Crock Pot Cubed Steak
Crock Pot Cubed Steak with Gravy is the ultimate no-fuss weeknight dinner recipe. They are so tender, they literally melt in your mouth!
A Budget-Friendly, Family-Friendly Dinner
This meal is not only inexpensive but it is one of those “set-it and forget-it” type meals. You can toss everything into your slow cooker and dinner will be ready when you are! With only a handful of ingredients, you can have the most delicious, comfort food ready and waiting for you by the time you get home! It’s a meal the whole family will love and you won’t even need a knife to cut it!
Hard to believe that cube steaks can be this tender, I have made several times and is great!
– Steve
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you are sensitive to salt, don’t enjoy salted food or need lower sodium for dietary restrictions, you will need to purchase lower sodium or no sodium options where possible. You can always season with salt after it has finished cooking.
You could substitute with Beef Consommé or beef broth (you will use same amounts that you would use if using canned French Onion Soup.) Again, if you need lower sodium options, purchase those instead.
It helps to have a digital crock pot. That way you can cook it for a certain amount of time so and then set it to automatically go to a keep-warm setting. That would be ideal for this recipe.
This is where the crock pot comes in. Using a slow cooker so the meat can slowly cook in gravy will produce cubed steak that you can cut with a fork.
No. If you want the most tender cubed steak, it needs to only be cooked on low.
I serve this cubed steak and gravy with my Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes and smother it in the gravy. You could also serve with rice or egg noodles. For vegetable options, try Italian Green Beans, Bacon Garlic Green Beans or Maple Glazed Carrots.
Cubed steaks come from the cow’s shoulder which is a tough cut of meat since the cow is constantly using its shoulder. The more a cow uses a certain area of its body, the more that area will become tough. Cubed steak is run through a meat tenderizer (which gives it all those tiny little holes) to help make it just a bit more tender.
Yes but make sure you have a large enough crock pot.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing.
Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below For The Full Recipe)
- au jus gravy mix – if you can’t find this in a lower sodium option, substitute it for some low sodium brown gravy mix.
- cream of chicken soup – as I stated above, please be aware of your own sensitivities or aversion to salt/sodium. Use low or no sodium options where possible. Cream of mushroom can also be used.
- French onion soup – the same applies for this soup. If necessary, use low or no sodium options.
- cubed steaks – This recipe works for 4 cubed steaks. Anything more and you will want to use a larger crock pot and also double the recipe.
- cornstarch and water – this is to make a cornstarch slurry to thicken up the gravy. If you don’t want a thicker gravy, then just skip this step.
How To Make Crock Pot Cube Steak
In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, combine cream of chicken soup, French Onion soup, packet of au jus and water. Stir well. Put cubed steak in slow cooker with gravy mixture.
Move the steaks around to coat them with the gravy. Cover slow cooker and cook steak on low.
After cooking, it’s time to thicken gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water. Stir mixture into crock pot. You do not need to remove the cubed steaks to do this unless you find it easier to whisk it in. I would put the cubed steaks back in the pot as soon as you’ve mixed it in. Turn the setting to high and cook until gravy is thickened.
Then serve with your favorite sides.
Craving More Recipes?
- Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
- Crock Pot Swiss Steak
- Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Crock Pot Round Steak
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef
- Chicken Fried Steak
- Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
- Stovetop Mashed Potatoes
- Crock Pot Lasagna
- Crock Pot Meatloaf
- Crock Pot Pork Loin
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
- Swiss Steak
- Stick of Butter Rice
Crock Pot Cubed Steak
Ingredients
- 10.75 ounce can cream of chicken soup (see notes below about low or no sodium)
- 10.5 ounce can French onion soup (see notes below about low or no sodium)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (see notes below)
- ½ cup water
- 4 cubed steaks
To thicken gravy:
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, combine 10.75 ounce can cream of chicken soup, 10.5 ounce can French onion soup, 1 packet au jus gravy mix and 1/2 cup water. Stir well.
- Put 4 cubed steaks into gravy mixture and make sure it is coated well.
- Cover slow cooker and cook steak on low for 6-8 hours.NOTE: I don’t recommend cooking on high. See cooking notes below.
- After cooking, it's time to thicken gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 Tablespoons cornstarch and 3 Tablespoons cold water. Stir mixture into crock pot. You do not need to remove the cubed steaks to do this unless you find it easier to whisk it in. I would put the cubed steaks back in the pot as soon as you've mixed it in.
- Turn the setting to high and cook for 30 minutes (until gravy is thickened.) Then serve!
Video
Notes
- If you don’t want to use French Onion Soup you could substitute with low sodium Beef Consommé or Beef Broth.
- I don’t recommend cooking on high. Cubed steaks are a tougher cut of meat and they really need that low and slow cooking time to be tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Originally published: January 2012
Updated photos & republished: March 2024
Just finished a sample off the crock pot. I'm still partial to the white/mushroom gravy style my mom and grandmother make, but this one is a solid alternative with a very different flavor (the onion and au jus being the drivers) certainly worth mixing in to change things up from time to time. Thanks!
I just put this in the slow cooker but have a question. My cube steaks equaled 6 patties. The gravy didn't quite cover them so I added 1 extra can of water. Do you think I should do anything else? The gravy already seems quite thick before cooking so I'm worried it will cook down too much after 6 hours. What do you think? Thank you!
Hi! This recipe is the best. My parents are coming to visit and I'm making this! How much meat would you recommend for 6 people? Thank you for this great recipe! Laurie
Holy guacamole is this good! I have made this several times actually and it turns out 100% awesome each and every time. I've served it over egg noodles and mashed potatoes and both were fabulous. That gravy is to die for!
Thank you so much for posting so many amazing recipes, I have yet to try a bad one!
This looks sooooo good but I have a question can I use somthing else instead of the cream soup due to the fact my son is highly allergic to milk and all creamed soups contain milk….
Hi Tammy! I wish I had a good answer but I'm really not sure. I would say use some sort of soy based product but I don't know how well it would hold up in the crock pot. Maybe someone on here might have a good suggestion for you!
Hello Tammy – Google "substitute for creamed soup in recipes" for some great ideas
When I don’t have cream soup I have used beef broth, kitchen bouquet and Cornstarch with water to thicken.
I did cooked this for my family last night and I must say from myself and the family… KUDOS!!!!! I've never seen cubed steak as form tender before. I loved it and will put this in rotation of the "go to" meals for sure.
Is this something could cooked ahead and frozen to reheat?
I've never actually tried that, I'm sorry. So I don't have a good answer. If you do try it, please let me know!
I always add a liitle bit of leftover morning coffee to brown gravy sauces, It darkens the color and deepens the flavor
It's a snowy day here in Colorado, and I have this cooking in the crock pot today. Can't wait to dig in later! I'll be making mashed potatoes and the butter dip biscuits to go with it. YUMMY!
I have this in the crockpot now. Been cooking it since 6am. Ohhhh man, it smells heavenly!! In about an hour I will be putting in dried egg noodles. Can't wait to try this! Oh i added 2 cans of drained mushrooms too.
making this tonight! looks so yummy in the slow cooker now.
are there different cuts of cube steak? i was going to make this but the cube steak here is like paper thin. pounded with a malet looking.
About how many servings does this recipe yield?
This looks amazing! Thank u! I am always looking for new yummy recipes for my large family!!!
Hi. I think this sounds wonderful. I was wondering can you cook it on high for 4-5 hours and get the same result? Thanks
Kmona – I'm sure you could. Not all crock pots are made equal these days. Some of them (especially newer models) get so hot and they can actually cook food so fast that it doesn't have time to get tender (like you would get from slower cooking).
SO glad you enjoyed this one!! Cube steak is such a budget-friendly meat too so it's nice to have other ways to make it!! I appreciate y'all taking the time to let me know how it turned out for you!!
O.M.G. another great recipe, you def have another follower! I figured to try this recipe since my 1st recipe w/ you was the Banana Puddin Poke Cake & was an instant hit, & u def didn't let anyone in this household down this time either. I have been looking for SOOOOO long another way esp. w/ the slowcooker on how to cook cube steak, don't get me wrong I love the traditional fried way but just wanted something different but not complicated. I def suggest to go with the low sodium idea, we're big salt eaters in the house(sadly) & almost always have to salt everything even after it's been "seasoned" but this I didn't have do anything but add a lil bit more pepper for my taste. It was sooooo perfect & tender a def must repeat. I did double this recipe & did a can each of cream of mushroom & cream of chicken soups, added some sliced onions(b/c DH absolutely loves onions), & added a few dashes of pepper. Looking forward to trying your other dishes!! 😀
Can't wait to try this. Looks yummy. We have always eaten cube steak – fried of course – we are in the South – lol. What would be a good substitute for the French Onion Soup? If I leave it out how would it effect the flavor? My dad cant' eat onions, but still want to try this.
Maybe try cream of mushroom in it's place…
LeAnn, please try Beef Consomme soup instead of the french onion.
I have made wonderful dishes with it! 🙂
Ok, YUM. Not a weekly meal due to sodium but so easy, flavorful, and aromatic! I was so distracted when assembling it I couldn't remember if I'd already added a can of water so I tossed in one half of a can just in case. Delicious and will definitely make again.
-Ginge
My family really enjoyed this recipe. They requested that it be added to my "Tried and True" recipe book.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jen!! It just thrills me to bits to know your husband enjoyed this recipe. And you are so sweet to want to make some good meals for him!! I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to let me know how this came out for you. Big hugs to you both!
All I got is- OMG!!!! Made these today- something different for my husband. He is very very ill & I have been trying new things out!!! He loved it- could even cut the meat all by himself!!! The only thing I changed was the cube steak to chicken fried steak. My butcher said that cube would fall apart because they tenderize twice & only once for chicken fried. I made mashed potatoes & all day green beans- my way of cooking canned ones. He wants again & I am so happy I have found your blog-
Hi Bill, thanks for your comment! I definitely recommend low sodium items for this and also adding one can of water. The gravy is the best part of this. I think, also, some of the newer crock pots run at a higher temperature so the gravy reduces down quickly. If you find that is the case, add in another can of water to help with the thickness. Hope that helps!
Overall the cubed steak was really good, but I do have a question. The gravy was really thick, rich and too salty. Although the recipe doesn't indicate it, should I have mixed a can of water with each of the condensed soups? Other comments suggest using the low sodium versions for less salt. Thanks for any advice.
By the way, I used a bottom round roast that was trimmed by the butcher. It was cut into 1/2" thick slices and cubed twice, resulting in 1/4" steaks. I also browned the steaks in a cast iron skillet before adding to the slow-cooker.
This was a very good recipe and I will make it again. I can't stress enough that Low Sodium soups should be used. I thought I could get away with using the regular ones, but it was WAY too salty. I, too, took the meat out and put a bag of egg noodles to cook in the sauce for about 20 minutes. A very tasty dish! Thank you for posting!
This recipe looks wonderful! I'd love it if you submitted it to us here at Gooseberry Patch for possible inclusion in a new slow cooker cookbook. Just follow the link for simple directions! Thanks!
Hi Cari! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how it turned out for you! I'm SO happy to hear that y'all enjoyed it! Yay!!
I tried this recipe out for supper tonight! It was heavenly!!! When the meat was finished I just threw a bag of egg noodles in the crock pot and let them cook in the beef gravy. They turned out great! And so easy! We will certainly be making this one again! Thank you so much for sharing it!
I grew up eating cube steak. My mom would make a brown gravy and add sauteed onions. She would brown the meat. Then she would simmer it for maybe an a hour or 2.
My husband calls this farm food and loves it! I haven't made it in years.
Have you noticed that the price of cube steak isn't inexpensive in the grocery stores?!
MMMmmm…I cannot wait to try this! Looks so simple and delish! Thanks so much for sharing!
Popping in from Gooseberry Patch, nice to meet you!
Much Love & Blessings,
ESTHER
http://www.oursimplecountrylife.com
This was great. Love crock pot cooking. In the heat of July and can still have good old comfort food. Thanks ffor sharing this recipe.
Oh wow! I've been making this wrong all these years!
My family makes this simply with the steak and the cream soup. I never thought about adding all the extras for some extra good flavoring!
I will definitely be making this one. Thank you! 🙂
I don't use my slow cooker nearly enough! This looks like some down home type of slow cooking. Awesome! Thanks for sharing! And keep them coming honey!
I do love me some slow cooker… and some gravy! This looks like a good dinner 🙂
I'm with you on the gravy, Brandie!
This looks delicious!
Holy Cannoli Recipes
I will have to give this a try, love to use the slow cooker on hot days and on sunday. Thanks for sharing.
That was so sweet of you to invite my daughter, Rhondi to visit and share a recipe on your blog. About this crock pot recipe, It looks so good and would be easy for me to make since I work full time. Rhondi bought me a crock pot for Christmas a few years back, but unfortunately it's in storage with all of my other great cooking utensils. Love your blog!!
Donna Stiles
Cube steak is not my favorite cut of meat, so unlike most Texans I do not like chicken fried steak. The main reason is that it is so tough. Preparing it as you suggested just might get me to like it-thanks for sharing.
This looks like an easy and delicious comforting meal! I added it to my menu plan for August! YUM!
Now that is a country meal.
I grew up loving cube steaks. The husband? Not so much. Maybe your slow-cooker goodness can help me talk him into giving cube steaks a try. 😉 Thanks, Bran!
OMG!! That looks amazing! I too am a fan of the crock pot it is the best invention ever 🙂
I too will be adding this to my menu.
Sounds like a meal to keep a family VERY happy – thanks!
Mary
Wow. My family would love love love, did I say love….this recipe. It looks fantastic and is made in my fav applicance too. The crockpot. I knew we were kindred spirits (Tammie). Come over and visit us today. We have a great grilled fuit recipe.
I have never made cube steak before. I didn't know what to do with it. But I am so going to make this!! love a good crock pot recipe!
You can also fry it like fried chicken then make white gravy to serve over it. Really good with mash potatoes and biscuits.
The only way my mom cooked cube steak was to dredge it in flour and fry it up. So yummy! We would dredge the steak in some egg wash and then flour and fry it up in a skillet with about an inch of oil. Fry it until it's golden brown and cooked through. To make the gravy we would take out just enough of the oil to leave a couple or 3 tablespoons of oil and then put flour in the oil until it makes a paste (slurry). Pour a 1/4 cup of milk at a time in the pan stirring constantly until it was thick.
The cube steak is the beginning to a hearty meal. My mama prepared this for us when we were under her roof. I have yet to try my hand at it. I need to now to have a taste of home again. Looks so delicious and my stomach is growling over this one. Yummy!
Oh my! Cube steak was one of my mom's staple meals when I was younger. I bet you we have it at least 2 times a month…We never had it with gravy, but that suuuuuure does look mighty tasty!
oh my mom made the best cube steak and cream gravy…always with mashed potatoes….YUM
I heartily agree that the slow cooker is one great tool . . . even in the heat of summer, especially in the heat of a busy summer day. I'll be trying this. (Another appliance that ranks right up there is my immersion blender.)
I'd like to start out by saying I have followed this recipe through Pinterest. Sadly, my boyfriend is allergic to onion. All the recipes on pinterest including this one calls for onion soup. But it suggest cream of mushroom, which he does not like mushrooms. But will eat them if they are small….which are in the condensed soup. I think the au jus and brown gravy will cover the lil bit of mushroom. Thank you for allowing me to let my b/f have cube steak again. I've never cooked the old fashion way,it always intimidated me. But crock pot I'm a ole' pro at thank you. I know it will be flavorful and tender.
I made this and we really enjoyed it!
We made this and loved it!
I made this with cream of chicken, cream of celery, and tenderized chicken cutlets
it was wonderful oh sorry added 1/2 an onion and a couple of cloves of garlic
I use cream of mushroom, my husband does not like mushrooms either. But, will eat in a recipe. No onion, no problem, make this your own, to your own taste. I have a problem with so much salt, so I water it down some????
I made this recipe using Beefy Mushroom as I didn’t have Au Jus gravy mix. Yummy!