I am so excited to share with you my all-time favorite comfort food: the Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe. This dish is pure home-style goodness, combining tender cube steak slow-cooked to perfection alongside a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal I always turn to when I want something easy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, especially on busy days or cozy weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe
What truly makes this recipe special to me is how the flavors come together effortlessly while still tasting like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The cube steak becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking, soaking up the mushroom onion gravy that’s bursting with savory, garlicky goodness and just the right amount of seasoning. Every bite offers that perfect mix of hearty and comforting, which keeps me coming back time and time again.
I also love how simple this recipe is to prepare. You basically layer everything into your slow cooker, whisk together a few ingredients for the sauce, and then let it do all the work. No standing over the stove or complicated techniques involved! This makes it ideal not only for weeknight dinners but also for special family gatherings or holidays when you want a delicious, impressive meal without the stress. It really stands out because it’s classic comfort food at its best, made with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward and each one has an important role in building the dish’s character. From the earthy mushrooms and sweet onions to the hearty cube steak and creamy mushroom soup, every piece works beautifully to create a rich, satisfying meal.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth when slow-cooked with the steak and mushrooms.
- 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced: Provide an earthy, meaty texture that complements the gravy.
- 1½ to 2 pounds cube steak: The main protein that becomes tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
- 1 ounce onion soup mix: A seasoning powerhouse that adds robust flavor to the sauce.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the gravy.
- 1 cup water: Used to thin out the sauce slightly and help it cook evenly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt: Enhances all the other flavors with a blend of spices.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses a wonderful aroma and savory punch.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water: Used to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Directions
Step 1: In your 6-quart slow cooker, arrange the sliced onions and mushrooms in an even layer at the bottom. Then, place the cube steak on top of the vegetables. If your cubes of steak don’t fit in a single layer, you can carefully stack them to make sure everything fits inside comfortably.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, water, black pepper, seasoned salt, and minced garlic until smooth. This mixture will become the flavorful gravy that coats the steak and veggies.
Step 3: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the cube steak, making sure all pieces are covered so they soak up the flavor as they cook low and slow.
Step 4: Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours. The longer cooking time softens the steak perfectly and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: About an hour before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir this into the gravy in the slow cooker. If you were cooking on low, turn the heat to high to help the gravy thicken faster. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the sauce has reached a luscious, thick consistency.
Step 6: Spoon the cube steak and mushroom onion gravy over your favorite sides like egg noodles, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. Serve hot to savor every bit of this comforting feast.
Servings and Timing
This Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe serves approximately 4 people, making it perfect for a family meal or small dinner party. Prep time is super quick at about 10 to 15 minutes, since most of the work is just slicing and mixing. The cook time varies between 6 hours on high or 8 hours on low, letting the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. You’ll want to add an extra 30 minutes at the end to thicken the gravy. Overall, you’re looking at around 6 to 8.5 hours from start to finish—the ultimate hands-off comfort dinner.
How to Serve This Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe
When I serve this dish, I like to keep the accompaniments comforting yet simple so the cube steak and gravy shine. Creamy mashed potatoes are my go-to because they soak up all that delicious gravy perfectly. But fluffy egg noodles, steamed white rice, or even buttery garlic bread all work beautifully too, giving you a blank canvas to soak up the sauce.
For presentation, I recommend garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh aroma. I love serving it in deep bowls with generous portions of gravy, making the experience warm and cozy. A basket of crusty bread on the side always comes in handy to mop up every last drop.
As for drinks, this meal pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir, which complements the mushroom flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or iced tea feels refreshing. This recipe is perfect for a relaxed family dinner, a casual weekend meal, or even a special holiday gathering—you really can’t go wrong serving it warm and hearty, straight from the slow cooker to the table.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe to make it my own or fit different dietary needs. For instance, if you’re looking for a gluten-free version, using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free onion soup mix works perfectly without sacrificing flavor. You could also substitute the cube steak for thin pork chops or chicken breasts if you want a different protein, though cook times might vary slightly.
To add a fresh twist, try stirring in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme towards the end, or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine to deepen the gravy’s flavor. For a dairy-free take, coconut milk or a cashew cream could replace the cream of mushroom soup, though the richness will be a bit lighter. I’ve also made a version with extra vegetables like carrots and bell peppers layered with the onions and mushrooms for added texture and color.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have a slow cooker, you can actually prepare a version on the stovetop by simmering everything gently in a covered pan, though you’ll need to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Still, nothing beats the ease and perfect tenderness from slow cooking for hours.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
When you have leftovers, which is often because this recipe makes generous portions, I recommend transferring everything into airtight containers as soon as the food cools slightly. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight lids work best because they keep the flavors fresh without absorbing odors. The leftovers will safely keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for easy lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe freezes very well if you want to save some for later. I suggest portioning it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Be sure to label with the date, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, let the dish cool completely before sealing, and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
I find the best way to reheat leftovers is gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to warm everything through without breaking down the meat’s tender texture. You may want to add a splash of water or broth if the gravy has soured a bit during storage. Microwaving is fine for convenience but be careful to heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the cube steak doesn’t dry out. Avoid reheating at too high heat or too rapidly to keep the gravy silky and the meat juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef instead of cube steak?
Absolutely! While cube steak is ideal because it tenderizes beautifully in the slow cooker, you could substitute with round steak or sirloin tips. Just keep in mind that thicker cuts might need a bit longer cooking time to become tender.
Is it necessary to use onion soup mix?
The onion soup mix adds a shortcut flavor boost with a perfect blend of seasonings, but if you don’t have it, you can make your own by mixing dried onion powder, beef bouillon granules, parsley, and some garlic powder. It’s a convenient ingredient that really lifts the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bring the slow cooker to room temperature before starting the cooking cycle to ensure even cooking.
What sides go best with this dish?
I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles because they soak up the gravy perfectly, but steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or even buttery dinner rolls are excellent choices too.
How do I know when the cube steak is done?
The cube steak is done when it becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart, usually after 6 hours on high or 8 hours on low. The gravy will also be bubbling and thickened after adding the cornstarch slurry near the end.
Conclusion
I truly hope you give this Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe a try because it’s such a rewarding meal that feels like a warm, hearty embrace. It’s perfect for busy days when you want fuss-free cooking with spectacular flavor, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation just like it is in mine!
