Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Cubed Steak with Gravy is a comforting and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for a hearty family meal. This recipe features tender cube steaks cooked in a flavorful gravy made with French onion soup, cream of chicken soup, and au jus gravy mix. The slow cooker makes this dish incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making the perfect Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Cubed Steak with Gravy. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and address frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Cubed Steak with Gravy:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of French onion soup
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet of au jus gravy mix
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Layer Cube Steaks: Place the cube steaks in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the water, French onion soup, cream of chicken soup, and au jus gravy mix. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Add Gravy to Slow Cooker
- Pour Gravy: Pour the gravy mixture over the cube steaks in the slow cooker, ensuring the steaks are evenly covered.
Step 4: Cook the Steaks
- Set Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cube steaks are tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
- Stir Gravy: Before serving, stir the gravy to ensure it is well combined and smooth.
- Plate and Serve: Serve the cube steaks hot, smothered with the rich gravy. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes
- Layering: Ensure the cube steaks are in a single layer to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Thicker Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations
- Mushroom Gravy: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for a delicious mushroom gravy.
- Onion Lovers: Add a sliced onion to the slow cooker for extra onion flavor and texture.
- Garlic Herb: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the gravy mixture for a garlic herb twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use other cuts of beef instead of cube steaks?
A: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as round steak or chuck steak. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is tender.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover cube steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked cube steaks and gravy. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q4: What can I serve with Poor Man’s Cubed Steak and Gravy?
A: This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables. A side salad or dinner rolls also make great accompaniments.
Q5: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Brown the cube steaks in a skillet, then add the gravy mixture and simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the steaks are tender.
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Cubed Steak with Gravy is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender cube steaks and rich, flavorful gravy, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Follow these simple steps and tips to create a comforting and satisfying meal that your loved ones will enjoy. Serve this hearty dish with your favorite sides for a complete and delightful dining experience!