Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Cube Steak

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartiness of Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Cube Steak. This dish delivers fork-tender beef smothered in a rich, savory gravy that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles.

The slow-cooking method allows the flavors to deepen, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you simply crave a home-cooked meal without standing over the stove. Best of all, the recipe requires minimal prep time and just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Cube Steak

At its core, this dish features cube steak slow-cooked in a flavorful mix of onions, broth, and seasoning until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The gravy thickens naturally in the crock pot, creating a luscious sauce that coats every bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—classic ingredients transformed into a dish that tastes like it simmered all day with minimal effort on your part.

Try Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Sheet Pan Meatloaf
• Pioneer Woman Homemade Cream of Anything Soup

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Effortless cooking – Just set it and forget it while the crock pot does the work.
• Budget-friendly – Cube steak is an affordable cut that turns tender in a slow cooker.
• Family-approved – Comforting flavors make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile serving – Pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
• Make-ahead option – Ideal for meal prep since it reheats beautifully.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

• 6 cube steaks
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet onion soup mix (or homemade substitute)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thicker gravy)

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Cube Steak

Step 1: Season the steaks

Sprinkle cube steaks with salt, pepper, and garlic on both sides.

Step 2: Prepare the crock pot

Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crock pot to form a flavorful base.

Step 3: Layer the steaks

Arrange the cube steaks on top of the onions, ensuring even layering.

Step 4: Mix the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and cream of mushroom soup.

Step 5: Pour over the meat

Evenly pour the mixture over the cube steaks in the crock pot.

Step 6: Slow cook to perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the steaks are fork-tender.

Step 7: Thicken the gravy (optional)

If you prefer thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 8: Serve warm

Plate the steaks with plenty of gravy and your favorite sides.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Using too much liquid – My first attempt turned watery. Reducing broth and using cornstarch solved it.
• Skipping the onions – The dish lacked depth. Adding onions gave it that homestyle flavor.
• Over-seasoning – I once doubled the soup mix, which made it too salty. Now I balance it with low-sodium broth.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy This Dish

• Over fluffy rice – The rich gravy soaks beautifully into steamed rice.
• With egg noodles – Adds a hearty, almost stroganoff-like feel.
• As a sandwich filling – Shredded steak and gravy tucked into a hoagie roll.
• With roasted vegetables – A lighter, wholesome pairing option.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Cube Steak Success

• Brown for extra flavor – Sear the cube steaks before slow cooking for deeper taste.
• Use fresh garlic – It elevates the gravy’s flavor far more than powder.
• Keep the lid closed – Lifting the lid delays cooking time.
• Go low and slow – Tenderness improves when cooked on the low setting.
• Balance the salt – Taste before seasoning, as the soup mix is already salty.
• Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Cube Steak

• Add mushrooms – Fresh mushrooms blend perfectly with the gravy.
• Try a spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
• Swap the soup – Use cream of celery for a lighter variation.
• Add herbs – Fresh thyme or rosemary adds depth.
• Turn it Italian – Replace Worcestershire with tomato paste and Italian seasoning.

Best Ways to Store Your Cube Steak

• Refrigerate securely – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in portions – Place cooled steak and gravy in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Store gravy separately – If possible, freeze meat and gravy in different containers to maintain texture.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• On the stovetop – Reheat gently over medium heat until warmed through.
• In the microwave – Use short intervals, stirring to keep it even.
• From frozen – Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove for best results.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~385
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 880mg

(Values are approximate and vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

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FAQs

How do you keep cube steak from getting tough in the crock pot?

Cube steak stays tender in the crock pot when cooked low and slow. Cooking on the low setting for 6–7 hours allows the connective tissue to break down, making the meat fork-tender. Adding enough liquid, such as beef broth and cream of mushroom soup, also prevents it from drying out.

Should you brown the cube steak before putting it in the crock pot?

Browning the cube steak before slow cooking is optional, but it adds extra flavor. A quick sear in a hot skillet caramelizes the surface of the meat, which enhances the overall taste of the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it does make a noticeable difference.

Can you put raw cube steak in the crock pot?

Yes, you can place raw cube steak directly into the crock pot. The long, slow cooking process ensures the steak cooks thoroughly and turns tender. Simply layer the meat over onions, cover with the gravy mixture, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

How do you thicken the gravy for cube steak in the crock pot?

To thicken the gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This creates a rich, silky sauce that coats the steak beautifully.

Wrapping It Up

Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Cube Steak is more than just a recipe—it’s a comforting dish that turns a humble cut of beef into a flavorful family dinner. With its rich gravy, tender meat, and minimal prep work, it’s a true weeknight hero.