SLOW COOKER CUBE STEAKS WITH GRAVY

In search of a hearty and comforting meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Cube Steaks with Gravy recipe. Bursting with savory flavors and tender textures, this dish promises to be a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

6 beef cube steaks (approximately 4 ounces each)

1 tablespoon canola oil

3 cups water, divided

1 envelope reduced-sodium brown gravy mix

1 envelope mushroom gravy mix

1 envelope onion gravy mix

Hot mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or cooked noodles

Instructions:

Prep the Slow Cooker: Begin by spraying the inside of a 3-5 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place the thinly sliced onions in the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the dish.

Coat the Cube Steaks: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the cube steaks to the bag a few at a time, shaking until they are completely coated with the flour mixture. This step ensures that each steak is perfectly seasoned and develops a delicious crust during cooking.

Brown the Steaks: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the coated cube steaks to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on each side. This step not only adds color and flavor to the steaks but also helps to seal in their juices.

Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Once browned, transfer the cube steaks to the slow cooker, arranging them on top of the sliced onions. Pour 2 cups of water over the steaks and onions, ensuring that they are fully submerged. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 8 hours, allowing the steaks to become tender and infused with flavor.

Prepare the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, mushroom gravy mix, and onion gravy mix with the remaining 1 cup of water. This rich and savory gravy mixture will elevate the dish to new heights. Pour the gravy over the cube steaks in the slow cooker, cover, and continue to cook on Low for an additional 30 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is complete, serve the slow cooker cube steaks with gravy over hot mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or noodles. The tender meat smothered in flavorful gravy is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Related Recipes:

• Gravy Guide: Origins & Varieties
• Sausage Gravy Recipe
• Biscuits & Gravy Casserole

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the plated dish for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Add a Side of Vegetables: Pair your Slow Cooker Cube Steaks with a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or buttery corn for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
3. Experiment with Side Dishes: While mashed potatoes, rice, and noodles are classic accompaniments, don’t hesitate to get creative. Try serving the steaks with creamy polenta, quinoa, or even a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
4. Serve with a Salad: Balance out the richness of the dish by serving it alongside a crisp and refreshing salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The contrast in flavors and textures will enhance the overall dining experience.
5. Family-Style Dining: Place the slow cooker directly on the table and let everyone help themselves. This communal dining approach adds a sense of warmth and conviviality to the meal.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: If you have more leftovers than you can consume within a few days, consider freezing them for future meals. Place the cooled steaks and gravy in a freezer-safe container or resealable bags, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, the dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
3. Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or beef broth to prevent the meat from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
4. Revitalize the Gravy: If the gravy thickens upon refrigeration, simply whisk in a little water or beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper before reheating.

With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor payoff, Slow Cooker Cube Steaks with Gravy is the ultimate comfort food recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply craving a cozy meal, this dish delivers satisfaction with every bite. Give it a try and experience the joy of slow-cooked goodness in your own home.

📖 Recipe