Crockpot Cube Steak & Gravy: The Best Easy, Fork-Tender Comfort Food Dinner

By Jason Griffith | chefmaniac.com

Introduction

There are some meals that just feel like a warm hug on a plate, and for me, this Crockpot Cube Steak and Gravy is at the top of that list. Cube steak, a cut of beef that’s been tenderized and flattened (hence the name), is made for slow cooking. When you drop it into a slow cooker with a few simple ingredients and let it simmer for hours, something magical happens. The tough fibers melt away, transforming the meat into a fall-apart delight, and all the drippings combine to form the most luxurious, deeply flavored gravy.

This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights because the prep time is minimal—you just toss everything in and walk away. Come dinner time, you have a complete, satisfying main course that tastes like you spent all day fussing over it. Forget dry, chewy steak; this is the secret to getting a consistently fork-tender cube steak every single time. It’s comfort food at its absolute finest.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve been making variations of this dish for years, but this particular version is a keeper for a few key reasons:

1. The Effortless Perfection: It genuinely is a set-it-and-forget-it meal. Whether you choose the 6-hour low setting or the 3-hour high, the result is the same: deeply flavorful, tender beef.
2. The Gravy Factor: Unlike some slow cooker recipes where the sauce is thin and watery, the trick of adding a cornstarch slurry at the end ensures a thick, glossy, and restaurant-quality gravy. It’s perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes.
3. It’s Budget-Friendly: Cube steak is a very affordable cut of meat, and this recipe elevates it into a gourmet-level dish, making it a great option for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank. For another great family-friendly meal, check out my recipe for This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Cube Steaks	6 (about 1.5 pounds)	Look for a good marble; they should be pre-tenderized.
Yellow Onion	1, diced	Adds a necessary depth of flavor to the gravy.
Sliced Mushrooms	8 oz	Use fresh button or cremini mushrooms.
Beef Bone Broth or Stock	121​ cups	Broth adds a richer flavor than plain stock.
Tomato Paste	1 tablespoon	Key for adding an umami richness.
Worcestershire Sauce	1 tablespoon	Another umami powerhouse; don’t skip this!
Homemade Herb and Garlic Seasoning	2 teaspoons	Use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Paprika	21​ teaspoon	For a little warmth and color.
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons	The thickening agent for the perfect gravy.
Water	2 tablespoons	Cold water to mix with cornstarch for the slurry.

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Swaps and Notes

• Make it a Creamy Gravy: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in about 21​ cup of heavy cream or cream of mushroom soup into the gravy right before serving (before the cornstarch slurry, or instead of it).
• Vegetable Swap: No mushrooms? Use sliced carrots, small potatoes, or even green beans instead. You can also omit them entirely.
• Seasoning: If you don’t have a specific “homemade herb and garlic seasoning,” you can use a mix of 1 teaspoongarlic powder, 21​ teaspoon onion powder, and 21​ teaspoon dried thyme.
• Pre-Searing (Optional but Recommended): While not required for this slow cooker method, quickly searing the cube steaks for 1-2 minutes per side in a hot pan with a little oil before adding them to the crockpot will add a layer of deep, caramelized flavor. It’s a quick extra step that pays off in taste.

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Instructions: 5 Steps to Tender Cube Steak

Step 1: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place the cube steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s okay if they slightly overlap. Scatter the diced onions and sliced mushrooms evenly over the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herb and garlic seasoning, and paprika. Stir until the tomato paste is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Steak

Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the cube steaks, onions, and mushrooms in the crockpot. Place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The meat is ready when it is completely fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About one hour before the cooking time is up, mix the cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water (2 tablespoons of each) to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. This will help thicken the gravy as it finishes cooking. Replace the lid and let it cook for the final hour.

Step 5: Serve

Once the cooking time is complete and the gravy has thickened to your liking, serve your cube steaks hot with a generous ladle of the rich, savory sauce over each portion.

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Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overfill: Try not to over-stack the cube steaks too much. If you need to make a bigger batch, use a larger slow cooker to ensure all the liquid can circulate and the flavors can meld properly.
2. Cold Slurry is Key: Always mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid. Adding dry cornstarch or a slurry made with hot water will result in clumpy, uneven gravy.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After the gravy has thickened, give it a taste test. This is the perfect time to add a pinch more salt, black pepper, or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little kick.
4. Use Good Broth: The flavor of the gravy is the star of the show, so use a high-quality beef bone broth for the best depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This comforting meal pairs beautifully with classic, hearty side dishes that can soak up every drop of that incredible gravy.

• Classic Starch: Creamy Mashed Potatoes (the ultimate pairing!), steamed white rice, or egg noodles.
• Veggies: Garlic butter green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Bread: Crusty French bread or my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter (a great way to use up the extra garlic butter!) is fantastic for dipping into the gravy.

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Nutritional Information Per Serving

Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and will vary based on specific ingredient brands, cuts of meat, and serving size. This estimate is for one cube steak with gravy (approx. 1/6 of the total recipe).

Component	Estimate
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	32 grams
Fat	20 grams
Carbohydrates	16 grams
Fiber	2 grams

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Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigerating: Leftover cube steak and gravy should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This recipe freezes very well. Place the cooled steak and gravy into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the gravy has thickened too much upon reheating, simply whisk in a splash of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you love the ease and comfort of this dish, you’ll want to try these other fan favorites:

• For another easy, comforting chicken dish: These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
• For classic comfort food: Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
• For an equally tender, slow-cooked meat: These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays

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Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cube Steak & Gravy proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a true classic for a reason, delivering on flavor, tenderness, and ease. If you’re new to the slow cooker world, this is the perfect recipe to start with.

I’d love to hear how you served yours! Did you go with the classic mashed potatoes, or did you try something new? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more easy, satisfying recipes!