If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself, this Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender cubed steak slowly simmers in a luscious, savory mushroom gravy that wraps every bite with warmth and flavor. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy weekend, this dish promises satisfying, homestyle goodness with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves stick-to-your-ribs meals without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy Recipe to create rich texture and deep, comforting flavor. Each element is key: from the tender cubed steak that’s perfect for slow cooking to the creamy mushroom soup base that creates the signature gravy.
- 2 lbs cubed steak: This affordable cut becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy richness and earthy mushroom flavor to the gravy.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the meaty taste while keeping the gravy silky and smooth.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Boosts savory depth with a perfect blend of herbs and spices.
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and balancing the dish.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning beautifully.
How to Make Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Season the Meat for Maximum Flavor
Start by generously seasoning your cubed steak with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures the meat itself has a flavorful foundation before it even hits the crockpot. Don’t rush it—take a moment to rub the seasoning in; it makes all the difference.
Step 2: Create the Savory Gravy Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and the onion soup mix. This magical blend will transform into your luscious gravy, so whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well combined. It’s the secret behind the silky, comforting sauce that coats each bite.
Step 3: Layer the Steak in Your Crockpot
Place those seasoned cubed steaks carefully in the crockpot. Laying them in an even layer helps the gravy circulate and cook the meat evenly, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness everyone craves.
Step 4: Pour Over the Gravy Mixture
Slowly pour the soup and broth mixture over the steak, making sure it covers the meat completely. This step locks in moisture and infuses each piece with deep, rich flavor as it simmers low and slow.
Step 5: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Patience here pays off big time—this slow cooking method transforms tougher meat into tender, fall-apart deliciousness wrapped in creamy gravy.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
When your Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy Recipe is done, it’s time to serve up that irresistible gravy-soaked steak. The rich aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in.
How to Serve Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a burst of color and fresh aroma that brightens the hearty gravy. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top also elevates the dish visually and in flavor, giving a subtle peppery crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes or steamed white rice, which soak up all the luscious gravy you’ve worked so hard to create. For something green, simple steamed vegetables or a crisp salad offer great balance and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cubed steak on buttered egg noodles or even creamy polenta for a delightful twist. For a rustic presentation, serve it in a deep bowl topped with a dollop of sour cream or alongside crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that rich gravy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it an excellent dish for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy Recipe for up to 3 months. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This prevents the gravy from separating and keeps the steak tender and juicy for another round of delicious enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
While cubed steak is ideal due to its texture and ability to tenderize in the slow cooker, you can substitute sirloin tips or round steak if preferred. Just ensure the meat is suitable for slow cooking to achieve the best results.
Is it necessary to use onion soup mix?
The onion soup mix adds a flavorful punch, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with sautéed onions and a blend of dried herbs like parsley, thyme, and a bit of garlic powder.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version and check that your onion soup mix is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy Recipe without worry.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be creamy and moderately thick, coating the meat nicely but still spoonable. If you prefer thicker gravy, simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry before serving.
What are some good complements to this dish for special occasions?
For a festive touch, pair the cubed steak and gravy with roasted root vegetables or a vibrant green bean almondine. A glass of full-bodied red wine also complements the richness wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy Recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s easy to prepare and impossible not to love. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and rich flavor that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s become one of my all-time favorites to share!
Print
Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours low or 3 to 4 hours high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Cubed Steak and Gravy recipe is an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy days. Tender cubed steak is slow-cooked in a creamy mushroom and onion soup-based gravy, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat infused with rich flavors. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs cubed steak
Sauce
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (approximately 10.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
Seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the steak: Generously season the 2 pounds of cubed steak with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of beef broth, and the packet of onion soup mix. Stir until all ingredients are well blended to form a smooth gravy base.
- Place steak in slow cooker: Lay the seasoned cubed steak evenly in the bottom of the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared mushroom and onion soup mixture over the steak, making sure the meat is fully covered with the gravy.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the steak and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, serve the tender cubed steak covered in rich gravy alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- For thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving.
- Feel free to add sliced mushrooms or onions to the crockpot for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
