Are you craving a delicious, hearty meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further! Cube steak, with its tenderizing qualities, is a fantastic base for slow-cooked wonders in your trusty crock pot. This collection of recipes will show you how to transform humble cube steak into incredibly flavorful and satisfying healthy meals, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. These easy recipes are guaranteed to become staples in your homemade cooking repertoire.
Crock Pot Cube Steak with Gravy
This recipe delivers juicy, tender cube steak smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy. It's a classic comfort food, elevated by the simplicity of crock pot cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cube steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season cube steak generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cube steak on both sides for about 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step helps seal in the juices.
- Transfer the seared cube steak to your crock pot.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Stir in the thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the cube steak in the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the cube steak is incredibly tender.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak:
- Don't skip the searing step! Searing adds depth of flavor and helps keep the steak moist.
- For a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the gravy before adding it to the crock pot.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A touch of paprika or garlic powder would be delicious additions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Variations:
- Mushroom Gravy: Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms to the onion mixture while sautéing.
- Creamy Gravy: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Pepper Steak: Add 1-2 tablespoons of black pepper along with the other spices for a spicier kick.
This simple crock pot recipe makes for a quick dinner idea that’s both delicious and satisfying. The slow cooking process ensures incredibly tender cube steak, making it a perfect choice for even the most novice cooks. Enjoy this tasty and easy meal!