Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes | Yield: Serves 4 people
There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of tender beef simmering away in your slow cooker. Growing up, my grandmother would prepare this exact dish on Sunday afternoons, filling the house with the most incredible savory scents. Now, whenever I make this Slow Cooker Cubed Steak, it instantly transports me back to those cozy family gatherings where love was measured in spoonfuls of rich, homemade gravy.
This recipe has become my go-to solution for busy weekdays when I want to serve something special without the stress. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just a few minutes of prep in the morning, and by evening, you’ll have fork-tender beef that practically melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Effortless Elegance: While this dish tastes like you’ve been cooking all day, the actual hands-on time is minimal. After a quick sear and some simple prep work, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
Budget-Friendly Comfort: Cubed steak is an affordable cut that transforms into something extraordinary when given time to slow-cook. Furthermore, this recipe feeds a family of four generously without breaking the bank.
Foolproof Results: Even novice cooks can master this recipe. The slow cooking process is incredibly forgiving, making it nearly impossible to overcook or ruin the dish.
Versatile Base: This hearty main course pairs beautifully with countless side dishes, allowing you to customize your meal based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Components
- 5 Beef Cube Steaks
- 2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Black Pepper to taste
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup Vegetable Oil
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 Bell Pepper, sliced
- 1 Yellow Onion, sliced
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 10.5 ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 Beefy Onion Soup Mix Packet
Perfect Serving Companions
Consider pairing this dish with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or crusty dinner rolls to soak up every drop of that incredible gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
- Prepare the seasoned flour: Combine the all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt on a large plate. Mix thoroughly and set aside for dredging the steaks.
- Season the meat: Generously season both sides of each cube steak with the remaining seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Press the seasonings gently into the meat to ensure they adhere well.
Cooking Process
- Dredge and sear: Coat each seasoned steak in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the floured steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Transfer the seared steaks to a plate.
- Create the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, and cream of mushroom soup until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
Final Assembly
- Layer in the slow cooker: Pour the prepared sauce into your slow cooker. Carefully arrange the seared steaks in the sauce, then add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Gently stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Slow cook to perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef becomes fork-tender and easily shreds.

Serving Suggestions
Transform this hearty dish into a complete meal by serving it over your favorite starch. Creamy mashed potatoes create the perfect canvas for the rich gravy, while fluffy white rice absorbs every delicious drop. Additionally, buttered egg noodles offer a comforting, home-style presentation that’s sure to please the whole family.
For a lighter option, consider serving the cubed steak alongside steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. The contrast between the tender meat and crisp vegetables creates a well-balanced plate.
Recipe Variations
Mushroom Lover’s Version
Add 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms along with the bell peppers and onions. This enhancement creates an even richer, more earthy flavor profile.
Spicy Kick Variation
Incorporate a diced jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their comfort food.
Herb-Crusted Option
Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and sage into the seasoned flour for an aromatic herb crust that elevates the dish’s complexity.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is incredibly meal-prep friendly. You can season and sear the steaks the night before, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Similarly, prepare the sauce mixture in advance and keep it chilled.
For even greater convenience, assemble the entire dish in your slow cooker insert the evening before. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then simply place the insert into your slow cooker base the next morning and start cooking.
Leftover cubed steak keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
Important Notes
Searing matters: While it adds a few extra minutes to your prep time, searing the steaks before slow cooking develops crucial flavor compounds that make this dish exceptional. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
Liquid levels: Ensure there’s enough liquid in your slow cooker to prevent burning. The combination of broth and cream soup should adequately cover the bottom and partially cover the steaks.
Temperature check: If you’re unsure about doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F for food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cube steaks? Yes, but thaw them completely first. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure proper browning and prevent excess moisture in your slow cooker.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup work as excellent substitutes. Each variation will slightly change the flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s creamy texture.
How do I know when the meat is done? Properly cooked cube steak should easily break apart with a fork. If it’s still tough after the minimum cooking time, continue cooking in 30-minute intervals until tender.
Can I cook this on high instead of low? Absolutely! Cooking on high takes 4-6 hours compared to 6-8 hours on low. However, low and slow cooking typically yields more tender results.
Why is my gravy too thin? If your gravy seems thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I add other vegetables? Certainly! Carrots, celery, and potatoes all work wonderfully in this recipe. Add root vegetables at the beginning of cooking, while more delicate vegetables like peas should be added during the last hour.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Method: Slow Cooking | Cuisine: American