Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This cube steak crock pot recipe with creamy mushroom sauce is your answer. It's a delicious, healthy, and incredibly satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. Prepare for a culinary journey that's both simple and elegant, delivering restaurant-quality results without the restaurant-quality effort. This recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a quick dinner idea that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak (about 3-4 steaks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
For a richer flavor, start by searing the cube steaks. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the final dish.
Step 2: Layer in the Crock Pot
Place the seared (or unseared) cube steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (no need to wash!), sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Transfer the onion and mushroom mixture to the slow cooker on top of the steaks. In the skillet, whisk together the flour, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Pour this mixture over the steaks and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir in the sherry (if using).
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the cube steaks are incredibly tender and easily fork-shredded.
Step 6: Creamy Finish
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream. This will create a luscious, creamy mushroom sauce that perfectly complements the tender cube steaks.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side vegetables.
Cooking Tips:
- For even more tender cube steaks, consider pounding them slightly before cooking.
- If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute with an equal amount of beef broth or white wine.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, to the slow cooker.
- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few minutes.
Variations:
- Spicy Cube Steaks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Medley: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
- Garlic Lover's Version: Add extra garlic! Minced, roasted, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder will amplify the garlicky goodness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This cube steak crock pot recipe with creamy mushroom sauce is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are also easy recipes. Perfect for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, it’s sure to become one of your best recipes. Enjoy!