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

Yes — especially in a slow cooker. The longer cube steak cooks on low heat, the more its tough muscle fibers break down, resulting in that fork-tender texture you want in a great slow cooker cube steak recipe . Just be sure to use enough liquid and avoid overcooking on high.

How do you cook cube steak without it getting tough?

To prevent toughness, cook cube steak on low heat for a longer period, keep it well-moisturized with broth or gravy, and avoid frequent lid-opening. Tenderizing with a meat mallet or soaking in milk beforehand can also help, especially if you're using thicker cuts.

Can you slow cook steak in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Steaks like cube steak or chuck are perfect for slow cooking because they contain connective tissue that needs time to break down. With the right liquid and seasoning, you can turn even budget cuts into a flavorful, juicy meal.

Is cube steak the same as stew meat?

Not quite. Cube steak is typically a tenderized slice of top round or top sirloin , while stew meat is usually chunks of tougher cuts like chuck or brisket. Cube steak is thinner and cooks faster, making it ideal for a slow cooker cube steak recipe with rich gravy.

Why do you soak cube steak in milk?

Soaking cube steak in milk for 30–60 minutes before cooking helps tenderize the meat. The lactic acid in milk gently breaks down proteins, leading to a more tender final texture without changing the flavor too much.

How to keep cube steak from falling apart?

To keep cube steak intact while still tender, avoid moving it too much during cooking. Let it simmer undisturbed in the slow cooker, and be gentle when removing it. Cooking it on low rather than high also helps the meat retain its structure.

Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe – The Best 5-Step Guide

Name: Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 to 2 lbs cube steak; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1½ cups beef broth; 1 large onion, sliced into rings; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional); ½ tsp garlic powder (optional); 1 tbsp oil (for optional browning)

Description

This slow cooker cube steak recipe delivers juicy, tender steak smothered in rich, savory gravy. Perfect for busy nights or comforting weekend meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 to 2 lbs cube steak
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1½ cups beef broth
1 large onion, sliced into rings
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
1 tbsp oil (for optional browning)

Instructions

Season cube steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
(Optional) Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear cube steak for 2 minutes per side to lock in flavor.
Layer sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Place seasoned (and optionally seared) cube steak on top of the onions.
Sprinkle minced garlic over the steak.
In a small bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the mixture evenly over the meat.
Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 4–5 hours, until meat is fork-tender.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Spoon extra gravy on top.

Notes

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soup and check Worcestershire sauce labels.
For added depth, add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers.
To thicken the gravy before serving, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce. Let cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes.

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

Keywords: slow cooker cube steak recipe, crockpot cube steak, beef crockpot dinner, comfort food, easy cube steak recipe, cube steak with gravy