Quick Crock Pot Cube Steak Dinner Recipe

If you love hearty comfort food with minimal effort, this Quick Crock Pot Cube Steak Dinner hits the spot. Tender cube steak, rich savory gravy, and cozy veggies all simmer together while you handle your day. You’ll come home to a warm, complete meal that tastes like you fussed over it for hours.

I make this on busy weeknights when I want real flavor without babysitting a skillet. You toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and dinner practically makes itself. The best part? It’s affordable, family-friendly, and drenches everything in silky gravy. Let’s get cooking.

Why This Quick Crock Pot Cube Steak Dinner Works

• Set-and-forget convenience: Cube steak becomes tender in the slow cooker with almost no hands-on time.
• Full meal in one pot: Protein, potatoes, carrots, onions, and gravy cook together for easy cleanup.
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Cube steak and pantry staples keep costs low while delivering big flavor.
• Failsafe tenderness: Moist heat breaks down the meat’s fibers, so you get fork-tender bites.
• Family-approved flavors: Onion, garlic, beef broth, and seasoning blend into a classic, cozy gravy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1.5–2 pounds cube steak, trimmed of excess fat
• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch coins
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Gravy

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)

To Thicken

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Optional Finishes

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for richer gravy
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make This Quick Crock Pot Cube Steak Dinner

Prep the Base

1. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
2. Layer the potatoes, carrots, and onion in the bottom of the crock. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Season the Steak

1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels.
2. Mix the onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
3. Season both sides of the cube steaks with the spice blend.

Make the Gravy Mixture

1. Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Dijon until smooth.
2. Stir in the minced garlic.

Load the Crock Pot

1. Place the seasoned cube steaks on top of the vegetables.
2. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over everything.
3. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours (best tenderness) or High for 3–4 hours, until the meat yields easily to a fork and the potatoes are soft.

Thicken the Gravy

1. Whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
2. Stir the slurry into the crock. Add butter if using.
3. Cover and cook on High for 12–15 minutes until the gravy thickens and looks glossy.

Serve

1. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley.
3. Serve right from the crock over the potatoes and carrots, with extra gravy spooned on top.

How to Store Leftover Cube Steak Dinner

• Cool first: Let leftovers cool until just warm before packing.
• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. The gravy may separate slightly, but it reheats well.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low or in the microwave at 50–60% power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth to loosen the gravy if needed.

Benefits of Making Cube Steak in the Crock Pot

• Hands-off cooking: You prep for 15 minutes, then walk away.
• Consistent results: Slow, moist heat turns a tough cut into tender comfort food.
• Lower stress: Dinner stays warm and ready when your schedule runs late.
• Nourishing and satisfying: Protein, veggies, and gravy keep everyone full and happy.
• Budget smart: You transform an inexpensive cut into something special.

What Not to Do

• Don’t skip seasoning: Cube steak needs bold seasoning to shine.
• Don’t overpack the crock: Crowding prevents even cooking and can turn veggies mushy.
• Don’t add too much liquid: The crock traps moisture; stick to the measured broth for the right gravy texture.
• Don’t cook too hot for too long: High heat can make the steak stringy. Low and slow gives tenderness.
• Don’t forget to thicken: The cornstarch slurry creates that silky, spoon-coating gravy.

Variations You Can Try

• Mushroom gravy: Add 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for earthy depth.
• Onion soup shortcut: Stir in 1 packet of onion soup mix and reduce added salt.
• Ranch twist: Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill for a tangy kick.
• Peppers and onions: Swap carrots for bell peppers, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.
• Herby finish: Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme at the end for brightness.
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free broth and seasonings; cornstarch already fits.
• Dairy-free: Skip the butter or use a plant-based alternative.

FAQ

Can I brown the cube steak first?

Yes. Sear the steaks in a hot skillet with a little oil for 1–2 minutes per side. Browning adds deeper flavor and richer color, but you still get great results without it.

What size slow cooker works best?

A 6-quart crock pot handles 2 pounds of cube steak plus veggies comfortably. Use a 4-quart for a smaller batch and avoid overfilling past two-thirds full.

Can I use gravy packets instead of making my own?

You can. Use one packet plus the broth and skip extra salt. I prefer the homemade gravy for cleaner flavor and control.

My gravy is too thin. What should I do?

Whisk another teaspoon of cornstarch with a teaspoon of cold water, stir it in, and cook for 5 more minutes. Repeat in small amounts until it coats a spoon.

Can I cook this on High the whole time?

Yes, cook on High for 3–4 hours. For the most tender steak, Low for 6–7 hours gives better texture.

What can I serve with it?

Buttered green beans, a crisp salad, or steamed peas balance the richness. Warm dinner rolls make perfect gravy mop-up duty.

Can I make it without potatoes?

Absolutely. Skip the potatoes and serve the steak and gravy over egg noodles, rice, or mashed cauliflower.

Conclusion

This Quick Crock Pot Cube Steak Dinner gives you comfort food with barely any work. You get tender steak, hearty veggies, and velvety gravy in one pot—ideal for weeknights or Sunday supper. Prep it in minutes, set the slow cooker, and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal when you walk back through the door.

Quick Crock Pot Cube Steak Dinner Recipe

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Ingredients

  

Ingredients

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
• Layer the potatoes, carrots, and onion in the bottom of the crock. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels.
• Mix the onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
• Season both sides of the cube steaks with the spice blend.
• Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Dijon until smooth.
• Stir in the minced garlic.
• Place the seasoned cube steaks on top of the vegetables.
• Pour the gravy mixture evenly over everything.
• Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours (best tenderness) or High for 3–4 hours, until the meat yields easily to a fork and the potatoes are soft.
• Whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
• Stir the slurry into the crock. Add butter if using.
• Cover and cook on High for 12–15 minutes until the gravy thickens and looks glossy.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
• Garnish with chopped parsley.
• Serve right from the crock over the potatoes and carrots, with extra gravy spooned on top.