Name: Best Crock Pot Cube Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cube steaks; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 packet brown gravy mix (about 1 ounce); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons butter

When I want a comforting, no-fuss dinner that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas, Crock Pot Cube Steak is my go-to. This recipe takes humble cube steak and transforms it into tender, flavorful bites swimming in a rich onion gravy that practically begs to be served over a mountain of mashed potatoes. The best part? It all comes together in the slow cooker, making it a perfect choice for busy weekdays or when I just want to let dinner cook itself.

I’ve tried many versions of this dish over the years, but this one has become my favorite because of how effortless and rewarding it is. Just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep are all it takes. By dinnertime, you’re greeted with a savory, melt-in-your-mouth meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or want leftovers for the next day, this Crock Pot Cube Steak delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cube Steak

This recipe hits all the marks: it’s easy, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying. Slow cooking the cube steak allows it to break down and become fork-tender while soaking up all the rich flavors from the gravy. It’s also versatile—you can pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles and still get a comforting meal that feels like home.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, which means minimal hands-on time and zero stress. Plus, it’s a great way to make an affordable cut of beef taste like a restaurant-quality dish. Perfect for meal prepping or family dinners.

What Kind of Cube Steak Should I Use?

Cube steak is typically a cut of beef, like top round or top sirloin, that’s been tenderized with a meat mallet or machine, giving it that signature texture. For this Crock Pot recipe, you don’t need anything fancy—just your average grocery store cube steak will do. You can even use frozen cube steak; just be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the slow cooker for even cooking.

If you prefer a thicker steak or want to control the tenderness yourself, you could also buy a top round steak and tenderize it at home. But truly, the magic happens in the crock pot, so even the most affordable cuts will turn out delicious.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily tweak this recipe to fit what you have on hand or to accommodate dietary preferences. Don’t have beef broth? Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. Want a gluten-free version? Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative and ensure your gravy mix is certified gluten-free.

Prefer a different protein? While cube steak is traditional, boneless pork chops or chicken thighs can be used in a pinch. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the cut.

If you’re avoiding onions, use onion powder or skip them altogether—though they do add wonderful flavor and texture. And for a creamier twist, stir in a bit of sour cream or cream of mushroom soup before serving.

Ingredients for this Crock Pot Cube Steak

Cube Steak – The star of the show. This affordable, tenderized beef cut becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.
Onion – Sliced onions add sweetness, depth, and texture to the savory gravy.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These boost the flavor of the meat and gravy.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the meat before it goes into the crock pot.
All-Purpose Flour – Lightly dusting the cube steak in flour helps thicken the gravy as it cooks.
Beef Broth – Adds richness and depth to the sauce. Low-sodium broth gives you control over salt levels.
Brown Gravy Mix – Gives the dish that rich, savory taste and thickens the sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and a touch of tang to enhance the beefiness.
Butter – Adds silkiness and richness to the final dish.

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Steak

Start by seasoning the cube steaks on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, lightly dredge each steak in flour. This step is crucial for creating a gravy that clings beautifully to the meat.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place a layer of sliced onions on the bottom of the crock pot. Add the floured cube steaks on top, overlapping them if necessary. Scatter any remaining onion slices over the steaks.

Step 3: Mix the Gravy Base

In a bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth, then pour this mixture over the steaks and onions in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The meat should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.

Step 5: Add the Butter and Stir

Once the cooking time is done, stir in a few tablespoons of butter to enrich the gravy. Let it melt in and mix gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cube steak hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Spoon plenty of that delicious gravy over everything and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How Long to Prepare the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak

Preparation for this recipe is quick and straightforward. Most of your time will be hands-off while the slow cooker works its magic.

Prep Time: It takes about 10-15 minutes to season and dredge the cube steaks, slice the onions, and mix the gravy ingredients. This part can be done in the morning before you head out.

Cook Time: For the most tender and flavorful results, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but I’ve found the low setting brings out the best texture and depth of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Cube Steak

Flour the steaks: Lightly coating the cube steak in flour helps the gravy thicken beautifully.
Use fresh onions: They add natural sweetness and texture that powdered onion can’t match.
Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce: It deepens the flavor and brings that restaurant-style richness.
Layer properly: Onions on the bottom, meat on top—this ensures even flavor distribution and prevents burning.
Finish with butter: Stirring in a little butter at the end gives the gravy a luscious, silky finish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the dredge: Skipping the flour coating can result in a watery gravy.
Overcooking on high: Cube steak becomes dry and stringy if cooked too long on high heat.
Not enough liquid: Make sure the gravy mixture covers at least ¾ of the steaks to avoid dryness.
Using too much salt early on: The gravy mix and broth already contain salt—season lightly at first and adjust later.
Crowding the crock pot: If making a double batch, layer carefully so the steaks still cook evenly.

What to Serve With Crock Pot Cube Steak?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic pairing—perfect for soaking up the savory onion gravy.

Steamed Green Beans

The freshness of steamed green beans adds a crisp contrast to the rich steak and gravy.

Buttery Egg Noodles

These make a comforting base if you’re not in the mood for mashed potatoes.

Roasted Carrots

Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots add color and a natural sweetness to the plate.

Crusty Bread

A warm slice of crusty bread is ideal for mopping up every last bit of that delicious gravy.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or gently in a skillet over low heat.

Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled cube steak and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: You can portion out the cube steak with mashed potatoes or rice into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Estimated Nutrition

Calories: ~390 per serving
Protein: 34g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg

(Values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cube steak?

Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before placing in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.

Do I need to brown the meat first?

Not at all! The slow cooker tenderizes the meat perfectly without browning. However, browning does add a slightly deeper flavor.

Can I make this without gravy mix?

You can substitute with cornstarch and additional seasoning, but the gravy mix gives that classic, savory depth.

What if my gravy is too thin?

You can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and layer the ingredients well to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Best Crock Pot Cube Steak is the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need a ton of ingredients or time to make something incredibly satisfying. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and fits perfectly into a busy schedule thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or prepping meals ahead, this dish always delivers.