Introduction to Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Gravy
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, flavorful meal after a long day, and this slow cooker cube steak with gravy recipe promises just that. Ideal for the whole family on a busy day, this easy recipe turns a cut of beef into tender cube steak, smothered in savory gravy, making it the best comfort food. Using simple ingredients like onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth, this dish is not only delicious but also an easy way to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re an experienced cook or trying new recipes, this slow cooker cube steak with gravy will become a go-to in your collection of slow cooker recipes.

Ingredients
- 1 lb of Cube Steak (minute steak or top sirloin works well)
- 1 packet of Onion Soup Mix
- 1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 can of Beef Broth (lower sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp of Meat Tenderizer
- 1/2 cup of Cold Water (for gravy mixture)
- 1 envelope of Brown Gravy Mix
- Optional: Fresh Mushrooms, sliced (for a more flavorful gravy)
Tools & Equipment
- Slow Cooker: Essential for slow cooking the cube steak to perfection over 4-6 hours.
- Whisk: Needed to blend the gravy ingredients smoothly in a small bowl.
- Cutting Board: Useful for preparing the cube steak if cutting from a larger piece of meat.
- Frying Pan: Optional, for those who prefer to brown their steaks before slow cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like broth, water, and soup.

Instructions
Preparing the Steak
- Season the Steak: Lay the cube steaks on a cutting board and sprinkle both sides with meat tenderizer, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Optional Browning: If desired, quickly sear the cube steaks in a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, just enough to brown each side.
Making the Gravy Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and the envelope of brown gravy mix until well combined.
- Add Mushrooms: If using, fold in sliced fresh mushrooms into the gravy mixture for added texture and flavor.
Slow Cooking
- Layer the Steaks: Place the seasoned cube steaks in the slow cooker.
- Pour Over Gravy: Cover the steaks with the gravy mixture, ensuring each steak is well-coated.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 4-6 hours until the steaks are tender and the gravy has thickened.

Serving Size, Prep, and Cook Time
- Serves: 4 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes to season the steaks and prepare the gravy mixture.
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours in the slow cooker on low setting.
Tips for the Best Cube Steak
- Tenderizing: Using a meat tenderizer on the cube steak before cooking helps break down the tough fibers, making the steak more tender.
- Gravy Consistency: For a thicker gravy, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Storage: Leftover cube steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in a freezer bag in the freezer for longer storage.
Complementary Dishes to Pair with Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Enhance your meal by pairing it with sides that complement its rich and savory flavors. Here are some great options that the whole family will love:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and infused with garlic flavor, these mashed potatoes make the perfect side for your savory gravy.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: Egg noodles tossed with butter and parsley offer a balance to the hearty steak and gravy.
- Steamed Green Beans: A side of lightly steamed green beans adds a fresh and crispy component to the meal.
- Roasted Carrots: Carrots roasted with honey and thyme until caramelized bring a sweet and earthy flavor that pairs well with the rich gravy.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft and warm dinner rolls are ideal for sopping up any leftover gravy on your plate.
Easy Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Gravy (Crock Pot)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 lb of Cube Steak (minute steak or top sirloin works well)
1 packet of Onion Soup Mix
1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can of Beef Broth (lower sodium preferred)
1 tsp of Meat Tenderizer
1/2 cup of Cold Water (for gravy mixture)
1 envelope of Brown Gravy Mix
Optional: Fresh Mushrooms, sliced (for a more flavorful gravy)
Instructions
Preparing the Steak
- Season the Steak: Lay the cube steaks on a cutting board and sprinkle both sides with meat tenderizer, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Optional Browning: If desired, quickly sear the cube steaks in a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, just enough to brown each side.
Making the Gravy Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and the envelope of brown gravy mix until well combined.
- Add Mushrooms: If using, fold in sliced fresh mushrooms into the gravy mixture for added texture and flavor.
Slow Cooking
- Layer the Steaks: Place the seasoned cube steaks in the slow cooker.
- Pour Over Gravy: Cover the steaks with the gravy mixture, ensuring each steak is well-coated.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 4-6 hours until the steaks are tender and the gravy has thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cook
Commonly Asked Questions about Using a Slow Cooker for Cube Steak
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while cube steak (such as minute steak or top sirloin) is ideal due to its tenderness when slow-cooked, you can use other cuts like round steak or swiss steak. Just remember, the cooking time may vary based on the toughness of the meat.
Is it necessary to brown the cube steak before slow cooking?
Browning the steak before slow cooking is optional but recommended. It adds a deeper flavor to the meat and enhances the overall taste of the dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and place the steak directly into the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or on the stove top?
Absolutely! For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the steak. Then switch to the slow cook or pressure cook setting (adjusting the cooking time accordingly). On the stove top, brown the steak in a large skillet. Then simmer on low heat in the gravy mixture, covered, until tender.
How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If you find the gravy too thin after cooking, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and let it cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover cube steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.



