Easy Crockpot Cream of Mushroom Cube Steak Recipe

There are some weeknights when the craving for pure, unadulterated comfort food hits hard. For my family, that usually means something savory, tender, and smothered in gravy. This classic cream of mushroom cube steak recipe is my secret weapon for those exact moments. It’s a dish born from a need for simplicity without sacrificing flavor, a recipe I’ve perfected over the years to guarantee fork-tender beef and a rich, creamy gravy every single time. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with an incredible aroma and brings everyone to the table.

What makes this the ultimate cream of mushroom cube steak recipe? It’s the magic of low-and-slow cooking combined with just a handful of pantry staples. You get a dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for a delicious, stress-free family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make this your go-to comfort food meal. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this specific cream of mushroom cube steak recipe:

• Minimal Prep: Just a few minutes of prep work and you can set it and forget it.
• Insanely Tender: The slow cooker breaks down the cube steak until it practically melts in your mouth. This is one of the most tender cube steak recipes in oven or slow cooker methods you’ll find!
• Pantry Staples: You likely have most of the four key ingredients for this easy cream of mushroom cube steak recipe in your kitchen right now.
• Rich & Savory Gravy: Creates its own delicious cube steak with gravy that’s perfect for spooning over potatoes or noodles.
• Family-Approved: A certified crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this cream of mushroom cube steak recipe lies in its simplicity. It proves you don’t need a long list of fancy items to create a deeply satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Cube Steaks: 6 pieces (approximately 1.5 lbs)
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 cans (10.5 oz each), condensed
• Dry Onion Soup Mix: 1 packet (1 oz)
• Water or Beef Broth: 1/2 cup
• Optional for browning: 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter, salt, and black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

To get the absolute best flavor from this cream of mushroom cube steak recipe, I highly recommend searing the steaks first. It only takes a few extra minutes and makes a world of difference in the final taste of the gravy!

1. (Optional but Recommended) Sear the Steaks: Pat the cube steaks dry with a paper towel and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 1-2 minutes per side, just until browned. You may need to do this in batches. This step isn’t about cooking them through, but about creating a flavorful crust. Transfer the browned steaks to your slow cooker. “
2. Mix the Gravy: In a medium bowl, whisk together the two cans of cream of mushroom soup, the packet of dry onion soup mix, and the 1/2 cup of water or beef broth until smooth. “
3. Combine and Cook: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the steaks in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is coated. “
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The steaks are done when they are fork-tender. This is the essence of making crock pot cube steak with mushroom soup and the key step in this simple cream of mushroom cube steak recipe.

Expert Tips for the Most Tender Cube Steak

As a recipe developer, I’ve learned a few tricks to perfect this cream of mushroom cube steak recipe. This isn’t just a dump-and-go meal; a little technique goes a long way.

• Don’t Skip the Sear: That browning step? It’s called the Maillard reaction, and it creates complex, savory flavor compounds that you simply can’t get by skipping it. It’s the foundation of a truly rich gravy.
• Low and Slow is the Way to Go: While the HIGH setting works in a pinch, cooking cube steak on LOW for a longer period is the key to breaking down the connective tissues, resulting in that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Arrange the steaks in an even layer if possible. If you need to stack them, try to alternate their positioning so the gravy can circulate around each piece.
• Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is thinner than you’d like at the end, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the slow cooker, turn the heat to HIGH, and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.

Variations and Substitutions

This cream of mushroom cube steak recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Variation	Description
Add Fresh Veggies	Sauté sliced fresh mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers and add them to the crockpot with the steaks.
Change the Soup	Not a fan of mushroom? Cream of celery, cream of chicken, or golden mushroom soup all work beautifully as substitutes.
Make it Creamier	For an extra-luxurious gravy, stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Oven Method	Don’t have a slow cooker? You can easily adapt this cream of mushroom cube steak recipe for the oven. Sear steaks and place them in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour gravy over top, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 2-2.5 hours. This is how to make cube steak in the oven perfectly.

What to Serve with Cube Steak

The rich, savory gravy from this cream of mushroom cube steak recipe is just begging to be served over something starchy. Here are my go-to pairings:

• Mashed Potatoes: The classic choice for a reason. They are the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of gravy.
• Egg Noodles: A simple and hearty option that kids love.
• White Rice: Fluffy white rice provides a great base for the steak and gravy.
• Green Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long to cook cube steak in a crockpot? A: For maximum tenderness, cook cube steak on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. Cooking on low is generally recommended for the best texture in most tender cube steak recipes.

Q: Can you overcook cube steak in a slow cooker? A: Yes, it is possible. While a slow cooker is forgiving, if left for too long (e.g., 10+ hours on low), the steak can become overly soft and start to fall apart into shreds rather than holding its shape as a tender steak.

Q: Do you have to brown cube steak before putting it in a crockpot? A: You don’t have to; you can place the raw steaks directly into the slow cooker. However, browning the meat first creates a much deeper, richer flavor in both the steak and the gravy. I highly recommend it for this cream of mushroom cube steak recipe if you have the time.

Q: What can I add to my cube steak for more flavor? A: To add even more flavor to your cream of mushroom cube steak recipe, there are many options! Sautéed onions and fresh garlic are fantastic additions. You can also add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of thyme, or a bay leaf to the gravy mixture for more complex, savory notes.