Cube steak, a cut of beef that’s been tenderized by pounding or using a machine to create small cuts, is a staple in many households. It’s an affordable and versatile option for a weeknight dinner, and when cooked correctly, it can be incredibly tender and flavorful. One of the best ways to cook cube steak is in a slow cooker, which allows the meat to simmer in its own juices for hours, resulting in a tender and delicious meal.
The Benefits of Cooking Cube Steak in a Slow Cooker
Cooking cube steak in a slow cooker offers several benefits. For one, it’s a hands-off approach to cooking, which means you can simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat meal. This is especially convenient for busy households where time is of the essence.
Another benefit of cooking cube steak in a slow cooker is that it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. When cooked on the stovetop or in the oven, cube steak can sometimes become tough and dry, but the slow cooker’s low heat and moisture help to break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Choosing the Right Cut of Cube Steak
When it comes to cooking cube steak in a slow cooker, it’s essential to choose the right cut of meat. Look for cube steak that’s been labeled as “top round” or “top sirloin,” as these cuts tend to be leaner and more tender. Avoid cube steak that’s been labeled as “chuck” or “brisket,” as these cuts can be tougher and more prone to drying out.
It’s also essential to choose cube steak that’s been tenderized correctly. Look for meat that’s been pounded or cut into small pieces, as this will help the meat to cook more evenly and quickly.
Basic Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe
Here’s a basic recipe for cooking cube steak in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds cube steak
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Add the sliced onion to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the cube steak on top of the onion.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
- Pour the mixture over the cube steak.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about cooking cube steak in a slow cooker is that you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations and add-ins you can try:
- Mushrooms: Add 1-2 cups of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker with the onion and cube steak.
- Bell Peppers: Add 1-2 sliced bell peppers to the slow cooker with the onion and cube steak.
- Potatoes: Add 2-3 diced potatoes to the slow cooker with the onion and cube steak.
- Red Wine: Add 1/4 cup of red wine to the slow cooker with the beef broth and tomato paste.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Cube Steak in a Slow Cooker
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when cooking cube steak in a slow cooker:
- Brown the Meat: Before adding the cube steak to the slow cooker, brown it in a skillet with some oil to create a crispy crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the cube steak is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Don’t Overcook: Don’t overcook the cube steak, as it can become tough and dry.
- Let it Rest: Let the cube steak rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking cube steak in a slow cooker:
- Not Browning the Meat: Failing to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
- Overcooking the Meat: Overcooking the meat can result in a tough and dry texture.
- Not Using Enough Liquid: Not using enough liquid can result in a dry and flavorless dish.
Conclusion
Cooking cube steak in a slow cooker is a deliciously tender solution for a weeknight dinner. By choosing the right cut of meat, using a basic recipe, and customizing with variations and add-ins, you can create a tender and flavorful dish that’s sure to please. Remember to brown the meat, use a meat thermometer, and don’t overcook the meat to ensure a tender and juicy texture. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious slow cooker cube steak dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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 dish.
The slow cooking process also allows the flavors of any seasonings or sauces to penetrate deep into the meat, making it even more delicious. Additionally, slow cooking is a great way to cook cube steak because it is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, and the slow cooking process helps to make it feel more luxurious and tender.
What are the benefits of cooking cube steak in a slow cooker?
Cooking cube steak in a slow cooker has several benefits. One of the main advantages is that it is a hands-off process, allowing you to prepare the meal in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. This is especially convenient for busy people who 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 is a low-maintenance process. Simply season the steak, add it to the slow cooker with your choice of sauce or seasonings, and let the slow cooker do the work. This makes it easy to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort.
How do I prepare cube steak for slow cooking?
To prepare cube steak for slow cooking, start by seasoning the steak with your desired seasonings. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you like. You can also add a bit of oil to the steak to help it brown and add flavor.
Next, add the steak to the slow cooker with your choice of sauce or seasonings. This can include beef broth, tomato sauce, or a mixture of your favorite spices. Make sure to cover the steak with the sauce or seasonings to help it stay moist and flavorful during the cooking process.
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 also important to check the steak periodically to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of tenderness. You can do this by inserting a fork or knife into the steak. If it slides in easily, the steak is tender and ready to eat.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the cube steak?
Yes, you can add vegetables to the slow cooker with the cube steak. In fact, this is a great way to prepare a complete meal in one pot. Some popular vegetables to add to the slow cooker with cube steak include potatoes, carrots, and onions.
When adding vegetables to the slow cooker, make sure to add them in the correct order. Harder vegetables like potatoes and carrots should be added to the slow cooker first, while softer vegetables like onions and bell peppers can be added later in the cooking process.
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 way to serve it is with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of rice or noodles, or use it in a sandwich or wrap.
Another option is to serve the cube steak with the sauce or seasonings it was cooked in. This can be spooned over the top of the steak or served on the side as a dipping sauce.
Can I freeze cube steak cooked in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can freeze cube steak cooked in a slow cooker. In fact, this is a great way to prepare a meal in advance and reheat it later. To freeze the steak, simply let it cool to room temperature, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to reheat the steak, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or oven. You can also reheat it directly from the freezer by cooking it in the microwave or oven until it’s hot and tender.