Cooking Cube Steak in a Slow Cooker: A Deliciously Tender Meal

Cube steak, also known as minute steak, is a thinly sliced cut of beef that is perfect for slow cooking. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook cube steak in a slow cooker, including some delicious recipes and tips for achieving tender and flavorful results.

Choosing the Right Cube Steak

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right cube steak. Look for a cut that is labeled as “cube steak” or “minute steak.” This type of steak is usually cut from the top round or top sirloin, and it’s been tenderized to make it more palatable.

When selecting a cube steak, look for the following characteristics:

• Thinly sliced: Cube steak should be sliced to about 1/4 inch thick.
• Tenderized: The steak should have been tenderized to break down the connective tissues.
• Lean: Cube steak is a lean cut of meat, so look for a cut that has minimal marbling.

Preparing the Cube Steak

Before cooking the cube steak, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are a few steps to follow:

• Trim any excess fat: Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the steak.
• Season the steak: Sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
• Sear the steak (optional): If you want to add a crispy crust to your cube steak, sear it in a hot skillet for about 1-2 minutes per side.

Cooking Cube Steak in a Slow Cooker

Now that we’ve prepared the cube steak, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. Here are the basic steps to follow:

• Place the cube steak in the slow cooker: Add the steak to the slow cooker, along with any desired vegetables or sauces.
• Cook on low: Cook the steak on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
• Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. It should reach 160°F for medium-rare, 170°F for medium, and 180°F for well-done.

Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipes

Here are a few delicious slow cooker cube steak recipes to try:

• Italian-Style Cube Steak: Place the cube steak in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup of Italian dressing, 1/4 cup of chopped onions, and 1/4 cup of sliced bell peppers. Cook on low for 8 hours.
• BBQ Cube Steak: Place the cube steak in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup of chopped onions, and 1/4 cup of sliced mushrooms. Cook on low for 8 hours.
• Mexican-Style Cube Steak: Place the cube steak in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup of salsa, 1/4 cup of chopped onions, and 1/4 cup of sliced jalapeños. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Tips for Achieving Tender Results

Here are a few tips for achieving tender results when cooking cube steak in a slow cooker:

• Use a low heat: Cooking the steak on low heat will help to break down the connective tissues and achieve tender results.
• Use a long cooking time: Cooking the steak for 8-10 hours will help to break down the connective tissues and achieve tender results.
• Use a tenderizer: If you’re using a particularly tough cut of cube steak, consider adding a tenderizer like papain or bromelain to the slow cooker.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking cube steak in a slow cooker:

• Overcooking: Cube steak can become tough and dry if it’s overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
• Underseasoning: Cube steak can be bland if it’s not seasoned properly. Make sure to season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings before cooking.
• Not trimming excess fat: Excess fat can make the steak tough and greasy. Make sure to trim any excess fat from the steak before cooking.

Slow Cooker Cube Steak Variations

Here are a few slow cooker cube steak variations to try:

• Philly Cheesesteak Cube Steak: Place the cube steak in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup of sliced onions, 1/4 cup of sliced bell peppers, and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Cook on low for 8 hours.
• Cube Steak Fajitas: Place the cube steak in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup of sliced onions, 1/4 cup of sliced bell peppers, and 1/4 cup of sliced jalapeños. Cook on low for 8 hours.
• Cube Steak and Gravy: Place the cube steak in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup of beef broth and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few serving suggestions for slow cooker cube steak:

• Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
• Serve with a side of rice and beans.
• Serve with a side salad and crusty bread.

In conclusion, cooking cube steak in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender and flavorful results. By following the tips and recipes outlined in this article, you can create a deliciously tender meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

What is cube steak and how does it benefit from slow cooking?

Cube steak is a type of steak that has been tenderized by pounding or using a machine to create small cuts in the meat. This process breaks down the fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to chew. Slow cooking cube steak is an ideal way to prepare this cut of meat, as the low heat and moisture help to break down the fibers even further, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal.

The slow cooking process also allows the flavors of any seasonings or sauces to penetrate deep into the meat, making each bite a delicious and savory experience. Additionally, slow cooking is a great way to cook cube steak because it eliminates the risk of overcooking, which can make the steak tough and dry.

What are the benefits of cooking cube steak in a slow cooker?

Cooking cube steak in a slow cooker offers several benefits. One of the main advantages is that it allows for hands-off cooking, meaning that you can simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This is perfect for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Another benefit of cooking cube steak in a slow cooker is that it helps to retain the moisture and tenderness of the meat. The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker create a perfect environment for cooking cube steak, resulting in a tender and juicy meal. Additionally, slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, like cube steak, because they break down the fibers and make the meat more palatable.

How do I prepare cube steak for slow cooking?

To prepare cube steak for slow cooking, start by seasoning the meat with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or create your own using salt, pepper, and other spices. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the cube steak for 1-2 minutes on each side. This will help to create a crust on the outside of the meat and lock in the juices.

After searing the cube steak, add it to the slow cooker along with your desired sauce or seasonings. You can use a store-bought sauce or create your own using ingredients like beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Make sure to add enough liquid to the slow cooker to cover the cube steak, as this will help to keep the meat moist and tender.

What are some popular seasonings and sauces for cube steak?

There are many popular seasonings and sauces that you can use when cooking cube steak in a slow cooker. Some options include Italian seasoning, garlic and herbs, and spicy seasonings like cumin and chili powder. You can also use a variety of sauces, such as marinara, BBQ sauce, and mushroom gravy.

When choosing a seasoning or sauce, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. If you want a classic, comforting meal, try using a simple seasoning blend like salt, pepper, and thyme. If you want something more adventurous, try using a spicy seasoning blend or a bold sauce like BBQ sauce.

How long does it take to cook cube steak in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for cube steak in a slow cooker will depend on the size and thickness of the steak, as well as the temperature of the slow cooker. Generally, it takes 6-8 hours to cook cube steak on low heat and 3-4 hours to cook it on high heat.

It’s always a good idea to check the cube steak for tenderness and flavor after 6 hours of cooking. If it’s not tender, cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, which should be at least 160°F for medium-rare.

Can I cook other ingredients with the cube steak in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook other ingredients with the cube steak in the slow cooker. Some popular options include potatoes, carrots, and onions. Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker along with the cube steak and sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

When cooking other ingredients with the cube steak, make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed. For example, if you’re cooking potatoes, you may need to add them to the slow cooker for the last 2-3 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

How do I serve cube steak cooked in a slow cooker?

Cube steak cooked in a slow cooker can be served in a variety of ways. One popular option is to serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of rice, noodles, or bread.

When serving the cube steak, make sure to slice it against the grain to ensure tenderness. You can also serve it with a spoonful of the sauce from the slow cooker, which is perfect for drizzling over the top of the steak. Additionally, consider serving the cube steak with a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.