Are you craving a delicious, tender, and incredibly easy weeknight meal? Look no further! This beef cube steak crock pot recipe is your answer. Forget tough, chewy cube steaks – this slow-cooked wonder transforms humble cuts into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both satisfying and surprisingly quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is one of the best recipes for effortless, healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef cube steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Cube Steaks (Optional but Recommended)
For maximum flavor, start by searing the beef cube steaks. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Crock Pot
Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 3: Layer and Season
Place the seared (or unseared) cube steaks on top of the onions and garlic. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, thyme, and rosemary. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pour the sauce mixture over the cube steaks in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the beef from the slow cooker and set aside. Increase the slow cooker setting to high and let the sauce simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also remove the sauce and simmer it on the stovetop.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Return the beef to the slow cooker (or combine it with the thickened sauce) and serve immediately. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side vegetables.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cube Steaks:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing, work in batches to ensure the steaks brown properly.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker cube steaks may require longer cooking time. Use a fork to check for tenderness.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes provides a pleasant kick!
Variations:
- Garlic Lovers: Add extra garlic! Consider adding some roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Mushroom Medley: Include sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy addition.
- Creamy Cube Steaks: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This slow cooker beef cube steak recipe offers a simple, healthy, and delicious meal option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and easy recipes. Enjoy!