Why is my cube steak tough in the crock pot?

Tough cube steak usually means it hasn’t cooked long enough on low heat or was cooked too quickly on high. Even though it’s been mechanically tenderized, cube steak still needs time to break down connective tissues. For best results, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours and always make sure it’s submerged in gravy to prevent it from drying out.

Does cube steak get more tender the longer you cook it?

Yes—but with limits. The longer you slow-cook cube steak on low, the more tender it becomes, up to a point. After about 7 hours, the meat may start to shred rather than slice. So while longer cooking helps, timing still matters to maintain structure and moisture.

How long to cook steak in a slow cooker with gravy?

The sweet spot is: On LOW: 6 to 7 hours On HIGH: 3.5 to 4 hours This allows the steak to fully absorb the flavors from the gravy while tenderizing to that ideal, pull-apart texture. Be sure to avoid overfilling the pot, and layer everything evenly for consistent cooking.

How long does it take for steak to cook in a crock pot?

It depends on the thickness of the steak and the setting used. Cube steak generally takes 6 to 7 hours on low , or 3.5 to 4 hours on high . Thicker cuts may need extra time, while thinner ones should be monitored to avoid overcooking.

How do you cook cube steak so it isn't tough?

To keep cube steak tender: Cook it low and slow Use enough gravy or liquid Don’t overcrowd or stack too high Optional: Tenderize further with a mallet before cooking Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to lock in moisture and make slicing easier.

Does beef cubes get softer the longer you cook it?

Yes, slow cooking breaks down the collagen in beef cubes and cube steak, turning even tougher cuts into tender bites. However, cooking too long can lead to a mushy or stringy texture. Aim for that “just right” window of 6–7 hours on low.

Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy: The Best Tender Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Name: Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cube steaks; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 packet dry onion soup mix; 1 cup beef broth; 1 medium onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Description

This crock pot cube steak and gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Tender cube steaks slow-cooked in savory mushroom-onion gravy make a hearty, hands-off meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cube steaks
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, sliced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Lightly season cube steaks with pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
Optional: Dredge steaks in flour for extra gravy thickness.
Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crock pot.
Layer the cube steaks over the onions.
In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour mixture evenly over the steaks.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3.5–4 hours until steak is fork-tender.
Optional: To thicken gravy, remove 1/4 cup of hot liquid, mix with 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch, then stir back into the crock pot.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid while cooking—this slows down cooking time.
Searing the steaks before placing them in the crock pot can deepen the flavor but isn’t required.
This dish stores well and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Leftovers are great in sandwiches or served over toast!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American, Southern

Keywords: crock pot cube steak and gravy, slow cooker cube steak, beef steak with gravy, southern comfort food, cube steak recipe, beef crock pot dinner