Slow Cooker Cubed Steak: A Comforting Southern Delight
Slow Cooker Cubed Steak is a warm, hearty, and comforting dish that brings a piece of Southern tradition to your table. Tender pieces of cubed steak simmered slowly in a rich sauce, infused with flavors of onion and creamy soups, make for an easy yet satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend dinners, this recipe combines the ease of a slow cooker with the irresistible comfort of home-cooked food.
This slow-cooked dish has roots in Southern cuisine, where simplicity and bold flavors often come together. The slow cooking process allows the steak to become exceptionally tender while the sauce deepens in flavor. Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant steamed vegetables, or warm, crusty bread for an unforgettable dining experience. Let’s dive into the recipe and make this delightful meal in your own kitchen!
What is Cubed Steak?
Cubed steak is a cut of beef, usually from tougher sections like round or sirloin, that has been tenderized through pounding. This mechanical tenderizing process creates a distinctive cube-shaped pattern on the surface, giving it its name. If you can’t find cubed steak at your local grocery store, don’t worry! You can easily make your own by placing a thick cut of beef between two layers of plastic wrap and using a meat mallet to pound it to your desired tenderness.
The beauty of cubed steak is that it becomes wonderfully tender during slow cooking, absorbing the flavors of the accompanying ingredients. Its hearty nature makes it an ideal choice for a comforting, slow-cooked meal like this.
Slow Cooker Cubed Steak Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 cubed steaks (can substitute with round steak or sirloin, tenderized)
- 1 onion, sliced into rings
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- ½ can of water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the cubed steaks at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread out. The base layer of steak will absorb all the rich flavors as they cook.
Step 2: Add Onion Rings
Layer the sliced onion rings over the cube steaks. The onions will cook down and impart a sweet, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the steak.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, water, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and form a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Steak
Pour the prepared soup mixture over the cubed steaks and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring the steaks are fully covered in the sauce. This ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful during cooking.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Steak
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it on low heat. Allow the cubed steak to cook for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process will make the steak incredibly tender and allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the steak is fully cooked and tender, it’s ready to be served. You’ll notice a flavorful sauce has formed in the slow cooker, perfect for drizzling over the steak and any accompanying sides.
Recommended Sides:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, smooth texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the tender steak and its savory sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Bright, steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Use bread to soak up the delicious sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste!
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Cubed Steak
1. Use High-Quality Cubed Steak
While this recipe works well with almost any beef cut, using a high-quality cubed steak will make the dish even more tender and flavorful. If you can’t find pre-tenderized steak, don’t hesitate to tenderize your own using a meat mallet.
2. Don’t Rush the Cooking Time
Patience is key when using a slow cooker. While it may be tempting to crank up the heat and reduce cooking time, cooking the steak slowly over low heat for the full 6-8 hours is essential for achieving the perfect tenderness.
3. Customize Your Sauce
Feel free to experiment with the sauce! If you want a bit more flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or even a splash of red wine. For a slightly thicker sauce, whisk in a little cornstarch during the last hour of cooking.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Cubed Steak
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! If you can’t find cubed steak, you can use round steak, sirloin tip, or another tough cut of beef that will tenderize as it cooks. Just be sure to tenderize it yourself by pounding it with a meat mallet.
2. How can I make the dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the canned soups and the Lipton Onion Soup Mix you use are gluten-free. Many brands now offer gluten-free versions of these products.
3. Can I freeze leftover cubed steak?
Absolutely! Let the cooked steak cool completely, then transfer it (along with the sauce) to an airtight container. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a skillet or slow cooker.
4. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms can be added to the slow cooker along with the steak. Just make sure to cut them into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook through evenly.
5. What if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce turns out too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cubed Steak is the ultimate comfort food, offering tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak bathed in a savory sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this easy and flavorful dish is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!