Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy recipe! This recipe transforms humble cube steak into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece, smothered in a rich and savory gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on taste and requires minimal effort – the epitome of healthy meals made simple!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cube Steak
Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step helps to enhance the flavor and create a nice sear.
Step 2: Browning the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the cube steak on both sides for about 1-2 minutes per side. This step isn't strictly necessary, but browning adds depth of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cooking Magic
Place the browned (or un-browned) cube steak in your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, water, flour, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the cube steak is incredibly tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become. This is where the "slow cooker magic" truly happens.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the gravy. Return the shredded steak to the slow cooker and stir well to combine. If the gravy is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken it.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This is a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dishes.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cube Steak:
- Don't overcook: Cube steak is naturally thin, so it cooks quickly. Overcooking will result in tough meat.
- Use a good quality cube steak: Look for steaks that are evenly cut and not too thin.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms would be a delicious addition to this recipe.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Creamy gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier gravy.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking that’s both quick and impressive. Give it a try, and enjoy!