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break it down step by step:
1. Sear the Steaks (Optional, but Recommended)
While you can throw the cube steaks directly into the crock pot, searing them first adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful color to the meat. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper.
Once the pan is hot, add the steaks and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they’re lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor of the steak and gives it a lovely crust.
2. Prepare the Crock Pot
While the steaks are searing, grab your crock pot and add the cream of mushroom soup, ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, and water. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture creates a rich and savory gravy that will coat the cube steaks as they cook.
3. Add the Steaks to the Crock Pot
Once the steaks are seared, transfer them into the crock pot and nestle them into the gravy mixture. Spread them out evenly to ensure they’re coated with the sauce.
4. Slow Cook
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. The long cooking time ensures that the cube steaks become incredibly tender and that the flavors meld together beautifully. You can also cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time, but the low setting is ideal for the most tender results.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cooking time is up, you’ll have perfectly cooked, tender cube steaks smothered in rich, flavorful gravy. Serve the steaks with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up all that delicious gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Cube Steak
- Don’t Skip the Searing: While it’s technically optional, searing the steaks adds flavor and texture to the dish. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
- Use Good Quality Gravy Mixes: While the dry gravy mix packets are convenient, feel free to experiment with different brands or homemade gravy mixes for an even richer flavor.
- Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: For a more complete meal, throw in some sliced onions, mushrooms, or carrots to the crock pot along with the cube steaks. They will soak up the gravy and add a depth of flavor.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your taste. Add a little garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
- Thicken the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the gravy and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens up.
Why This Recipe Works
Cube steak is often a tough, chewy cut of meat, but the slow cooking method in the crock pot transforms it into a tender, fall-apart meal. The gravy made from ranch dressing mix, brown gravy, and cream of mushroom soup creates a rich sauce that infuses the steak with flavor as it cooks. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to make, requiring little hands-on time.
Perfect Pairings for Crock Pot Cube Steak
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up all the delicious gravy from the steak. It’s a classic combination that never gets old.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or even brown rice pairs beautifully with the savory sauce and tender meat.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, or green beans make for the perfect side dish to round out this comforting meal.
- Dinner Rolls: Don’t forget some warm, soft rolls to sop up every last bit of that gravy.
Conclusion: A Comforting Meal Made Easy
If you’re looking for a fuss-free, mouthwatering meal that will leave your family or guests absolutely amazed, this Crock Pot Cube Steak recipe is the one to try. The slow-cooked steaks, tender and flavorful, paired with the rich gravy, will have everyone saying, “OMG!! This is delicious!” Best of all, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious—just prep, set the crock pot, and wait for the magic to happen.
So, the next time you’re in need of a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours of work, make sure to add this recipe to your rotation. Your taste buds will thank you!
