Crock Pot Cube Steak: Tender and Delicious
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a delicious, home-cooked meal. The aroma fills the air, and the anticipation of a satisfying dinner builds. One dish that never fails to impress is Crock Pot Cube Steak. This recipe is not only easy to make but also results in tender, flavorful steak that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make this delectable Crock Pot Cube Steak.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of cube steak
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
Steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Cube Steak
Start by preparing the cube steak. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to incorporate all the spices. Then, take each piece of cube steak and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
Step 2: Brown the Steak
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the dredged cube steaks and brown them on both sides. This step helps seal in the flavors and adds a nice caramelized crust to the steak. It should take about 2 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the cube steaks from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Crock Pot
Now it’s time to prepare your trusty Crock Pot. Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the Crock Pot. They will create a flavorful base for the cube steaks. Next, place the browned cube steaks on top of the onions and garlic, arranging them in a single layer.
Step 4: Add the Liquid
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the cube steaks in the Crock Pot. The liquid will help keep the steaks moist and infuse them with rich flavors as they cook. Ensure that the steaks are mostly covered by the liquid, but not completely submerged.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on the Crock Pot and set it to low heat. Allow the cube steaks to cook for 6-8 hours, or until they are tender and easily break apart with a fork. The slow cooking process will work its magic, transforming tough cube steaks into tender and flavorful pieces of meat.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Once the cube steaks are cooked to perfection, it’s time to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until the cornstarch is dissolved. Slowly pour this mixture into the Crock Pot, stirring gently to incorporate it into the sauce. Let the sauce cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high heat, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Variations:
Crock Pot Cube Steak is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Mushroom Gravy:
Add sliced mushrooms to the Crock Pot along with the onions and garlic. The mushrooms will add an earthy flavor and create a delicious gravy.
2. Spicy Kick:
If you like your food with a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the liquid mixture before pouring it over the cube steaks.
3. Herb Infusion:
Enhance the flavors of the dish by adding your favorite herbs to the Crock Pot. Rosemary, thyme, or oregano can add a delightful aroma and taste.
Tips:
Here are a few tips to ensure your Crock Pot Cube Steak turns out perfectly:
1. Choose Quality Cube Steak:
Look for cube steaks that are well-marbled and have a good thickness. This will ensure that they stay moist and tender during the slow cooking process.
2. Don’t Skip the Browning:
Browning the cube steaks before adding them to the Crock Pot adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get by skipping this step. It’s worth the extra effort!
3. Adjust the Seasonings:
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. If you prefer more or less spice, adjust the amount of black pepper and cayenne pepper accordingly.
4. Serve with Mashed Potatoes:
Crock Pot Cube Steak pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes. The rich sauce from the dish complements the potatoes perfectly.
Conclusion:
Crock Pot Cube Steak is a foolproof recipe that delivers tender and delicious results every time. The slow cooking process allows the cube steaks to become incredibly tender, while the flavorful sauce infuses them with a richness that is hard to resist. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different cut of meat?
A: While cube steak is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts of beef. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and tenderness of the meat.
Q: Can I cook this recipe on high heat?
A: Yes, you can cook the Crock Pot Cube Steak on high heat for a shorter duration, typically around 4-5 hours. However, the longer, slow cooking time on low heat allows the flavors to develop more fully and results in a more tender steak.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Crock Pot Cube Steak freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label and date the containers, and they will be ready to enjoy as a quick and convenient meal later on.
With this detailed recipe for Crock Pot Cube Steak, you have all the information you need to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. So, get ready to savor the tender and flavorful steak that awaits you. Happy cooking!
