If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal, this Slow Cooker Cubed Steak with Gravy is perfect. The slow cooker tenderizes the cubed steak, while the combination of beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix creates a rich and savory gravy. This dish is ideal for busy days, as the slow cooker does most of the work. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or over egg noodles for a complete, satisfying meal. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
1 to 1.5 pounds cubed steak (about 4 to 6 pieces)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups beef broth
1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 packet onion soup mix
1 onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Cubed Steak
Season the cubed steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each piece of steak in all-purpose flour, making sure to shake off any excess. The flour will help thicken the gravy and give the steak a nice crust when seared.
Step 2: Brown the Steak
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured cubed steak to the skillet in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until each piece is browned. You’re not cooking the steaks all the way through, just giving them a nice sear for added flavor. Once browned, transfer the cubed steak to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In the same skillet used to brown the steak, add the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for a couple of minutes. In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and dried thyme (if using). Add this mixture to the beef broth in the skillet and stir until well combined. The gravy should be thick and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Pour the gravy mixture over the cubed steak in the slow cooker. If you’re using onions, scatter them on top of the steak. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cubed steak will become tender as it absorbs the rich flavors of the gravy during this time. If your gravy looks too thick at any point, you can thin it out with a little more beef broth or water.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the cubed steak from the slow cooker. Stir the gravy to make sure it’s smooth and well combined. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer with the lid off for a few minutes to thicken. Serve the cubed steak with the gravy poured generously on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice, as the starchy sides help soak up the flavorful gravy. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli for a complete meal.
Cooking Notes
- Browning the steak: While browning the steak adds extra flavor, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. However, it does enhance the overall depth of flavor.
- Cream of mushroom: You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a slightly different taste.
- Thickening the gravy: If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help thicken it.
Variations
- Add mushrooms: If you enjoy mushrooms, add sliced fresh mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions. They will blend perfectly with the gravy.
- Vegetables: You can bulk up this meal by adding root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips to the slow cooker.
- Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or thyme to customize the flavor of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use another cut of steak?
Yes, you can use round steak, sirloin steak, or even chuck roast for this recipe. Just ensure that the cut is well-marbled for tenderness, and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make this dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits, and you can easily reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked cubed steak and gravy. Simply store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dredging the steak and ensure that your soup mix is gluten-free. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version.
This Slow Cooker Cubed Steak with Gravy is a comforting, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners. The long, slow cooking process ensures the cubed steak becomes tender and the rich, savory gravy is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or noodles. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty, homemade meal that tastes like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen!
