If you’re craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth beef dish that practically cooks itself, you’re going to adore this Crock Pot Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s so simple yet yields such rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re new to slow cooker meals or looking for a reliable weeknight dinner, this recipe is a total winner — tender cube steaks bathed in a luscious mushroom gravy that your whole family will rave about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: You just throw everything in the crock pot and let it work its magic while you relax.
- Tender, Juicy Steak: Slow cooking breaks down the cube steak perfectly for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Rich, Creamy Gravy: The mushroom soup and beef broth blend into a luscious gravy that’s fantastic spooned over everything.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: This one’s great for busy weeknights and always gets that “can we have it again?” response.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crock Pot Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe are super simple, yet they come together to create a meal that feels so much more special than the effort involved. I like to use fresh onions and homemade beef bouillon powder when I have it, but store-bought onion soup mix works fine too!
- Cube steaks: These are affordable and perfect for slow cooking — just look for well-marbled pieces.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This is the secret to that creamy, comforting gravy. You can swap in cream of celery or chicken soup if you prefer.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Red onion: Minced fresh onion gives a subtle sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Beef bouillon powder or onion soup mix: Both add a savory umami kick to round out the gravy beautifully.
Variations
One of the things I love about the Crock Pot Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over time, I’ve played around with different soups and seasoning blends — and found that small tweaks can make a big difference, depending on your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
- Use different cream soups: I’ve swapped the mushroom soup for cream of celery or chicken and still got delicious results, which is great if mushrooms aren’t your thing.
- Herb variations: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary into the crock pot brings an earthy note that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Make it spicy: I once added a bit of cayenne and smoked paprika for a subtle kick that my husband loved.
- Vegetables inside: You can toss in sliced mushrooms or diced carrots along with the onions for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Get the Base Ready
Start by finely dicing your red onion and spreading it evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker insert. This little layer of sweetness forms the foundation for your gravy and keeps the steaks from sticking to the bottom. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Step 2: Layer Your Cube Steaks
Next, lay your cube steaks right over the onions. Don’t overlap them too much so each piece cooks evenly and absorbs all those juices and flavors. If you’re cooking for more people, you can add multiple layers, but make sure the steaks have some space.
Step 3: Season and Add Liquids
Sprinkle your homemade beef bouillon powder or simply shake the onion soup mix over the steaks — these seasonings are where much of the umami magic happens. Then pour the beef broth evenly across the top, giving everything some moisture to cook gently in.
Step 4: Creamy Soup Goes In
Finally, dollop both cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup over the mix. Don’t stress about mixing it perfectly here — I usually just poke around with a fork a few times to combine the soup and broth, but it’s fine if it looks a little lumpy. It all comes together deliciously during cooking.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crock pot and set it on low. Now, walk away for 6 to 8 hours — this is what transforms those cube steaks into fall-apart tender pieces of goodness. The long, slow cook melts down the meat and lets all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 6: Finish the Gravy
When it’s done cooking, carefully remove the cube steaks from the crock pot and set them aside. Now for the gravy magic — I love to use a stick blender right in the crock pot to whip up the onions left in the sauce. This step thickens the liquid into a rich, silky gravy that’s perfect for spooning over the steaks. If you don’t have a stick blender, just pour the sauce into a regular blender and pulse it a bit. You can also skip this step if you prefer a thinner, chunkier gravy — your call!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Crock Pot Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even fluffy rice. I promise, once you taste how tender the steak is and how comforting that mushroom gravy feels, you’ll want to make this again and again.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Onion Layer: It adds subtle sweetness and prevents the meat from sticking, which means easier cleanup and better texture overall.
- Low and Slow Is Key: Cooking on low heat for 6 to 8 hours ensures your steak becomes tender without drying out.
- Stick Blender for Smooth Gravy: Blending the onions into the sauce thickens it without needing extra flour or cornstarch.
- Taste Before Serving: If your broth or bouillon is salty, adjust seasoning at the end to avoid an overpowering dish.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the rich gravy. Sometimes I add a few sautéed mushrooms on top if I want an extra mushroom boost — it’s just a little something that makes the presentation feel special.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this Crock Pot Cube Steak with classic creamy mashed potatoes — they soak up all that gravy so beautifully. Alternatively, buttered egg noodles or simple steamed rice work just as well. For veggies, roasted green beans or a crisp garden salad bring a nice contrast to the rich beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to plate the cube steak on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, then drizzle a generous amount of mushroom gravy over the top, finishing with a sprig of thyme or rosemary. I’ve even served it in shallow bowls with buttery noodles tucked under the steak for a rustic, cozy vibe that everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I store the cube steaks and gravy together in an airtight container to keep the beef juicy. When reheating, I recommend warming gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain tenderness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a few times with great success. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags right after cooking and cooling. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The texture stays surprisingly tender and delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming the cube steak and gravy slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
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Can I use regular steak instead of cube steak for this recipe?
You can, but cube steak is specifically tenderized, which helps it cook well in the slow cooker without becoming tough. Using a different cut like sirloin might require adjustments in cooking time and could be less tender at the end.
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What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t like mushrooms, cream of celery or chicken soup are excellent substitutes that still provide a creamy base for the gravy. You could also make a quick homemade cream sauce if you prefer.
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How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Try using a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup alternative or make a coconut milk-based gravy from scratch. You’ll want to check all seasoning blends for hidden dairy, too.
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Can I cook this on high in the crock pot?
You can, but it’s best to stick to low and slow for the most tender results. Cooking on high may cook it faster but risks tougher meat, so 6-8 hours on low is the sweet spot.
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How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
The stick blender method helps thicken it naturally by pureeing the onions, but if you prefer it thicker, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water and cook it on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Crock Pot Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe turns out every single time — it feels like a hug on a plate. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how simple ingredients simmered for hours could create such rich, tender beef and heavenly gravy. My family goes crazy for it, and it’s the perfect dish to come home to after a busy day. I honestly can’t recommend it enough if you want a comforting, no-fuss meal that feels special. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to slow cooker recipes, too!
Print
Crock Pot Cube Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow-cooked Crock Pot Cube Steak is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender cube steaks simmered in a savory mushroom gravy with onions. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy days, delivering melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with a rich sauce that’s ideal served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 cube steaks
Sauce
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery or chicken)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 Tablespoons homemade beef bouillon powder (or 1 packet onion soup mix)
Vegetables
- 1 large red onion, minced (white or yellow onion also work)
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Small dice the onion and spread it evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker insert to create a flavorful base layer.
- Arrange the cube steaks: Lay the cube steaks over the bed of diced onions in the slow cooker.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Sprinkle the homemade beef bouillon powder or onion soup mix evenly over the steaks, then pour the beef broth on top to help infuse flavor as it cooks.
- Combine the soups: Add both cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup over the mixture. Use a fork to lightly mix the soup with the bouillon; it doesn’t have to be perfectly combined as the slow cooking will meld the flavors.
- Slow cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it on low heat. Cook the cube steaks for 6 to 8 hours until they are tender and practically falling apart.
- Make the gravy: Remove the steaks from the crock pot. Using a stick blender, puree the onions and sauce left in the pot until it becomes a thicker, gravy-like consistency. Alternatively, you may blend it in a regular blender or keep the sauce as-is for a thinner texture with onion chunks.
- Serve: Plate the cube steaks and generously spoon the onion gravy over them. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles and your choice of vegetable sides.
Notes
- Crock Pot Cube Steak is versatile and delicious served with creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- The slow cooking process renders the steak tender and infuses it with rich, savory flavors.
- The onion gravy can be blended to a smooth consistency or left chunky based on preference.
- Using homemade beef bouillon powder enhances the flavor, but onion soup mix can be a convenient substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 321 calories
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 1768 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 8.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.4 g
- Fiber: 2.2 g
- Protein: 35.7 g
- Cholesterol: 86.5 mg
