There’s something deeply comforting about a slow cooker meal that quietly does its thing while you go about your day. Crock Pot Cubed Steak is one of those classic dishes that brings back memories of cozy weeknights and big family dinners. I first started making this on busy weekdays when I needed a warm meal waiting for me by the time I walked through the door. One bite of that fork-tender steak smothered in rich gravy, and it became a regular in my rotation.
This is the kind of recipe that reminds you how a few simple ingredients can create something that feels like it’s been simmering in a family kitchen for hours. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and every bit as comforting as it looks.
Why I Love This Crock Pot Classic
What makes this dish special for me is how it turns an inexpensive cut of meat into something melt-in-your-mouth tender. Cubed steak on its own can be tough, but after a long, slow cook in a rich, savory gravy, it transforms completely. The sauce soaks into every inch of the meat, and the aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks is reason enough to make it.
There’s no rushing here — this is a set-it-and-walk-away kind of recipe. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a pot of tender steak and thick, flavorful gravy waiting for you. On nights when I want something hearty but don’t have the energy to stand over the stove, this is my go-to.
Tips That Make It Even Better
Over time, I’ve picked up a few habits that really bring out the best in this dish:
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Layer the steaks into the gravy well. I move them around with a spoon to make sure every piece gets coated early on. That helps the flavor soak in evenly.
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Keep the heat on low. Cubed steak needs slow, gentle cooking to turn soft and tender. High heat will only make it tough.
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If you prefer a smoother gravy, whisk the soups together really well before adding the steaks. It makes the texture richer once it’s cooked.
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When thickening with cornstarch at the end, I whisk the slurry smooth and stir it into the slow cooker right alongside the meat. It thickens beautifully without needing an extra pot.
I still remember the first time I made this and doubted whether something so simple could taste so good. By the time I opened the lid, the gravy had thickened just right, and the steaks practically fell apart when I picked them up with a fork.
Make Ahead Tips That Save Time
This is one of those recipes that works beautifully if you prep a few things the night before. I sometimes mix up the gravy ingredients in a container, cover it, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, all I have to do is pour it into the crock pot, lay in the steaks, and switch it on.
If you want to make it even easier, pre-season the steaks lightly and keep them wrapped in the fridge overnight. The flavors settle in nicely, and the next day requires almost no effort.
Serving Suggestions I Swear By
For me, nothing beats serving this crock pot cubed steak over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks into the potatoes, and every bite feels like comfort on a plate. It’s also fantastic over buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice.
If you want to round out the meal, green beans, roasted carrots, or simple corn on the cob pair perfectly. Some nights, I’ll make garlic green beans on the side — that fresh crunch balances the richness of the gravy just right.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers store really well in the fridge for up to three days. I keep the meat and gravy together in an airtight container. When reheating, I warm it slowly on the stove over low heat so the gravy stays smooth and the meat stays tender.
I usually avoid freezing it, as the texture of the gravy can change, but if I have to store it for a short time, I make sure to thaw and reheat gently to keep everything silky.
FAQs
Can I make this less salty?
Yes. Use low-sodium versions of the soups and gravy mixes. You can always add a pinch of salt at the end if needed.
Can I substitute French onion soup?
Beef consommé or beef broth works just as well. Just keep the liquid measurements the same.
Can I cook it longer than 8 hours?
Yes, but if you have a crock pot with a “keep warm” function, that’s the best way to avoid overcooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Just layer everything evenly so the steaks cook through properly.
What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes are my favorite, but rice or egg noodles work well too. Add a simple green vegetable to balance the richness.
Crock Pot Cube Steak
This crock pot cubed steak is pure comfort food. The slow cooking makes the steaks melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the rich, flavorful gravy is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles
Ingredients
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup water
- 4 cubed steaks
To Thicken the Gravy
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, au jus gravy mix, and water until smooth.
- Place the cubed steaks into the mixture, turning them over gently so they’re fully coated in the gravy base.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, until the steaks are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- To thicken the gravy, stir together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker (you can leave the steaks in or remove them temporarily if that’s easier).
- Turn the heat setting to high and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
- Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and spoon that rich gravy generously over the top.
Notes
- For a lower-sodium version, choose low- or no-sodium soups and gravy mix, then season to taste.
If you prefer, you can substitute the French onion soup with beef consommé or beef broth. - This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 452Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 97mgSodium 1155mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 31g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
Crock Pot Cubed Steak is one of those meals that proves you don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated techniques to make something wonderful. It’s warm, hearty, and feels like the kind of food families gather around.
I’ve made this for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and family get-togethers, and it never disappoints. The best part is lifting that lid at the end of the day and finding dinner already done — tender steak and gravy ready to serve. That’s the kind of kitchen win I’ll take any day.
