushrooms work well and can be swapped based on preference or availability.

→ How do I thicken the sauce?

About an hour before serving, stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy to your liking.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread make perfect accompaniments to soak up the rich gravy.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day.