Smothered Cube Steak – Slow Cooker Recipe (Extra Detailed Version)
Smothered Cube Steak is a wonderful comfort food. This recipe uses a slow cooker to make tender cube steaks smothered in creamy gravy with flavorful mushrooms and onions. Here’s a breakdown of every step with extra tips for perfect results!
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks (about 1 lb total)
- Cube steaks are typically tenderized cuts of beef (usually round or sirloin), and they benefit from slow cooking. If you want to enhance tenderness, feel free to pound the steaks with a meat mallet before cooking.
- Seasonings:
- McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning (1-2 tbsp, or to taste)
- This seasoning blend adds a deep, savory flavor to the steaks. You can also try Steakhouse Seasoning or Garlic and Herb Seasoning.
- McCormick Smash Burger Seasoning (optional, 1 tbsp for extra depth)
- This adds a smoky flavor with a bit of sweetness. Optional but recommended for an added layer of flavor.
- McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning (1-2 tbsp, or to taste)
- 1 cancream of mushroom soup
- Use the full-fat version for a richer taste. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with low-fat cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
- 1 canFrench onion soup
- This is the key to adding that rich, savory onion flavor to the gravy.
- 1 packetAu Jus gravy mix
- You can use any brand, but McCormick Au Jus is commonly used for its smooth consistency and deep flavor.
- 1/2 can water (measured from the soup can)
- This helps to thin the gravy slightly and create the perfect consistency. Don’t add more unless you want a thinner sauce.
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- You can use yellow, white, or red onions depending on your preference. Red onions provide a slightly sweeter flavor.
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- Fresh mushrooms are essential for adding a delicious earthy flavor. If you prefer, you can use canned mushrooms, but fresh will enhance the taste.
- Optional sides: rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles
- Mashed potatoes are classic with this dish, but egg noodles or buttered rice also complement the gravy beautifully.
- Optional vegetable or salad: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Detailed Instructions
- Season the Cube Steaks
- Start by seasoning the cube steaks on both sides with McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning (or any steak seasoning blend you prefer). If using, add the Smash Burger Seasoning too. Season generously, as these steaks will absorb the flavors during the slow cooking process.
- Optional Step: If you like, you can sear the steaks in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker. This step adds a rich, caramelized crust to the meat and enhances the flavor, but it’s not required if you’re in a hurry.
- Prepare the Gravy Mixture
- In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, French onion soup, and Au Jus gravy mix. Stir until the gravy mix is completely dissolved into the liquid.
- Add 1/2 can of water (use the empty soup can for measurement) to the mixture. This helps create the smooth, pourable gravy. If you like a thicker gravy, reduce the water or leave it out entirely.
- Assemble the Slow Cooker
- Place the seasoned cube steaks in the bottom of the slow cooker. You can stack them if needed, but make sure they are covered with the gravy.
- Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the steaks, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. If you’re adding vegetables (like carrots or potatoes), you can layer them around the steaks.
- Top with sliced onions and fresh mushrooms. The mushrooms will release moisture as they cook, which will enrich the gravy, and the onions will caramelize, adding sweetness to the dish.
- Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 6-8 hours, depending on your slow cooker. The steaks will become tender and juicy as they cook, and the flavors will meld together.
- Optional Tip: If you’re short on time, you can cook the dish on high for 3-4 hours, but slow cooking on low yields the best results.
- Serve
- Once the steaks are tender and the gravy has thickened, carefully remove the steaks from the slow cooker. You can serve them on top of a bed of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to absorb the delicious gravy.
- Optional: Spoon extra gravy, mushrooms, and onions over the steak and sides to ensure the dish is extra flavorful.
Additional Tips for Success
- For Extra Creaminess: About 30 minutes before serving, you can stir in 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese to make the gravy extra rich and creamy.
- For More Depth of Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of soy sauce to the gravy before cooking to enhance the savory umami flavor.
- For Thicker Gravy: If you prefer thicker gravy, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Buttered rice is a perfect side for this dish. The creamy gravy pairs wonderfully with the rice to soak up all the flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you want a classic, comforting side, mashed potatoes are the way to go. The creamy potatoes will be a perfect base for the smothered cube steak and gravy.
- Green Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.
This Smothered Cube Steak recipe is perfect for a no-fuss dinner that will fill your home with savory aromas. It’s a comforting dish that you can rely on to feed your family with minimal effort but maximum flavor! Enjoy! 😋