Cube steak and gravy made easy.
Did you know cube steak can turn into a tasty meal in just minutes? It’s a classic comfort food loved by many in America. It’s also affordable, making it perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Cube steak and gravy can be made in several ways, including using a slow cooker. It’s great for busy parents or cooking lovers. This recipe is easy to make and full of flavor.
Cube steak is amazing because it soaks up flavors well and becomes tender when cooked right. It’s cut from top round or sirloin. This budget-friendly cut can make your kitchen feel like a restaurant.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Cube steak is an affordable, versatile cut of beef
- Slow cooker method offers convenient meal preparation
- Can be cooked in under two hours on the stovetop
- Easily tenderized and packed with flavor
- Perfect for budget-conscious home cooks
What is Cube Steak: Understanding the Cut
Cube steak is a budget-friendly beef cut that turns tough meat into a tender, tasty dish. It became popular in the 1950s and is now a favorite in American kitchens. It’s great for those who want to save money but still enjoy flavorful meals.
Cube steak is ideal for different cooking methods, like crock pot bucket steak recipes. It comes from the top or bottom round of beef. A special tenderizing process makes it stand out from other beef cuts.
How Cube Steak is Made
The making of cube steak involves a unique process called jaccarding. This method breaks down tough fibers, giving the meat a distinctive cube-like texture. The steps include:
- Mechanical pounding with a specialized meat tenderizer
- Breaking down muscle fibers to improve texture
- Creating small indentations across the meat surface
Why It’s Perfect for Gravy Dishes
Cube steak’s texture is perfect for gravy-based recipes. It absorbs flavors well and stays moist when cooked right. This makes it great for crock pot bucket steak dishes that are both tender and tasty.
Nutritional Benefits
| Nutrient | Amount per 3 oz serving |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22g |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Calories | 180 |
| Iron | 2.1mg |
“Cube steak offers an affordable way to enjoy beef without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.” – Home Cooking Magazine
Despite being one of the cheapest cuts, cube steak is versatile and can be turned into many tasty dishes. Its quick cooking time is perfect for busy cooks who want to make satisfying meals fast.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cube Steak and Gravy
Making a tasty crock pot cube steak and gravy begins with picking the right ingredients. Your dish will go from basic to amazing with the right parts. These parts make the flavor and tenderness better.
For your crock pot cube steak and gravy, you’ll need these key ingredients:
- 4-6 ounces of cube steak (2-3 individual pieces)
- 1/2 package of dry onion soup mix
- 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Garlic powder
The secret to this dish is its simplicity. Cube steak’s affordability meets slow-cooker convenience, making a cheap meal that’s full of flavor.
“Good cooking is about making something delicious with just a few quality ingredients.”
When picking your cube steak, choose top round or top sirloin. These cuts are great for slow cooking, making them tender. Cooking for 6-8 hours breaks down tough fibers, making it soft and delicious.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cube Steak | 1/2 lb | Primary protein |
| Beef Broth | 1/2 cup | Moisture and flavor |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 10.5 oz | Gravy base |
Pro tip: For more flavor, try different gravy mixes like brown or mushroom gravy. Your crock pot will turn these simple ingredients into a warm, filling meal for two.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Preparing the perfect slow cooker cubed steak needs the right kitchen tools. These tools make cooking smooth and fun. The right equipment turns meal prep from hard to easy.
Recommended Cooking Vessels
Your main cooking tools for slow cooker cubed steak are key to tender, tasty results. Here are the essentials:
- 6-quart slow cooker or crock pot
- Cast iron skillet for initial searing
- Large non-stick skillet
- Dutch oven for alternative cooking methods
Tenderizing Tools
Meat tenderization is crucial for a tasty slow cooker cubed steak. Here are the tools you need:
- Meat mallet with textured surfaces
- Mechanical meat tenderizer
- Sharp kitchen knife for trimming
- Cutting board with non-slip surface
“The right tenderizing tool can turn a tough cut of meat into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.”
Measuring Equipment
When making slow cooker cubed steak, precision is key. Use these measuring tools for consistent, tasty results:
- Digital kitchen scale
- Liquid measuring cups
- Dry measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Choosing the right kitchen tools ensures a delicious slow cooker cubed steak. It will impress your family and friends.
Preparing and Seasoning Your Cube Steak
Turning a simple cube steak into a tasty meal starts with good preparation and seasoning. The flavor and texture of your steak depend on how you prepare it before cooking. Professional chefs say that the right seasoning can make this affordable meat taste as good as pricier cuts.
- Remove cube steak from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
- Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning absorption
- Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for best results
- Apply seasonings evenly on both sides of the cube steak
For a great cube steak and gravy, try these seasoning tips:
- Sprinkle salt generously to enhance meat’s natural flavors
- Crack fresh black pepper for a robust taste profile
- Optional: Add garlic powder or dried herbs for extra depth
“Great seasoning transforms an ordinary cube steak into an extraordinary meal.” – Professional Chef
The flour coating is key for a tasty gravy. Coat your seasoned cube steak in all-purpose flour. This creates a light layer that thickens your gravy and gives it a golden crust when pan-frying.
Pro tip: For more flavor, try different seasoning blends like Cajun spice or herb mixtures. This can give your cube steak and gravy a special twist.
How to Make Cube Steak and Gravy
Making delicious slow cooker cube steak needs careful steps. It’s perfect for impressing your family or trying new recipes. This guide will show you how to make tasty cube steak with great gravy.
Breading the Steak
To prepare your cube steak, start with a simple breading. This step makes the outside crispy. Here’s what to do:
- Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels
- Season with salt and black pepper
- Dredge in seasoned flour mixture
- Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping
Pan-Frying Technique
Pan-frying your cube steak needs precision. Heat a skillet to medium-high. Follow these tips:
- Add oil with a high smoke point
- Cook steaks for 2-4 minutes per side
- Aim for internal temperature of 145°F
- Avoid overcrowding the pan
Creating the Perfect Gravy
A rich, flavorful gravy makes your cube steak special. Here’s how to make a delicious sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch | 3 tablespoons |
| Cold water | 3 tablespoons |
To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water. Slowly add it to the simmering broth, stirring constantly. This will make the gravy thick and tasty.
“The secret to great gravy is patience and constant stirring.” – Culinary Wisdom
Your slow cooker cube steak is now ready to serve. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender meat. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Slow Cooker and Crock Pot Variations
Turn your classic cube steak recipe into a slow cooker masterpiece. Crock pot cube steak and gravy is easy to make. It results in a tender, flavorful meal with little effort.
Slow cooker cubed steak is simple to prepare and yields great results. The slow cooking breaks down tough fibers, making the steak tender.
“Low and slow is the secret to perfectly tender cube steak!” – Home Cooking Experts
Slow Cooker Recipe Highlights
- Total ingredients: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time:
- Low setting: 6-8 hours
- High setting: 3-4 hours
- Servings: 4-6
Nutritional Breakdown per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 254-293 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Total Fat | 14-16g |
| Carbohydrates | 5-10g |
When making crock pot cube steak and gravy, layer ingredients well. Start with onions at the bottom, then cube steaks, and finish with gravy. This method ensures even cooking and flavor.
Pro tip for slow cooker cubed steak: Don’t lift the lid during cooking. Each time you do, you’ll add extra cooking time and lose moisture. Let the slow cooker do its job!
Storage Recommendations
- Refrigerator storage: 3-5 days
- Freezer storage: Up to 3 months
Side Dish Recommendations
Finding the right side dish for your cube steak and gravy can make a big difference. The perfect side dish can make your meal even better. It adds a nice contrast in taste and texture.
Classic Pairings That Shine
Some side dishes are perfect with cube steak and gravy:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: They’re creamy and soak up the gravy well
- Egg Noodles: A classic comfort food that goes great with the steak
- Scalloped Potatoes: They’re cheesy and ready in about 30 minutes
- Roasted Corn: It’s sweet and smoky, adding color to your plate
Healthy Alternatives for the Conscious Eater
For those who want healthy sides with their cube steak and gravy, here are some options:
- Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb choice instead of mashed potatoes
- Sautéed Green Beans: Quick, light, and ready in under 20 minutes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Nutritious and cooked in just 35 minutes
- Wild Rice Salad: A fresh and healthy side dish
“The right side dish can turn a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.” – Culinary Expert
Pro tip: Try different side dishes to find your favorite with cube steak and gravy. Each one adds its own special flavor and can make your meal even better.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keeping your crock pot bucket steak fresh is key. You can enjoy it again and again. Just remember to store and reheat it right to keep its taste and texture.
Refrigerator Storage Guidelines
Store your cube steak and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for 3 to 5 days. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cool the steak completely before storing
- Use a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid
- Keep refrigerator temperature below 40°F
- Store in a single layer to maintain texture
Freezing Your Crock Pot Bucket Steak
Freezing is great for keeping it longer. Your steak can stay frozen for up to 3 months if you package it right.
- Let the steak cool completely
- Wrap tightly in freezer-safe packaging
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn
- Label with the date of storage
Reheating Techniques
Bring back the flavor of your crock pot bucket steak with these methods:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat
- Microwave: Use 60% power to prevent overcooking
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
“Proper storage and reheating can make your cube steak taste just as good as when it was first cooked!” – Culinary Expert
By using these tips, you’ll enjoy your crock pot bucket steak even more. And you’ll waste less food too.
Conclusion
Learning to cook slow cooker cube steak opens up a world of flavors. This dish is more than just a meal. It shows how traditional cooking can make affordable meat tender and tasty.
Whether you cook it in a skillet or a slow cooker, knowing the basics is key. You can adjust the recipe to fit your taste. This lets you try different seasonings and sides while keeping the dish’s heart.
Remember, cube steak is very flexible. You can change it up to match your taste. Try new seasonings, cooking methods, and sides to make it your own.
Following good cooking and safety tips will make your meal delicious. Cube steak is a classic American dish that brings joy to many. It’s simple yet rich, loved by cooks and food lovers everywhere.
