Crock Pot Cubed Steak

 

Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Onion Gravy

A Southern-Style Comfort Classic That Practically Cooks Itself

When it comes to comfort food that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, few dishes do it better than cubed steak with gravy. And when you let it slow cook all day in a crock pot, magic happens. The meat becomes fall-apart tender, the gravy thick and flavorful, and the whole house smells like Sunday dinner.

In this full-length recipe guide, we’ll dive deep into how to make this classic dish the best way possible — in a slow cooker. Whether you’re an old hand at Southern cooking or a beginner looking for a no-fail crock pot meal, this Crock Pot Cubed Steak recipe will become a treasured part of your meal rotation.

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Table of Contents

1. What Is Cubed Steak?

2. Why Make It in a Crock Pot?

3. Ingredients List

4. Tools You’ll Need

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

6. Gravy Tips and Tricks

7. Variations and Add-Ins

8. Best Sides to Serve With Cubed Steak

9. Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

10. Final Thoughts and Serving Suggestions

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1. What Is Cubed Steak?

Cubed steak is a cut of beef, typically top or bottom round, that has been tenderized by a meat mallet or mechanical process, leaving it with small indentations or “cubes” on the surface. It’s a budget-friendly meat that can be tough if not cooked properly — which is why slow cooking is the ideal method.

Slow cooking allows the connective tissue in the meat to break down, transforming a tough cut into fork-tender deliciousness. Combine that with a rich onion-and-mushroom gravy, and you’ve got yourself the definition of comfort food.

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2. Why Make It in a Crock Pot?

The crock pot (slow cooker) transforms cubed steak into melt-in-your-mouth goodness with very little effort. Here’s why it works so well:

• Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it!

• Even, low heat breaks down the meat fibers over time.

• No babysitting: Unlike stovetop gravy, there’s no risk of burning.

• Incredible flavor: The long simmering time allows onions, mushrooms, and beef to marry beautifully.

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3. Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need for this dish:

For the Cubed Steak and Gravy:

• 2 to 2.5 lbs cubed steak (about 4–6 steaks)

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 (1 oz) packet brown gravy mix

• 1 (1 oz) packet onion soup mix

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons oil (for optional searing)

Optional Add-ins:

• 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced (for extra texture)

• ½ teaspoon paprika, for smoky depth

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tbsp water, for thickening

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4. Tools You’ll Need

• Crock pot / slow cooker (4 to 6-quart size is perfect)

• Tongs or spatula

• Medium mixing bowl

• Knife and cutting board

• Optional: large skillet for searing

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5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Optional – Sear the Steaks

If you have time and want maximum flavor, sear the cubed steaks first.

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Lightly season steaks with salt and pepper.

• Sear each piece for 1–2 minutes per side until browned (not cooked through).

• Remove and set aside.

Why sear? This step adds flavor and texture to the meat, but it’s not required. You can skip it and place the raw steaks directly into the crock pot.

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Step 2: Prepare the Onion and Mushroom Gravy

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Cream of mushroom soup

• Cream of chicken soup

• Brown gravy mix

• Onion soup mix

• Beef broth

• Garlic powder

• Black pepper

• Worcestershire sauce

This mixture will be thick and creamy. It will thin out as it cooks.

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Step 3: Layer in the Crock Pot

Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker:

1. Add half of the sliced onions (and mushrooms if using) to the bottom.

2. Lay in the cubed steaks (you can slightly overlap them).

3. Top with the remaining onions.

4. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the top.

Cover with the lid.

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Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your crock pot to:

• LOW for 7–8 hours (best texture)

• or HIGH for 4–5 hours (quicker, still delicious)

The meat should be fork-tender and the gravy rich and thick.

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Step 5: Optional – Thicken the Gravy

If the gravy is too thin for your liking at the end of cooking:

• Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water.

• Stir into the gravy.

• Cover and cook on HIGH for 10–15 more minutes until thickened.

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6. Gravy Tips and Tricks

• Don't add salt early: Between the soup mixes and gravy packet, there's already plenty of sodium. Adjust only at the end.

• Add dairy last: If you want to stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness, wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Too thick? Add a splash of broth or milk.

• Too thin? Use cornstarch slurry or mash a few potatoes into it.

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7. Variations and Add-Ins

Make it Southern-Style:

• Add a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.

• Serve over buttermilk biscuits instead of mashed potatoes.

Country-Fried Version:

• Dredge cubed steak in flour before searing.

• Adds a crispy crust before slow cooking.

Creamy Mushroom Lovers:

• Use two cans of cream of mushroom instead of chicken.

• Double up on fresh mushrooms for texture.

Lower-Sodium Option:

• Use low-sodium broth, skip Worcestershire, and opt for homemade gravy mix.

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8. Best Sides to Serve With Crock Pot Cubed Steak

This dish loves simple, starchy sides that soak up all that gravy. Here are a few ideas:

1. Mashed Potatoes – The classic pairing

Creamy potatoes and savory gravy are a match made in heaven.

2. Buttered Egg Noodles

Let the gravy pool around the noodles for a homestyle, stick-to-your-ribs dinner.

3. Rice or Brown Rice

Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

4. Biscuits or Cornbread

Use them to mop your plate clean.

5. Green Beans, Collard Greens, or Carrots

Add a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.

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9. Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Refrigerator:

• Let cool completely.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

• Freeze in individual portions or family-size containers.

• Lasts up to 3 months.

To Reheat:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge (if frozen).

• Microwave in 1-minute intervals or reheat in a skillet on low heat.

• Add a splash of broth to loosen the gravy if needed.

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10. Final Thoughts and Serving Suggestions

This Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Onion Gravy is the kind of dish that feels like home — no matter where you're from. It’s affordable, hearty, and incredibly forgiving, meaning even beginner cooks can make it with confidence. Once you master the basics, you can tweak the seasonings, make it creamier, spicier, or stretch it with extra veggies.

Why everyone loves it:

• It uses pantry staples.

• It’s kid- and husband-approved.

• It's freezer-friendly and great for leftovers.

• It makes even inexpensive cuts of meat taste gourmet.

Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a busy weekday when you want dinner waiting when you walk in the door, this recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s no wonder your family gives it 5 stars.