Crock Pot Cube Steak

By Lily | Last modified on Mar 15, 2026

Featured in: Main Dishes

There is something wonderfully comforting about a slow-cooked meal that fills your home with rich aroma and offers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This Crock Pot Cube Steak dish combines tender cube steak with a luscious creamy mushroom gravy, simmered all day to perfect softness. Ideal for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful dinner waiting for you at the end.

Slow cooking allows the savory onion and mushroom flavors to blend beautifully with the seasonings and creamy sauce, creating a savory meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It’s an easy and satisfying way to enjoy cube steak that’s juicy and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow cooking makes the cube steak incredibly tender and juicy.
The creamy mushroom gravy is rich, flavorful, and comforting.
Simple ingredients come together for a fuss-free, hands-off meal.
Perfect to serve with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes or noodles.

Ingredients

Large Onion: Thinly sliced to slowly caramelize and bring a natural sweetness to the dish during cooking.
Cremini or Baby Bella Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add earthiness and depth to the creamy gravy.
Cube Steak (1½ to 2 pounds): Tenderized beef cuts that will become melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
Onion Soup Mix: Flavorful seasoning blend that enhances the savory aspect of the gravy.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): Provides a creamy base for the mushroom gravy, adding richness and texture.
Water (1 cup): Helps thin the soup mixture so it simmers perfectly over the meat and vegetables.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and balances the flavor of the dish.
Seasoned Salt (½ teaspoon): Used sparingly to avoid over-salting since the onion soup mix contains salt.
Minced Garlic (2 teaspoons): Adds an aromatic pungency that complements the mushrooms and onion.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water): Used at the end to thicken the gravy into a luscious consistency.

Instructions

Arrange onions and mushrooms in slow cooker: Slice the onion and mushrooms and place them evenly at the bottom of the 6-quart slow cooker. This layering allows the vegetables to slowly caramelize and release their flavors as they cook, serving as a flavorful base for the steak.
Add cube steak on top of vegetables: Place the cube steak over the onion and mushrooms in a single or layered arrangement. Positioning the meat on top ensures it cooks slowly in the savory steam and absorbs all the delicious flavors from beneath.
Prepare and pour soup mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, water, black pepper, seasoned salt, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture evenly over the cube steak, coating all pieces to infuse the meat with rich taste during cooking.
Slow cook on low or high: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours. Cooking low and slow breaks down the tough fibers in the cube steak, resulting in a tender, flavorful meal that’s ready when you are.
Thicken gravy with cornstarch slurry: About 30 to 60 minutes before the cooking time ends, whisk cornstarch with water and stir it into the crock pot. Turn the cooker to high if on low to help the gravy thicken, creating a smooth, creamy sauce to coat the steak beautifully.
Serve warm with sides: Once the gravy is thickened and the meat tender, serve the cube steak hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an inviting family-style dinner that comforts and satisfies.

You Must Know

Onions need the full slow cooking time to caramelize perfectly and melt into the gravy.
Avoid adding extra salt beyond the specified amount to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
The longer you cook the cube steak, the more tender it becomes; 6 hours at high or 8 hours at low is ideal.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the gravy.

Serving Suggestions

This crock pot cube steak pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the gravy. For a complete meal, add a side of roasted green vegetables or a crisp salad for freshness.

Professional Tips

Slice onions thin and evenly for consistent caramelization throughout cooking.
Use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for their rich flavor and robust texture.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase cornstarch slurry slightly but add gradually to avoid lumps.

FAQs

Can I freeze crock pot cube steak?: Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of cube steak?: Top round or sirloin steak can be used but may require adjusted cooking times to become tender.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?: Yes, you can use the slow cook or pressure cook setting, but timing and liquid amounts may need adjustment.
Is this dish gluten-free?: Check that the onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup are gluten-free, or use gluten-free alternatives.
How do I know when cube steak is done?: The cube steak is done when it’s fork-tender and easy to shred, usually after 6 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
Can I add other vegetables?: Yes, carrots or bell peppers can be added but may change the cooking time slightly.
What sides go best with crock pot cube steak?: Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables are excellent choices to complement this dish.