Crock Pot Cubed Steak

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This comforting dish features tender cubed steak simmered slowly in a creamy, savory gravy made from onion soup, cream of chicken soup, and au jus mix. Cooked low and slow, the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft, soaking up rich flavors delivered throughout the day. The gravy thickens beautifully when cornstarch slurry is added near the end, creating a glossy, hearty sauce. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or wide egg noodles with steamed or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Leftovers reheat well, making it a practical choice for busy days.

Searing the meat before cooking boosts flavor and color, and mixing cornstarch with cold water ensures a smooth finish to the luscious gravy. This dish brings warmth and nostalgia to the table with minimal hands-on time.

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Updated on Sat, 01 Nov 2025 21:23:04 GMT
A bowl of beef stew with rice. Pin
A bowl of beef stew with rice. | easydiyrecipes.com

Crock Pot Cubed Steak brings the ultimate comfort of homestyle flavors with almost no hands on effort. Slow cooked in rich savory gravy until meltingly tender this recipe has saved my busiest weeknights and never fails to remind me of family dinners growing up. When the weather turns chilly or you just need dinner to take care of itself this crock pot classic makes life deliciously easy.

I started making this when my kids were in the thick of sports schedules and chaotic afternoons The slow cooker did all the heavy lifting and I found myself looking forward to that first bite every time

Ingredients

  • Cream of chicken soup: brings creaminess and body to the gravy pick a low sodium version if you can and check for rich flavor
  • French onion soup: packs in deep savory onion notes choose a brand with visible onion pieces for more texture
  • Au jus gravy mix: amps up that beefy depth look for one without too much salt
  • Water: makes sure there is enough moisture to gently cook the steaks
  • Cubed steaks: are the humble star pick ones with good marbling so they stay juicy
  • Cornstarch: thickens that luscious gravy rapidly make sure it is fresh for best results
  • Cold water: ensures your cornstarch slurry blends smoothly for a glossy finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Set Up the Base:
Add the cream of chicken soup French onion soup au jus gravy mix and water to your slow cooker Use a spatula to stir until completely blended Make sure there are no pockets of dry mix and it looks smooth and creamy
Coat the Steaks:
Nestle the cubed steaks into the gravy mixture Turn each piece to coat both sides thoroughly so every bite will soak up all the flavor
Let It Cook:
Put the lid on Set your slow cooker to low Cook for six to eight hours Resist the urge to peek as the steam is essential for tender steaks The long slow heat breaks down tougher meat fibers for that melt in your mouth texture
Thicken the Gravy:
About thirty minutes before serving whisk together cornstarch and cold water until lump free Pour this into the slow cooker and gently stir everything together No need to remove the steaks unless you find whisking easier
Finish and Serve:
Switch the slow cooker to high Cook uncovered for half an hour until the gravy thickens to your liking Spoon steaks onto plates and generously ladle over that luscious gravy
A plate of meat and rice. Pin
A plate of meat and rice. | easydiyrecipes.com

The aroma from the onion soup always reminds me of my grandmother She believed that a slow cooked meal brought everyone together and insisted on making plenty for seconds My favorite part is watching the gravy turn glossy and thick right at the end

Storage Tips

Allow leftovers to cool a bit before storing in shallow airtight containers in the refrigerator They keep well for three to four days To reheat add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened up too much

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in cream of mushroom or even cream of celery soup for a slightly different depth of flavor If cubed steak is not available thinly sliced round steak or even pork cutlets work well The au jus mix can be replaced with onion soup mix for a lighter taste

Serving Suggestions

Pile the cubed steak and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles It is also wonderful with a hunk of crusty bread to sop up every drop Add steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a full meal

A plate of meat with gravy. Pin
A plate of meat with gravy. | easydiyrecipes.com

History in a Bite

Cubed steak is a classic southern comfort food made popular during times when families needed to maximize what they had on hand The slow cooker version keeps all the homey character with even less effort reminding us that some traditions really never go out of style

Make this Crock Pot Cubed Steak once and you will see why it becomes a cherished family favorite The leftovers are just as good for an easy next day meal

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of meat works best for this dish?

Cubed steak with good marbling is preferred as it stays juicy and tender during slow cooking. Thinly sliced round steak or pork cutlets are suitable substitutes if needed.

→ How can I thicken the gravy perfectly?

Mix cornstarch with cold water separately before adding to the slow cooker. Stir gently and cook uncovered on high for 30 minutes until the gravy reaches a glossy, thick consistency.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, leftovers keep well in airtight containers refrigerated for up to three to four days, and reheat beautifully on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.

→ What sides pair well with this slow cooked meat?

This dish goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, wide egg noodles, or steamed and roasted vegetables, which also soak up the rich gravy excellently.

→ Is searing the meat necessary before slow cooking?

While optional, searing the cubed steak in a hot skillet before slow cooking adds deeper flavor and a richer brown color to the finished dish.

→ Can the gravy mix be substituted?

Yes, au jus gravy mix can be swapped for onion soup mix for a lighter taste, while cream of chicken soup can be changed to cream of mushroom or celery for different flavor profiles.

Crock Pot Cubed Steak

Slow cooked cubed steak bathing in flavorful gravy, ideal alongside mashed potatoes or veggies.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
420 min
Total Time
430 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Southern American

Yield: 4 Servings (Four cubed steaks with gravy)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Base sauces and liquids

01 310 g cream of chicken soup (low sodium preferred)
02 284 g French onion soup with visible onion pieces
03 28 g au jus gravy mix (low salt)
04 240 ml water

→ Meat

05 4 cubed steaks, approximately 150 g each with good marbling

→ Thickening agent

06 15 g cornstarch
07 60 ml cold water

Steps

Step 01

Combine cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, au jus gravy mix, and water in the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly with a spatula until smooth and fully blended without dry pockets.

Step 02

Place cubed steaks into the sauce, turning each to coat evenly on both sides, ensuring full flavor absorption.

Step 03

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steam and ensure tender meat.

Step 04

Approximately 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then pour into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine without removing the steaks, allowing the gravy to thicken.

Step 05

Switch the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for 30 minutes until gravy reaches desired thickness. Plate the steaks and generously spoon over the glossy gravy.

Notes

  1. For enhanced flavor, sear steaks in a hot skillet before slow cooking. Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 4 days; reheat gently adding broth or water as needed to restore gravy consistency.
  2. Cornstarch slurry must be mixed with cold water separately to prevent lumps and achieve a glossy sauce.
  3. Suitable substitutions include cream of mushroom or celery soup for variation; thinly sliced round steak or pork cutlets can replace cubed steak.

Tools Required

  • Slow cooker
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains gluten and dairy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 38 g