Hearty Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s Juicy Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe Delight

Tender and succulent, crock pot cube steak melts in your mouth with an irresistible blend of Southern charm and hearty comfort.

This humble cut of meat undergoes a magical transformation during slow cooking, surrendering its tough texture to become silky and flavorful.

Generations of home cooks have relied on this foolproof technique to turn affordable ingredients into a sumptuous feast.

Minimal prep work delivers maximum satisfaction, as the crockpot works its subtle culinary alchemy.

Rich, robust seasonings seep deep into every fiber, creating a dish that speaks to both tradition and pure deliciousness.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen promises a meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Get ready to savor a classic recipe that turns ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Cube Steak

For Sauce Base:
  • Onion Soup Mix: Select a low-sodium variety for better flavor control.
  • Brown Gravy Mix: Look for packets with rich, deep umami notes.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Choose a brand with minimal additives and authentic mushroom flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium stock to manage overall saltiness.
  • Garlic Powder: Seek high-quality, freshly ground powder for robust aroma.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides superior taste and intensity.
For Protein:
  • Cube Steaks: Select well-marbled, tender cuts for maximum juiciness and tenderness.
  • Sliced Mushrooms: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms without bruising or discoloration.
For Serving Accompaniments:
  • Egg Noodles: Pick wide, fresh noodles that hold sauce beautifully.
  • White Rice: Select long-grain variety for perfect texture.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet for creamy consistency.
  • Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp leaves for vibrant garnish.

What Tools Help Best With Cube Steak

  • Crockpot: Large slow cooker for easy, hands-off cooking.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups: For precise ingredient quantities.
  • Can opener: To easily open cream of mushroom soup.
  • Cutting board: For slicing mushrooms neatly.
  • Sharp knife: To chop mushrooms and parsley precisely.
  • Serving spoon: For transferring steaks to plates.
  • Measuring spoons: To add garlic powder and black pepper accurately.

How to Cook Crock Pot Cube Steak Smoothly

How to Cook Crock Pot Cube Steak Smoothly
  • Create Savory Sauce Blend

Whisk together soup mix, gravy powder, cream of mushroom, and seasonings in your crockpot until silky smooth, creating a rich base that will transform simple cube steaks into a mouthwatering meal.

  • Layer Tender Steaks

Nestle cube steaks gently into the sauce, ensuring each piece gets fully embraced by the luscious mixture, allowing them to rest comfortably without crowding.

  • Enhance with Mushroom Magic

Scatter sliced mushrooms across the steaks, letting them sink slightly into the sauce, which will infuse them with deep, robust flavors during slow cooking.

  • Slow Cook to Meltingly Tender Perfection

Let the crockpot work its culinary magic by cooking on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, transforming tough steaks into fall-apart deliciousness that practically melts on your tongue.

  • Serve with Comforting Companions

Slide the succulent steaks and their rich, velvety sauce over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed rice, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

Tips to Keep Cube Steak Tender

Tips to Keep Cube Steak Tender
  • Customize Sauce Intensity: Adjust the richness by swapping cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami flavor.
  • Vegetable Boost: Toss in sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots during cooking to create a more robust one-pot meal with extra nutrition and texture.
  • Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne for a gentle heat kick that complements the savory meat, transforming the classic recipe into a zestier version.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish the night before, refrigerate, and start slow cooking in the morning for an effortless weeknight dinner that's ready when you walk through the door.

How to Serve It Comfortably

  • Serve Alongside Hearty Companions: Pair these tender cube steaks with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the rich, savory gravy perfectly.
  • Elevate with Fresh Greenery: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh contrast to the deep, comforting flavors of the dish.
  • Create a Complete Meal Combo: Complement the steaks with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness and add nutritional variety.
  • Quick Side Dish Hack: Prepare quick microwave steamed vegetables or a simple buttered egg noodle side to round out this delicious home-style meal in minutes.

Cube Steak: Storing Tips That Work

  • Meal Preservation Strategies: Store leftover steaks in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze with Care: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags, maintaining quality for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat Like a Pro: Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
  • Smart Prep Tip: Cook extra steaks on meal prep days, creating convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner options for busy weeknights.
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Hearty Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe

Hearty Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Pioneer woman crock pot cube steak delivers hearty comfort with minimal effort. Simple ingredients and slow cooking create a tender, flavorful meal home cooks will savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) cubed steak (approximately 6 to 8 pieces)
  • 2 (10.5 oz / 298 g) cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1 packet brown gravy mix
  • 4 oz (113 g) sliced mushrooms
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Whisk dried onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper in the crockpot until thoroughly blended, creating a robust sauce base.
  2. Meat Arrangement: Layer cube steaks in a single, non-overlapping configuration across the crockpot bottom, ensuring maximum sauce exposure and even cooking.
  3. Sauce Application: Pour prepared gravy mixture over steaks, completely covering the meat and distributing sliced mushrooms evenly to enhance moisture and depth of flavor.
  4. Slow Transformation: Cover crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (170°F/76°C) or HIGH for 3-4 hours (204°F/96°C) until steaks become extraordinarily tender and fully cooked.
  5. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley across the steaks for a burst of color and subtle herbal essence, then serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, allowing the rich gravy to cascade luxuriously around the meat.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose fresh, well-trimmed cube steaks with minimal fat for the most tender and flavorful result.
  • Seasoning Secrets: Adjust the dry soup mix and seasonings to your taste preferences, reducing salt if using pre-seasoned broths.
  • Liquid Levels: Ensure the sauce completely covers the steaks to prevent drying out and maintain maximum moisture during slow cooking.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for safe consumption and optimal tenderness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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