Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Gravy

This slow cooker cube steak with gravy is an easy, budget-friendly comfort food dinner made with just a few simple ingredients. Cube steak cooks low and slow with onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, sliced onions, and cream of mushroom soup until it is fork-tender and covered in a thick, savory gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a cozy family dinner that tastes like it took way more effort than it did.

I first made this with cube steak I found on sale, and it quickly became one of those dinners that feels old-school in the best way. It is simple, filling, and exactly the kind of slow cooker recipe people come back to when they need something easy that actually tastes good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker dinner: Just layer everything in the crock pot and let it cook.
• Budget-friendly: Cube steak is usually cheaper than many other cuts of beef.
• Tender cube steak: Cooking it low and slow helps the meat become fork-tender.
• Thick gravy: Brown gravy mix and cream of mushroom soup create a rich sauce.
• Family-friendly: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cube steak: Look for about 2 pounds of cube steak. This cut is already tenderized but still benefits from low, slow cooking.
• Onion soup mix: Lipton onion soup mix adds savory flavor. Beefy onion soup mix also works.
• Sliced onion: Adds flavor and softens as it cooks. Use onion powder if needed.
• Brown gravy mix: Helps create a thicker gravy.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Makes the gravy creamy and rich. Cream of chicken or cream of celery can work too.

How to Make This Slow Cooker Cube Steak

Place cube steak in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle onion soup mix over the steak. Add sliced onions.

Sprinkle brown gravy mix over the top. Spoon cream of mushroom soup over everything. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until fork-tender. Serve with gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Do You Need to Brown Cube Steak First?

No, you do not have to brown cube steak before adding it to the slow cooker. This recipe is designed to be a dump-and-go crock pot cube steak recipe. If you want extra flavor, you can quickly sear the cube steak first, but it is not required.

How to Make the Gravy Thicker

The gravy should thicken as it cooks because of the cream of mushroom soup and brown gravy mix. If you want it even thicker, stir together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, add it to the slow cooker during the last 20–30 minutes, and cook on high until thickened.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cube Steak

My favorite way to serve this slow cooker cube steak is with boxed rice pilaf and canned green beans. Here are some additional ideas for sides:

• mashed potatoes
• Egg noodles
• White rice
• Rice pilaf
• French onion rice
• Green beans
• Roasted asparagus
• Brussels sprouts
• Mac and cheese
• Dinner rolls
• My Mother in Law’s Spinach Rice

Make it Healthier:

I’m always looking for new ways to add veggies to my dishes. Here are some ideas to add more nutrients to this dish or make it lighter:

• Use Campbells Healthy Request cream of soup
• Serve it alongside your favorite veggie!
• Try adding some chopped zucchini or spinach to the crock pot.
• Try serving the cube steak over cauliflower rice (I just buy the frozen stuff and microwave it!)

Make it Kid Friendly:

I always recommend you adjust recipes based on what your family likes. If your kids or even other family members are weary of this dish here are some swap recommendations to get them trying new things without serving a completely different dish:

• Top the dish with some shredded mozzarella for a cheesy twist!
• Cut the meat up really small and serve it over pasta or even mix it in with mac n cheese.
• Grated parmesan would be good on this dish. My kids love anything covered in parmesan cheese.

Substitutions and Variations

• No cream of mushroom soup: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery.
• No fresh onion: Use onion powder.
• Want more mushroom flavor: Add sliced mushrooms.
• Want richer gravy: Add Worcestershire sauce.
• Want a less salty version: Use low-sodium soup and low-sodium gravy mix.
• Other meats: Try pork chops or chuck roast, but increase cook time for chuck roast.

Shopping Tips:

• Stock up on your favorite meats when they go on sale and freeze them. In this case, cube steak, chuck roast, or pork chops will do! (I found mine on clearance at Walmart!)
• I like to stock up on “cream of” soups when they are on sale. They are a great base for many dishes and sauces.
• Some stores offer generic gravy mix, cream of soup, and onion soup mix. These are generally cheaper than brand name.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm gently in a skillet with extra gravy.

Can You Freeze Cube Steak and Gravy?

Yes, cube steak and gravy can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

FAQ

What is cube steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been mechanically tenderized, which gives it a textured or “cubed” appearance. It is often made from round steak and becomes much more tender when cooked low and slow.

How do you make cube steak tender in the slow cooker?

Cook it on low heat until fork-tender. Low and slow cooking gives the meat time to soften and soak up the gravy.

Can I cook cube steak on high?

You can, but low is better for tenderness. If you cook it on high, check it around 3–4 hours, but for the most tender cube steak, use low for 6–8 hours.

Why is my cube steak tough?

It may need more time. Cube steak can still be tough if it has not cooked long enough or if it cooked too hot.

Can I use cream of chicken instead of cream of mushroom?

Yes. Cream of chicken or cream of celery can be used if you do not like cream of mushroom soup.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes. Add sliced mushrooms with the onions before cooking.

How do I thicken the gravy?

Use a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking if you want the gravy thicker.

What should I serve with slow cooker cube steak?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, green beans, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls all work well.

As always, please share your own recommendations on how to make this dish healthier, more kid friendly, swap ideas, and budget shopping tips in the comments!

FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE SLOW COOKER RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:

• 3 New Slow Cooker Recipes
• Inexpensive and Easy in the Slow Cooker
• All New Recipes for Slow Cooker Season

MORE SLOW COOKER RECIPES TO TRY:

• Crock Pot Italian Sausage – So easy, my mother in law taught me this!
• Mississippi Pot Roast (A family Fav!)
• Money Saving Poor Man’s Stew
• Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken

If this slow cooker cube steak made dinner easier, I’d be so grateful if you left a star rating and comment below. It helps other readers and helps more people find the recipe.

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