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 recipes, tips, and tricks for achieving tender and flavorful results.
Understanding Cube Steak
Before we dive into cooking cube steak in a slow cooker, let’s take a closer look at this cut of beef. Cube steak is typically cut from the top round or top sirloin of the cow, and it’s known for its lean flavor and tender texture. It’s usually sliced into thin strips, making it perfect for slow cooking.
Benefits of Cooking Cube Steak in a Slow Cooker
Cooking cube steak in a slow cooker offers several benefits, including:
- Tender results: Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and easy to chew.
- Easy to prepare: Simply season the steak, add it to the slow cooker, and let the appliance do the work.
- Versatile: Cube steak can be cooked in a variety of ways, from classic comfort food to international-inspired dishes.
- Cost-effective: Cube steak is generally less expensive than other cuts of beef, making it a budget-friendly option.
Basic Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds cube steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Season the cube steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until browned.
- Transfer the steak to the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the steak.
- Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle with thyme.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Variations on the Basic Recipe
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. Here are a few ideas:
- Italian-style: Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mexican-inspired: Add 1/4 cup of diced onion, 1/4 cup of diced bell pepper, and 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced.
- Asian-style: Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/4 cup of sliced green onions.
Tips for Achieving Tender Results
To ensure that your cube steak turns out tender and delicious, follow these tips:
- Use a low and slow cooking method: Cooking the steak on low for 8-10 hours will break down the connective tissues and result in tender meat.
- Don’t overcook the steak: Cube steak can become tough and dry if it’s overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature, and remove the steak from the slow cooker when it reaches 160°F.
- Use a marinade or rub: Marinating the steak in a mixture of olive oil, acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice), and spices can help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
- Add aromatics: Onions, garlic, and other aromatics can add depth and complexity to the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking cube steak in a slow cooker, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Make sure to leave enough space between the steak and the sides of the slow cooker to allow for even cooking.
- Not browning the steak: Browning the steak before adding it to the slow cooker can add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Not using enough liquid: Make sure to use enough liquid to cover the steak and cook it evenly.
Slow Cooker Cube Steak Recipes
Here are a few more recipes to try:
-
Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds cube steak
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Season the cube steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until browned.
- Transfer the steak to the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced mushrooms on top of the steak.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and beef broth. Pour the mixture over the steak and mushrooms.
-
Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
-
Slow Cooker Cube Steak Fajitas
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds cube steak
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Season the cube steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until browned.
- Transfer the steak to the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onions on top of the steak.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Pour the mixture over the steak and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Conclusion
Cooking cube steak in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender and delicious results. By following the tips and recipes outlined in this article, you can create a variety of dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic comfort food recipe or something more adventurous, cube steak is a versatile ingredient that’s sure to please.
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 meat 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, including convenience, ease of preparation, and tender results. The slow cooker allows you to simply add the ingredients and let the machine do the work, freeing up your time for other activities. Additionally, the slow cooker’s low heat and moisture help to break down the fibers in the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal.
Another benefit of cooking cube steak in a slow cooker is that it allows for a hands-off approach to cooking. Simply add the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work. This is especially convenient for busy households or for those who want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
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 also add a marinade or sauce to the meat for extra flavor. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the cube steak on both sides until browned. This step helps to create a flavorful crust on the meat.
Once the cube steak is browned, add it to the slow cooker along with your desired vegetables and sauce. You can also add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as broth or wine, to help keep the meat moist and add flavor. Finally, set the slow cooker to the desired temperature and let it do the work.
What are some popular seasonings and sauces for cube steak?
There are many popular seasonings and sauces that pair well with cube steak, including garlic and herbs, Italian seasoning, and BBQ sauce. You can also try using a marinade or rub to add extra flavor to the meat. Some popular marinades include soy sauce and ginger, or balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
In addition to these options, you can also try using a sauce or gravy to add flavor to the cube steak. Some popular options include mushroom gravy, peppercorn sauce, or a simple beef broth. You can also try using a packet of seasoning mix, such as onion soup mix or chili seasoning, to add flavor to the meat.
Can I cook cube steak in a slow cooker with vegetables?
Yes, you can cook cube steak in a slow cooker with vegetables. In fact, adding vegetables to the slow cooker is a great way to add flavor and nutrients to the meal. Some popular vegetables to cook with cube steak include potatoes, carrots, and onions. You can also try adding some frozen vegetables, such as peas and carrots, to the slow cooker.
When cooking cube steak with vegetables, simply add the vegetables to the slow cooker along with the meat and sauce. You can also try layering the ingredients in the slow cooker, with the meat on the bottom and the vegetables on top. This helps to ensure that the vegetables are cooked through and the meat is tender.
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 temperature and the size of the meat. Generally, it takes 6-8 hours to cook cube steak on low heat, or 3-4 hours on high heat. You can also try cooking the cube steak on a lower temperature for a longer period of time, such as 8-10 hours on low heat.
It’s also important to check the cube steak for tenderness and flavor before serving. You can do this by inserting a fork or knife into the meat and checking for tenderness. If the meat is not tender, you can continue to cook it for another 30 minutes to an hour and check again.
Can I cook cube steak in a slow cooker on high heat?
Yes, you can cook cube steak in a slow cooker on high heat. In fact, cooking on high heat can be a good option if you’re short on time or want to cook the meat more quickly. However, keep in mind that cooking on high heat can result in a slightly tougher texture and less flavorful meat.
When cooking cube steak on high heat, make sure to check the meat frequently to avoid overcooking. You can also try using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat, which should be at least 160°F for medium-rare and 170°F for medium. Additionally, make sure to add enough liquid to the slow cooker to keep the meat moist and add flavor.