Slow Cooker Cubed Steak with Gravy

Welcome cook recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about coming home to the aroma of a meal that has been simmering slowly all day. This Slow Cooker Cubed Steak with Gravy recipe is the definition of warm, savory perfection. It’s a classic comfort food dish made even easier by the hands-off convenience of your slow cooker.

From busy weeknights to weekend comfort cravings, this dish offers a satisfying and effortless solution. The cubed steak cooks low and slow until it becomes fork-tender, swimming in a luscious, savory gravy that soaks into every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe never disappoints.

Why This Recipe Works

• Hands-Off Cooking – Let the slow cooker do the work while you carry on with your day.
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• Fork-Tender Beef – Cooking cubed steak low and slow makes it unbelievably tender.
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• Flavorful Gravy – The combination of soup mix, broth, and cream soup creates a rich, velvety gravy.
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• Budget-Friendly – Cubed steak is affordable and stretches to feed a crowd.
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• Versatile Pairing – Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
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What Is Cubed Steak?

Cubed steak is typically a tough cut of beef such as top round or top sirloin that has been tenderized using a meat mallet or mechanical tenderizer. This process leaves a distinctive dimpled appearance and helps the meat absorb flavors and liquids during cooking.

This economical cut is ideal for slow cooking methods because it transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth texture after several hours in a slow cooker.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is a breakdown of the ingredients for this recipe and their functions:

Ingredient	Purpose
Cubed Steak (2 to 2.5 pounds)	The star protein; becomes ultra-tender when slow-cooked
Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans)	Adds creaminess and body to the gravy
Beef Broth (1 cup)	Enhances the savory depth of the dish
Onion Soup Mix (1 packet)	Delivers robust onion and herb flavor
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)	Adds warm, aromatic flavor
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)	Brings subtle spice
Worcestershire Sauce (optional)	Adds umami and enhances meatiness
Sliced Onions (optional)	Introduces natural sweetness and texture
Flour (optional)	For dredging; helps create a thicker gravy

Note: You can add mushrooms or switch the soup to cream of chicken or celery for different flavor variations.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 6–8 Quart Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
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• Mixing Bowl
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• Measuring Spoons & Cups
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• Whisk
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• Tongs
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• Optional: Gravy separator for a leaner gravy
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cubed Steak

• Pat steaks dry using a paper towel.
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• Season both sides with garlic powder and pepper.
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• (Optional) Dredge in a light coating of flour to help thicken the gravy as it cooks.
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Step 2: Create the Gravy Mixture

• In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
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• Stir until smooth and well combined.
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Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

• Place half of the cubed steak into the bottom of the slow cooker.
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• Add sliced onions (optional) between layers.
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• Pour half of the gravy mixture over the steaks.
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• Repeat with the remaining steak and pour the rest of the gravy mixture on top.
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Step 4: Cook

• Set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
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• Avoid lifting the lid during cooking; this helps maintain the temperature and moisture.
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Step 5: Serve

• Gently remove the steaks from the slow cooker.
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• Stir the remaining gravy for a smooth finish.
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• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
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Gravy Thickness Table

If you want to adjust the consistency of the gravy, use the chart below:

Desired Thickness	How to Achieve It
Thick	Use flour-dredged steak or add cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water)
Medium	As-is, using 2 cans of condensed soup
Thin	Add extra ½ cup beef broth before cooking

What to Serve with Cubed Steak and Gravy

This hearty main dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of comforting sides:

• Mashed potatoes
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• Buttered egg noodles
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• Steamed green beans
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• Roasted carrots
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• Buttermilk biscuits
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• Creamed corn
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• Southern-style cornbread
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Variations to Try

• Mushroom & Onion Steak – Add fresh sliced mushrooms and onions for a deeper umami punch.
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• Southern Smothered Style – Add bell peppers and a dash of hot sauce for a Southern flair.
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• Creamy Herb Version – Mix in sour cream and thyme before serving for a richer flavor.
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• Low Sodium – Use low-sodium broth and soup to control salt levels.
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• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free cream soup and skip the flour dredging.
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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the entire dish the night before. Store ingredients layered in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate. Place in slow cooker in the morning and cook.
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• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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• Freeze: Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Reheat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
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• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through.
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• Slow Cooker: You can reheat on low for 1–2 hours if you want to retain tenderness.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking on High: While high heat is faster, cooking on low gives better texture and flavor.
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• Lifting the Lid: Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes. Avoid doing so frequently.
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• Not Seasoning the Meat: Seasoning the steak before cooking improves depth of flavor.
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• Skipping the Gravy Stir: Always stir the gravy before serving to smooth out any separation.
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Key Insight

Can I use another cut of meat instead of cubed steak?
Yes. Top round or bottom round sliced thinly and tenderized can work. However, the texture may not be as soft without the mechanical tenderizing.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free cream soup substitute (made with almond or oat milk) and ensure the soup mix doesn’t contain milk powder.

What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?
Use flour-dredged steak or add a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking. Let it simmer for 10 minutes on high.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes. Sear the cubed steak using the sauté function, then pressure cook for 15 minutes with natural release.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cubed Steak with Gravy recipe is a true comfort food classic that brings old-fashioned flavor to the modern table. With minimal effort, you get a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will request again and again. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner after a long day or something warm and welcoming for a Sunday supper, this dish checks every box.

Serve it with your favorite sides, let the rich gravy soak into your mashed potatoes, and watch everyone ask for seconds.