Easy Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe for a Hearty Comfort Meal
When the kitchen feels cold and hunger calls, nothing warms the soul like a classic cube steak and gravy recipe. Growing up in a small Midwestern kitchen, I watched my grandmother turn humble cube steak into a comforting meal. It could soothe even the weariest spirit.
This budget-friendly dish makes an economical cut of beef tender and mouth-watering. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just 7 minutes of prep and 2 hours of slow cooking, your slow cooker cube steak will become a family favorite that’s easy on the wallet.
Whether you’re a home cook looking for a simple meal or someone craving home-style cooking, this cube steak and gravy recipe is a winner. It promises satisfaction in every bite. Get ready to discover a classic comfort food that’s both delicious and easy to make.
Table of Contents
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a budget-friendly beef cut that’s popular in American homes. It turns tough meat into tender, flavorful dishes. This cut became famous in the 1930s and 1940s with the invention of tenderizing machines.
It’s usually made from top round or top sirloin. Butchers pound the meat to create cube-like indentations. This makes the meat tender and perfect for crock pot recipes.
Origin of Cube Steak
The cubing process was a smart way to make tough beef cuts better. Butchers used sharp blades to pierce the meat. This made it tender without raising the price.
Common Culinary Uses
- Country-fried steak
- Slow-cooker meals
- Quick-cooking dinner options
- Sandwiches and comfort food dishes
Cube steak is very versatile in cooking. Its texture is great for soaking up flavors, especially in gravy-based recipes. It’s thin, cooks fast, and is affordable compared to other beef cuts.
Ingredients Needed for Cube Steak and Gravy
Making a tasty cube steak and gravy needs the right ingredients. These ingredients add rich flavors and tender textures. Whether you’re making a classic stovetop dish or a slow cooker cubed steak, the right ingredients are key.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Dish
For a great cube steak and gravy, you’ll need these main ingredients:
- 6 cube steaks (usually from top round or top sirloin)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 2 McCormick Brown Gravy Mix packets
- 2 cups water for the gravy
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons oil or tallow for frying
Recommended Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers
Boost your cube steak and gravy with these extra seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Season All seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: Sliced mushrooms (at least 1/4 inch thick)
- Optional: Garlic powder
Your slow cooker cubed steak will become a delicious comfort meal with these ingredients. The quality of your ingredients greatly affects the taste of your dish.
Preparing the Cube Steak
Preparing cube steak is all about paying attention to the details. This cut of meat, from top round or sirloin, is about 4 ounces each. Learning how to tenderize and prepare it will make your dish stand out.
When you’re working with cube steak, focus on tenderizing and preparing it for cooking. Even though it’s pre-tenderized, extra steps can make it even better.
Tenderizing Techniques
Tenderizing cube steak is easy. Here are some ways to do it:
- Use a meat mallet to gently pound the steak
- Coat the steak in ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- Season with ½ teaspoon each of:
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Recommended Cuts and Preparation
If you can’t find cube steak, try these alternatives for your crock pot dish:
- Top round (budget-friendly option)
- Top sirloin (slightly more tender)
- Beef bottom round (economical choice)
Pro tip: Trim excess fat and make sure it’s 1/4 inch thick. This ensures it cooks evenly and tastes great.
Cooking Methods for Cube Steak
There are many ways to cook cube steak, making it a tasty meal. Learning about different cooking methods helps you get the best flavor and tenderness. This is true for both slow cooker cube steak and pan-seared versions.
Two main ways to cook cube steak are pan-searing and slow cooking. Each method has its own benefits for your cooking.
Pan-Searing Technique
Pan-searing is a fast and tasty way to cook cube steak. Here’s how to do it:
- Coat the steak lightly in seasoned flour
- Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high temperature
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side
- Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F
This method makes a nice golden-brown crust and keeps the inside tender. It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Slow-Cooking Option
Slow cooking makes cube steak incredibly tender. It’s a no-fuss way to cook tougher cuts of meat.
- Place cube steaks in the slow cooker
- Add preferred gravy mix
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F
The long cooking time makes the meat very tender. It’s so tender, it almost melts in your mouth.
Making the Gravy from Scratch
Making the perfect gravy for your cube steak is an art. It makes the whole dish better. A great slow cooker cubed steak recipe needs a rich, tasty gravy that goes well with the meat.
The best gravy starts with the pan drippings from your cube steak. Here’s how to make a delicious gravy:
- Collect pan drippings after cooking the cube steak
- Use 3 tablespoons of flour for thickening
- Incorporate 2 cups of beef broth
- Add 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon for extra depth
Basic Gravy Preparation Technique
To make a smooth gravy, whisk flour into the pan drippings. Slowly add beef broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Aim for a gravy that coats the back of a spoon smoothly.
Flavor Enhancement Tips
Make your cube steak and gravy even better with these tips:
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of Worcestershire sauce
- Sauté mushrooms for added richness
- Sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper
- Consider adding a packet of onion soup mix for extra depth
When using a slow cooker cubed steak method, you can still make an amazing gravy. Just mix the cooking liquids with your thickening agents. The secret is patience and careful seasoning to get the best flavors.
Pro tip: Let your gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes to reach the perfect thickness and develop a rich, complex taste.
With these tips, you’ll turn a simple cube steak into a memorable meal. Everyone will want seconds.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Getting the cooking time and temperature right is key to making tender, tasty slow cooker cube steak or crock pot bucket steak. The right method keeps your meat juicy and full of flavor. It also prevents it from becoming tough and overcooked.
Your cooking method will tell you the best temperature and time for cube steak. Each method needs a special approach to get the best results.
Ideal Cooking Temperature
For the best results, keep the temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is good for both pan-searing and slow cooking. When using a crock pot bucket steak method, cooking slowly helps break down the meat’s tough fibers.
Cooking Time Recommendations
- Pan-Searing: 3-4 minutes per side
- Slow Cooker: 6-8 hours on low heat
- Oven Baking: Approximately 1 hour
Nutrition and Cooking Insights
Knowing how your cooking method affects nutrition is important. A typical serving of cube steak has:
- Calories: 299 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Total Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check if your slow cooker cube steak is cooked perfectly. Aim for a tender, juicy cut that’s a pleasure to eat.
How to Serve Cube Steak and Gravy
Turning your crock pot cube steak and gravy into a memorable meal is all about preparation and presentation. The right sides and plating can make this classic dish truly stand out.
Perfect Side Dish Pairings
Your cube steak and gravy needs sides that match its rich flavors. Here are some classic options:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Fluffy white rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crispy french fries
- Baked or sweet potatoes
Vegetable Sides for Balance
Add fresh vegetable sides to balance the richness of the cube steak and gravy:
- Sautéed garlicky spinach
- Crisp green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Tender asparagus
Presentation Tips
Make your plate appealing by topping each serving with mushroom-onion gravy. Place your cube steak over your starch, making sure it’s smothered in sauce. Finish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
For dessert, try a light option like Atlantic Beach lemon pie. It’s a refreshing end to the meal.
Storing Leftovers
Keeping your tasty cube steak and gravy fresh is simple. Storing it right lets you enjoy it again and again. This way, you don’t lose any flavor or safety.
Refrigeration Best Practices
Here’s how to store your slow cooker cubed steak leftovers:
- Cool the cube steak and gravy to room temperature within 2 hours
- Store in an airtight container
- Refrigerate promptly
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety
Freezing Your Leftover Meal
Freezing is a great way to keep your cube steak and gravy longer:
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn
- Label containers with the date of storage
- Freeze for up to 3 months
Reheating Guidelines
Here’s how to reheat your leftover cube steak:
- Thaw frozen cube steak in the refrigerator overnight
- Oven method: Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
- Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
Pro tip: Slice the cube steak before storing to make reheating and portioning easier.
Variations on Cube Steak and Gravy
Changing up your cube steak and gravy recipe is a fun journey. You can try new flavors and ingredients. This way, you’ll make meals that your family will love to try.
Exciting Sauce Alternatives
There are many sauces you can use to make your cube steak and gravy better. Here are some tasty options:
- Mushroom cream sauce
- Spicy Cajun-style gravy
- Red wine reduction
- Tomato-based marinara sauce
Creative Ingredient Swaps
Make your slow cooker cube steak your own. Try these new ingredients to change your recipe:
| Original Ingredient | Creative Swap |
|---|---|
| Beef Broth | Vegetable or Mushroom Stock |
| Regular Onions | Caramelized Shallots |
| Black Pepper | Smoked Paprika |
| Traditional Gravy | Red Wine Sauce |
These changes will make your cube steak and gravy more exciting. You can adjust it to your liking or use what you have.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking cube steak and gravy needs precision and care. Many home cooks make mistakes that can ruin a delicious meal. Knowing these common errors will help you make a tender and tasty dish.
Avoiding Overcooking Your Cube Steak
Overcooking is the main reason for tough cube steak and gravy. The best cooking temperature is between 185°F and 205°F. Cooking above 205°F makes the meat tough.
- Cook cube steak for 2.5 to 3 hours for optimal tenderness
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature
- Remove steak when it reaches 155°F to allow carry-over cooking
The Critical Resting Period
Not resting the meat is a big mistake when making crock pot bucket steak. Resting allows juices to spread, making each bite moist and flavorful.
| Resting Time | Meat Size |
|---|---|
| 5-10 minutes | Thin cube steaks |
| 10-15 minutes | Thicker cuts |
“Patience transforms a good cube steak into an exceptional meal.” – Professional Chef
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll make your cube steak and gravy amazing. Remember, cooking is an art of precision and care.
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional facts of cube steak and gravy helps you choose better. This dish is a hearty meal full of protein and important nutrients.
A typical serving of cube steak and gravy has a good mix of nutrients:
- Calories: 362-447 kcal per serving
- Protein: 35-36g (great for muscle health)
- Carbohydrates: 8-13g
- Total Fat: 19-28g
Macronutrient Breakdown
The cube steak is high in protein, which helps keep muscles strong and keeps you full. It also has moderate fat, but it’s from good beef.
Healthier Cooking Alternatives
To make your cube steak and gravy healthier, try these tips:
- Choose leaner beef cuts like top sirloin
- Use less cooking oil to cut down on fat
- Use low-sodium beef stock
- Add more veggies as side dishes
With a few tweaks, you can enjoy this classic dish while keeping your diet balanced. Portion control is important when making slow cooker cubed steak.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Comfort Meal
Your journey with cube steak and gravy is just starting. This recipe is a great start to a tasty adventure. It’s perfect for busy families who want comfort and ease. You can make a delicious dinner from an affordable cut of meat with little effort.
This recipe is very flexible. You can make it for any meal, from a weeknight dinner to a weekend feast. You can add your favorite veggies or change the seasonings. It’s a great base for your cooking creativity.
This dish is easy on your wallet and simple to make. It shows that you don’t need fancy techniques or expensive ingredients for a great meal. Slow cooking makes your meals tender and flavorful, saving you time. Enjoy cooking and make this recipe your own, one delicious bite at a time.