What exactly is cube steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been mechanically tenderized. It’s typically sourced from less tender cuts like top round or top sirloin. The meat is pounded with a specialized meat tenderizer or malleted, which creates small, cube-shaped indentations on its surface – hence the name “cube” steak. This process breaks down muscle fibers, making the steak much more tender and suitable for quick cooking or, as in this recipe, slow cooking for an exceptionally soft texture. If you work with other red meats such as venison or elk, you can easily create your own “cube” steak by tenderizing tougher cuts with a meat mallet.

The combination of mechanical tenderization and slow cooking in the crockpot results in incredibly tender, fall-apart steak that pairs perfectly with a rich gravy over mashed potatoes or other starchy sides.

Is cube steak the same as Salisbury steak?

No, cube steak and Salisbury steak are distinctly different, though they often get confused. Cube steak is a solid cut of beef that has been physically tenderized. Salisbury steak, on the other hand, isn’t a traditional steak at all. It’s made from seasoned ground beef that’s formed into a patty, often mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and other ingredients, and then typically served with a savory brown gravy. While both are comforting beef dishes often served with gravy, their primary ingredient and preparation methods set them apart.

How do you cook cube steak so it’s not tough?

The secret to tender cube steak lies in long, slow cooking, which is precisely what this crock pot recipe provides. Unlike quick-searing methods that can make cube steak chewy if not done perfectly, slow cooking gently breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in a wonderfully fork-tender texture. Our recipe ensures your cube steak will practically fall apart when served, eliminating any worries about tough or rubbery meat. The moist environment created by the gravy further aids in this tenderization process, infusing flavor while keeping the meat succulent.

Should cube steak be rinsed before cooking?

No, there is no need to rinse cube steak before cooking it in the crock pot. Rinsing raw meat, especially poultry, is generally discouraged by food safety experts as it can spread bacteria around your kitchen sink and countertops without providing any significant benefit to the meat itself. The high cooking temperatures in your slow cooker will effectively kill any surface bacteria. Simply pat the cube steak dry with paper towels if you wish to remove any excess moisture before placing it in the gravy.

Can I add fresh mushrooms to Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup?

Absolutely! Adding fresh mushrooms is a fantastic idea and a delicious enhancement to this slow cooker cube steak recipe. Sliced button (white) mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work wonderfully. You have two main options:

• **Add Directly**: You can simply add the sliced fresh mushrooms directly to the crock pot along with the other ingredients at the beginning of the cooking process. They will cook down beautifully and meld with the gravy, adding a wonderful earthy flavor.
• **Sauté First**: For a deeper, more concentrated mushroom flavor and a slightly firmer texture, you can quickly sauté the mushrooms in a pan with a little butter or oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelizes them and enhances their umami notes.

Either method will yield delicious results and elevate the mushroom aspect of the dish.

Can I double this cube steak recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this Crock Pot Cube Steak recipe, making it perfect for feeding a larger crowd or for meal prepping. The good news is, you typically only need to double the amount of cube steak itself without necessarily doubling all the other ingredients. The existing recipe already provides a generous amount of rich sauce, which is often sufficient for a larger quantity of meat. If your slow cooker is large enough (e.g., a 6-quart or 8-quart model), simply add double the amount of cube steak. If you prefer a very saucy dish or are tripling the meat, you might consider adding just one more can of cream of mushroom soup to maintain the gravy’s richness, but it’s often not strictly necessary.

Is Crock Pot Cube Steak gluten-free?

The standard version of this Crock Pot Cube Steak recipe is generally not gluten-free because gluten often “hides” in processed ingredients. Specifically, many brands of condensed cream of mushroom soup and Lipton onion soup mix contain wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients as thickeners or flavor enhancers. However, it’s very easy to make this recipe gluten-free!

• **Gluten-Free Soups**: Look for certified gluten-free varieties of condensed cream of mushroom soup and dry onion soup mix. Many brands now offer these alternatives in the specialty food aisle or online.
• **Homemade Alternatives**: You can also make your own cream of mushroom soup and dry onion soup mix from scratch using gluten-free ingredients. This gives you full control over the ingredients.

The cube steak, water, salt, and pepper are naturally gluten-free, so with a simple swap of the two soup components, you can enjoy this delicious meal with confidence if you follow a gluten-free diet.

What should I serve with Crock Pot Cube Steak?

The star of this dish, the rich and savory mushroom gravy, practically begs for a hearty carbohydrate to soak up all its deliciousness. Classic pairings include:

• **Mashed Potatoes**: Creamy mashed potatoes are an absolute dream with this gravy.
• **Egg Noodles**: Cooked al dente egg noodles are another fantastic choice, offering a comforting texture.
• **Rice**: White or brown rice serves as a perfect absorbent bed for the tender steak and sauce.
• **Bread**: Consider an open-faced sandwich on crusty bread or serve with warm rolls to dip in the gravy.

To round out the meal and add some freshness and nutrients, I always recommend a simple steamed or lightly sautéed vegetable or a crisp side salad. Some excellent vegetable options include: steamed broccoli florets, fresh garden peas, seasoned green beans, roasted asparagus, or vibrant sautéed sugar snap peas. These sides provide a welcome contrast to the rich and hearty cube steak, making for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal.