Name: Slow Cooker Cubed Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs cubed steak, room temperature; 2 medium yellow onions, sliced thin; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp black pepper; Salt to taste; 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with cold water

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Recipe Overview

Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Slow Cooker
Prep: Make-Ahead Friendly

This slow cooker cubed steak transforms tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The gentle, low-temperature cooking breaks down tough fibers while creating rich, savory gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this budget-friendly recipe costs around $12-15 to feed a family of six.

Cubed steak provides excellent protein and iron while being incredibly affordable. The slow cooking method preserves nutrients and creates tender results every time.

◆✨ What Makes This Special

Budgetfriendly meal that feeds the whole family for under $15
Handsoff cooking method perfect for busy schedules
Creates forktender meat with rich, flavorful gravy

Why This Slow Cooker Cubed Steak Recipe Works

The magic happens through low, slow heat that breaks down tough connective tissues. Cubed steak benefits from extended cooking times that regular steaks can’t handle.

The combination of beef broth and soy sauce creates umami-rich flavors. Onions add natural sweetness while releasing moisture during cooking.

Cornstarch thickening at the end creates restaurant-quality gravy. This method prevents the sauce from becoming gummy during long cooking.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Slow Cooker Cubed Steak

Ingredients

Category	Ingredients	Quantity & Notes
Protein	Cubed steak	2 lbs, room temperature
Aromatics	Yellow onions	2 medium, sliced thin
Liquid Base	Low-sodium beef broth, soy sauce	2 cups broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce
Seasonings	Garlic powder, black pepper	1 tsp each, plus salt to taste
Thickener	Cornstarch	2 tbsp mixed with cold water

Tools

Category	Tools	Purpose
Cooking	6-quart slow cooker	Main cooking vessel
Prep	Sharp knife, cutting board	Slicing onions
Optional	Large skillet	Searing steak for extra flavor

How to Make Slow Cooker Cubed Steak

Phase	Steps	Time/Key Points
Prep	Season steaks with salt and pepper; slice onions thin	5 minutes
Optional Sear	Brown steaks in hot skillet both sides	3-4 minutes per side
Slow Cook	Layer steaks, onions, broth, soy sauce, garlic powder in cooker	6-8 hours low, 3-4 hours high
Thicken	Mix cornstarch with cold water; stir into cooker	15-20 minutes on high

The key is not lifting the lid during cooking. Each peek releases heat and extends cooking time.

For deeper flavor, try this slow cooker autumn delight recipe for inspiration.

✓⚡ Cook Smarter

Pat steaks dry before seasoning for better browning and flavor development
Layer onions on bottom to prevent sticking and add natural sweetness
Always mix cornstarch with cold water to prevent lumpy gravy

Serving and Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Cubed Steak

Serving Tips

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the rich gravy. The combination creates a complete, satisfying meal.

Pair with steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots. The mild flavors complement the savory steak perfectly.

For family gatherings, this recipe easily doubles. Use a larger slow cooker and increase cooking time by 30 minutes.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.

This pairs beautifully with our ultimate chicken casserole for variety.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Slow Cooker Cubed Steak

Don’t overcook on high heat. This can make the meat stringy despite the long cooking time.

Avoid adding thickener too early. Cornstarch breaks down during extended cooking, losing its thickening power.

Never skip the seasoning step. Cubed steak needs proper seasoning to develop full flavor.

Don’t use too much liquid. The onions and meat release moisture during cooking.

Check out this slow cooker swiss steak recipe for comparison techniques.

! 🧭 Need to Know

Cubed steak is already tenderized, so gentle cooking prevents it from becoming tough
Low setting produces more tender results than high setting for this cut
Natural juices create the base for gravy, so minimal liquid is needed initially

Suggestions for Slow Cooker Cubed Steak

Add mushrooms during the last 2 hours for earthy flavor. Button or cremini mushrooms work best.

Try different seasonings like Italian herbs or ranch seasoning packets for variety.

For richer flavor, substitute some broth with vegetable broth or add Worcestershire sauce.

Make it a complete meal by adding quartered potatoes and carrots in the last 3 hours.

Consider serving alongside our creamy garlic shrimp pasta for special occasions.

For meal prep, portion into containers with sides. This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.

FAQs:

Can I cook slow cooker cubed steak on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 hours on low. Low setting produces more tender results.

Do I need to sear the cubed steak first?

Searing is optional but adds deeper flavor. You can skip this step for convenience without major taste loss.

How thick should the gravy be?

The gravy should coat the back of a spoon lightly. Add more cornstarch slurry if needed for thicker consistency.

Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker cubed steak?

Yes, add root vegetables like potatoes and carrots in the last 3 hours of cooking time.

How do I prevent the meat from drying out?

Don’t lift the lid during cooking and ensure adequate liquid coverage. The low temperature prevents drying.

Conclusion

This slow cooker cubed steak recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort. The tender meat and rich gravy create the perfect family dinner.

The budget-friendly ingredients and hands-off cooking make it ideal for busy households. Try our butternut squash steak bowls for another hearty option.

Perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this recipe becomes a family favorite quickly. The leftovers taste even better the next day!