Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than this crock pot beef cube steak recipe! This recipe delivers fall-apart tender beef, bursting with rich savory goodness, all with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to become a staple in your healthy meal rotation. It's one of the best recipes for utilizing your slow cooker for delicious and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef cube steak, about 1-inch thick
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening the gravy, optional)
- 2 tbsp cold water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Pat the beef cube steaks dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the beef (optional but recommended):
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cube steaks for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Slow cooking magic:
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Transfer the seared beef (or unseared beef if skipping the searing step) to your slow cooker.
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Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
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Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
Cook it low and slow:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Thicken the gravy (optional):
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, in a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Remove about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and whisk it into the cornstarch mixture. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well. Cook for another 15-20 minutes on low, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious beef cube steak over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or your favorite side dish. A simple green salad makes a lovely accompaniment to this hearty meal. This quick dinner idea is perfect for a family gathering.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf to the slow cooker while cooking. Remove before serving.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegetable additions: Throw in some carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.
- Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used. Always use a nutrition calculator for precise values. However, expect this recipe to be a good source of protein and relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.
This easy recipe is a testament to the power of slow cooking. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that delivers big on flavor and convenience. Enjoy!