Crockpot Beef Recipes

Crockpot Cube Steak and Gravy

Crockpot cube steak

Crockpot cube steak turns an inexpensive cut into tender, fork-cut comfort food. The steaks are dusted in seasoned flour, quickly browned, and slow cooked in a rich onion gravy until melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Spoon the gravy over mashed potatoes and dinner is done.

Jump to the recipe card

Why You Will Love This Crockpot Cube Steak

  • Budget friendly. Cube steak is one of the most affordable cuts.
  • Tender. Hours of slow cooking make it fork-tender.
  • Built-in gravy. No packets required.
  • Classic comfort. A Southern favorite.

Ingredients for Crockpot Cube Steak

  • Cube steak: 2 lb (900 g), about 6 steaks.
  • Flour dredge: Flour with garlic powder, salt and pepper helps thicken the gravy.
  • Gravy: Beef broth, onions, Worcestershire and onion powder.

How to Make Crockpot Cube Steak

Step 1: Dredge

Mix the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper and coat the steaks.

Step 2: Brown

Brown the steaks in the oil in a hot skillet, 1 to 2 minutes per side. They do not need to cook through.

Step 3: Layer

Add half the onions to a 6-quart slow cooker, then the steaks, then the rest of the onions.

Step 4: Add the gravy liquid

Whisk the broth, Worcestershire and onion powder and pour over the steaks.

Step 5: Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, until very tender.

Step 6: Thicken

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes until the gravy thickens.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Cube Steak

  • Do not skip the dredge. The flour coating helps the gravy thicken and cling.
  • Brown quickly. A fast sear adds flavor without toughening the meat.
  • Handle gently. The steaks get very tender; lift them out with a wide spatula.
  • Add mushrooms. 8 oz sliced mushrooms make it even heartier.

What to Serve with Crockpot Cube Steak

Serve over crockpot mashed potatoes or egg noodles with green beans.

Easy Variations

  • Cream of mushroom. Use 1 can cream of mushroom soup plus 1 cup broth for the gravy.
  • Onion soup mix. Add 1 packet onion soup mix to the broth and skip the salt.
  • Peppers. Add sliced bell peppers.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months in the gravy.

Equipment I Used

Want even more tender meat? The Braised to Perfection guide explains the low-and-slow method step by step.

Crockpot Cube Steak

Tender crockpot cube steak smothered in a savory homemade onion gravy. Budget-friendly Southern comfort food that is perfect over mashed potatoes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb cube steaks about 6 (900 g)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (40 g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth (480 ml)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

Method
 

  1. Mix the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper and coat the steaks.
  2. Brown the steaks in the oil in a hot skillet, 1 to 2 minutes per side. They do not need to cook through.
  3. Add half the onions to a 6-quart slow cooker, then the steaks, then the rest of the onions.
  4. Whisk the broth, Worcestershire and onion powder and pour over the steaks.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, until very tender.
  6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes until the gravy thickens.

Notes

Cook on LOW for the most tender result.

Crockpot Cube Steak FAQ

Do you have to brown cube steak before putting it in the crockpot?

No, but a quick sear adds flavor and the flour coating thickens the gravy.

How long does cube steak take in the crockpot?

About 6 to 7 hours on LOW.

Why is my cube steak tough?

It needs more time. Slow cooked cube steak gets tender once the connective tissue breaks down.

What goes with cube steak and gravy?

Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, green beans and biscuits.

More Crockpot Recipes to Try

More Recipes You'll Love