How to Make Delicious Cubed Steak Crockpot Perfectly Tender

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty meal that practically cooks itself, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share my favorite Cubed Steak Crockpot Recipe with you! This dish is not only perfect for those busy weeknights but also a fantastic way to impress your family with minimal effort. If you’re looking for quick family dinners that are both delicious and satisfying, this recipe is a must-try! Plus, it pairs beautifully with a side of Creamy Cucumber Salad or Cucumber Vinegar Salad for a refreshing touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
• Incredibly tender meat: The slow cooking process makes the cubed steak melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Rich and creamy mushroom gravy: A delicious sauce that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
• Perfect for leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Cubed Steak Crockpot dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 600g – 750g (approx. 1.5 lbs) beef cubed steak (tenderized round steak or chuck eye steak works well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (approx. 200g) sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter sauce)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (cornflour)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delightful dish:

1. Pat the cubed steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Optional Browning Step (Highly Recommended!): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned cubed steak in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. This adds a fantastic depth of flavor to the finished dish. Transfer browned steak to the slow cooker.
3. If skipping browning: Just place the seasoned raw cubed steak directly into the slow cooker.
4. Layer the thinly sliced onion and sliced mushrooms over the steak in the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic on top.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, heavy cream (or milk), cornstarch, and Worcestershire sauce until completely smooth and no lumps remain. This creates a slurry that will thicken your gravy.
6. Pour the gravy base over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the dried thyme.
7. Stir gently to combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
8. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
9. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork. The cook time will vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and steak thickness.
10. Once the steak is tender, give the gravy a good stir. It should have thickened considerably. If you prefer it thicker, you can: Remove the lid, turn the slow cooker to HIGH, and cook for another 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, remove some liquid to a small saucepan, whisk in an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water, simmer until thickened, then return to the slow cooker.
11. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
12. Ladle the fork-tender Smoky Cubed Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
13. Serve hot and prepare for a chorus of compliments!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Cubed Steak Crockpot turns out perfectly every time:

• For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the gravy base.
• Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms for varied textures and flavors.
• If you’re short on time, you can skip the browning step, but I highly recommend it for the best flavor.
• Pair this dish with easy pasta recipes like creamy garlic pasta for a delightful twist!

How to Serve

This Cubed Steak Crockpot dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal.
• With rice or quinoa for a wholesome option.
• On top of egg noodles for a delicious twist.
• Serve with a side of Cucumber Tomato Salad for a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat!

So, there you have it! A delicious, comforting, and easy Cubed Steak Crockpot recipe that will surely become a family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much you love it!