Are you craving a tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This cube steak recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot, is the answer to your culinary prayers. Forget tough, chewy cube steaks – this method delivers melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness with minimal effort. It's the perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, and it's surprisingly quick to prepare. Get ready for a quick dinner idea the whole family will adore!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cube steaks for about 1-2 minutes per side, just to brown them slightly. This step adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
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Layer the Crock Pot: Place the sliced onion and green bell pepper in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the seared cube steaks.
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Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce evenly over the cube steaks in the slow cooker.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the cube steaks are incredibly tender.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side vegetables.
Tips for the Best Cube Steak:
- Don't Skip the Sear: While optional, searing the cube steaks before slow cooking adds a wonderful crust and enhances the flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking. You can also experiment with other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Thicker Steaks: For thicker cube steaks, you may need to increase the cooking time. Check for tenderness with a fork. It should easily shred.
- Make it a Meal Prep Marvel: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare it on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week!
Variations:
- Add Mushrooms: Include 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for extra umami flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Creamy Goodness: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra creamy sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy cube steak recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals that don't require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish – a true testament to the ease and deliciousness of slow cooking! It’s one of the best recipes for busy weeknights. You'll find yourself making this again and again!