Instructions
1. Prepare the Cube Steaks
- In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Steaks
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated cube steaks to the skillet and sear them for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned. This step adds flavor and helps lock in the juices.
3. Layer the Crock Pot
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Arrange the seared cube steaks on top of the onions in a single layer.
4. Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the cube steaks in the crock pot.
5. Crock Pot Cooking
- Cover and cook the cube steaks on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat will yield more tender and flavorful steaks.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Stir this cornstarch mixture into the crock pot about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up. The gravy will thicken as it continues to cook.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Once the cube steaks are tender and the sauce is flavorful, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the cube steaks with mashed potatoes, rice, or any side of your choice to soak up the delicious gravy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Cube Steak:
- Searing is Key: Even though the steaks will slow-cook and become tender, searing them beforehand adds an extra layer of flavor and helps seal in the juices.
- Customize the Gravy: If you want a more flavorful gravy, you can add a dash of soy sauce or a little bit of heavy cream to the sauce mixture before pouring it into the crock pot.
- Side Pairing: Serve the cube steaks with mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
This Crock Pot Cube Steak is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy days when you need a comforting, easy dinner waiting for you when you get home!
