Are you craving a delicious, tender steak dinner but short on time and energy? Look no further! This cube steak slow cooker recipe is your answer. Forget tough, chewy meat; this method yields unbelievably tender and flavorful cube steak, perfect for a weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend dinner. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it requires minimal effort. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that’s also a healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak (about 2-3 steaks)
- 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 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Get started:
- Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the steaks (optional but recommended):
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cube steaks for about 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
Slow Cooker Magic:
- Place the seared (or unseared) cube steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Layer the sliced onions and green bell pepper on top of the steaks.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the steaks and vegetables.
Cook it low and slow:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, remove the steaks from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks if desired. Serve the shredded or whole steaks over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or your favorite side dish. Spoon the delicious sauce over everything for extra flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the sauce to circulate around the steaks.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker steaks may require a longer cooking time. Check for tenderness with a fork.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes.
Variations:
- Spicy Cube Steak: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
- BBQ Cube Steak: Substitute BBQ sauce for the cream of mushroom soup.
- Creamy Garlic Cube Steak: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on serving size and sides)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
This cube steak slow cooker recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a comforting and flavorful meal. The tender, juicy steak and rich sauce are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this easy and healthy recipe – you deserve it!