Crock Pot Cube Steak

Cube steak is a beloved comfort food in many households. Its tender, flavorful meat makes it perfect for slow-cooking, where it absorbs all the rich flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with. This particular recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that uses a few simple ingredients to create a satisfying dish. Let’s dive into the heart of this warm, slow-cooked meal, full of flavor, convenience, and family-style comfort.

History of Cube Steak

Cube steak has roots in practical, resourceful cooking, often associated with making the most out of tougher cuts of beef. Historically, cube steak is made by tenderizing cuts of beef like top round or top sirloin, which are typically tougher and less desirable for fast cooking. The term “cube” refers to the small indentations left on the steak after being tenderized, either manually with a meat mallet or by a machine.

Cube steak became popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, especially during the Great Depression. During this period, families needed to stretch their resources and maximize the use of less expensive cuts of meat. By tenderizing these tougher cuts, they could create a meal that was both satisfying and cost-effective.

In the Southern United States, cube steak became a key ingredient in the well-known dish, chicken-fried steak. This dish involved breading and frying the cube steak in a manner similar to fried chicken, often serving it with a rich, creamy gravy—a hallmark of Southern comfort food. Similarly, cube steak was often slow-cooked in gravies or stews, taking advantage of its ability to become tender when cooked low and slow, as seen in recipes like Swiss steak and smothered cube steak.

As crock pots gained popularity in the 1970s, recipes like Crock Pot Cube Steak started becoming household staples due to the convenience of slow cooking. The method of slow-cooking cube steak in flavorful sauces or soups became a favorite because it produced melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and required minimal preparation.

Today, cube steak remains a popular choice for easy, affordable meals. Whether it’s fried, smothered, or slow-cooked, cube steak recipes continue to reflect a tradition of making the most out of simpler ingredients and transforming them into hearty, comforting meals.

Cube steak has been a staple in many American kitchens for generations. The name comes from the process of “cubing,” which refers to tenderizing the meat using a meat mallet, forming cube-like indentations. This method has been used historically to transform tougher cuts of beef into more tender pieces suitable for quick-cooking or slow-cooking. It’s particularly common in Southern cuisine, often paired with gravy or sauces, where slow cooking brings out the best flavors and tenderness in the steak.

Ingredients

6 cube steaks
1 large onion, sliced into rings
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup water or beef broth (optional, for added moisture)

Instructions

Prepare the Cube Steaks: Season both sides of the cube steaks with salt and pepper. Optionally, you can lightly brown them in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil to seal in the juices, but this step is not necessary.
Layer the Ingredients: In your crock pot, place a layer of sliced onions at the bottom. Add the cube steaks on top of the onions.
Mix the Soups: In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and the packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix together. If you want a thinner gravy, add up to 1 cup of water or beef broth.
Pour the Mixture: Pour the soup mixture over the cube steaks, ensuring they are well coated.
Cook: Set your crock pot on low and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 4 hours. The cube steaks should be tender and infused with the rich flavors of the soups and onion mix.
Serve: Once cooked, serve the cube steaks with the gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.

Methods & Cooking Tips

Browning the Steaks: While optional, browning the cube steaks before placing them in the crock pot enhances the flavor and helps seal in the meat’s juices.
Adding Vegetables: For a complete meal, feel free to add chopped carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the crock pot. They will cook along with the cube steaks, absorbing the flavors and adding a hearty touch.
Thickening the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the crock pot in the last hour of cooking.

Benefits

Benefits of Crock Pot Cube Steak

Crock Pot Cube Steak offers several benefits that make it a beloved dish for families and home cooks alike. These advantages extend beyond just flavor, offering nutritional and practical benefits as well.

1. Economical and Budget-Friendly

Cube steak is typically made from tougher cuts of meat like round or sirloin, which are more affordable than premium steaks like ribeye or filet mignon. This makes it an excellent choice for families on a budget. Slow-cooking these cuts in a crock pot transforms the meat into a tender, flavorful dish without the need for more expensive ingredients.

2. Time-Saving and Convenient

The beauty of using a crock pot is the convenience it offers. You can simply prep the ingredients, set the crock pot, and go about your day. There’s no need for constant supervision, making this dish ideal for busy families or individuals who want to come home to a ready-made, hot meal. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prepping, as the leftovers store well for a few days.

3. Tender and Flavorful Meat

Cube steak can be a tougher cut of meat if not cooked properly. The slow cooking process, however, breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it incredibly tender and juicy. The cube steak absorbs the flavors of the soup mix and seasonings, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory taste.

4. Nutritious and Protein-Rich

Cube steak is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. Pairing it with onions, celery, and other vegetables can add a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber to the meal. Depending on the soups and ingredients used, you can also modify the recipe to reduce fat and sodium content, making it a healthier option.

5. Versatile Meal

Crock Pot Cube Steak is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even as an open-faced sandwich with gravy. Additionally, the recipe can be easily modified to include other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers, adding more nutrients and flavor to the dish.

6. Comfort Food Appeal

This dish has a nostalgic comfort food vibe that makes it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply cozy dinners at home. The creamy, flavorful gravy paired with tender meat evokes a sense of warmth and homeliness, offering emotional comfort alongside its physical nourishment.

7. Low Effort, High Reward

For very little effort, Crock Pot Cube Steak delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. The use of pre-packaged soup mixes and canned soups ensures a simple ingredient list without sacrificing taste. Even novice cooks can achieve a flavorful and hearty dish with minimal kitchen skills or tools.

Crock Pot Cube Steak not only offers a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dining experience but also provides several practical benefits. From its cost-effectiveness and nutritional value to its ease of preparation and ability to cater to large groups, it’s no wonder this dish has remained a favorite in many households. Whether you’re seeking a meal for busy weeknights or looking for a classic comfort food, Crock Pot Cube Steak checks all the boxes.

Nutritious: Cube steak is a lean cut of beef, and by slow-cooking, you’re using minimal oil. The combination of soups provides a rich taste without needing heavy cream or butter, making it a lighter comfort dish.
Easy Prep: This recipe is ideal for busy days or when you need a hands-off meal. The crock pot does all the work, and you’ll have a fully cooked, flavorful meal by the end of the day.
Kid-Friendly: The tender meat and rich, creamy gravy are loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough for family dinners.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutritional Information for Crock Pot Cube Steak

The nutritional content of Crock Pot Cube Steak will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. However, here is a general breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (approximately 1 cube steak with gravy) based on typical ingredients:

Per Serving (Makes 6 servings)

Calories: 350 – 400 kcal
Protein: 28 – 32g
Fat: 18 – 22g
Saturated Fat: 8 – 10g
Carbohydrates: 15 – 18g
Sugars: 3 – 5g
Fiber: 1 – 2g
Cholesterol: 80 – 100mg
Sodium: 850 – 1200mg
Potassium: 400 – 500mg
Calcium: 30 – 50mg
Iron: 2 – 3mg

Nutritional Breakdown

Protein

Cube steak is a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and building. One serving provides a significant amount of protein, making it great for keeping you full and energized.

Fat

The total fat content can vary based on the cut of cube steak used and the soups. Although cube steak is relatively lean, some fat will come from the cream-based soups. Opting for low-fat versions of cream soups or substituting them with homemade versions can help reduce fat content.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrate content comes primarily from the cream of chicken and cream of celery soups, which may include thickening agents like flour or cornstarch. If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you can use homemade, lower-carb soup bases.

Sodium

Commercial soup mixes like Lipton Onion Soup Mix and canned soups are typically high in sodium, which is reflected in this dish’s sodium content. To lower the sodium, you can choose reduced-sodium versions of the soups or make your own blends using herbs and spices.

Vitamins and Minerals

Iron: Cube steak provides a good source of iron, which is vital for producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen in the body.
Potassium: This meal provides a moderate amount of potassium, beneficial for heart and muscle function.
Calcium: Though not a significant source of calcium, a small amount comes from the cream-based soups.

Health Considerations

For Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soups or homemade versions, and reduce the amount of the onion soup mix.
For Reduced Fat: Opt for low-fat or fat-free cream soups. You could also make a lighter gravy with chicken broth and cornstarch instead of using cream-based soups.
For Lower Carbohydrates: Use low-carb cream substitutes or thickeners (such as xanthan gum or arrowroot flour) to reduce the carbohydrate content of the dish.

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 800mg (can vary based on the soups used)

Crock Pot Cube Steak provides a hearty meal that is rich in protein and flavor but can be high in sodium and fat depending on the ingredients used. However, with simple substitutions like low-sodium and low-fat ingredients, you can easily make this comfort dish healthier while retaining its savory, comforting nature. Whether enjoyed over mashed potatoes or with a side of vegetables, it’s a dish that delivers both taste and nourishment.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Cube Steak is the kind of meal that brings families together. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly tender. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, and the rich flavors will make everyone at the table smile. Whether served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, this dish is pure comfort on a plate.

For lovers of hearty, home-cooked meals, this dish is a winner. It’s versatile enough to adjust with different vegetables or flavorings, but at its core, it’s an easy, nostalgic recipe that will quickly become a household favorite.