Mushroom Crock Pot Cube Steak & Gravy
If you’re looking for a comforting, budget-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself, this Mushroom Crock Pot Cube Steak & Gravy is a recipe worth saving. Tender cube steak slowly cooks in a rich, savory mushroom gravy until the beef is incredibly flavorful and easy to cut with a fork.
The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed Sunday dinners, or any time you want a hearty homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve the steak and creamy mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even buttered pasta for a cozy meal the whole family can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons this mushroom cube steak deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation.
- Easy preparation: Most of the ingredients go straight into the slow cooker.
- Tender beef: Slow cooking helps cube steak become soft and flavorful.
- Rich gravy: Mushrooms, beef broth, and savory seasonings create a delicious sauce.
- Budget-friendly: Cube steak is an affordable cut of beef.
- Family-friendly: The mild, comforting flavors pair well with simple side dishes.
- Great for busy days: Once everything is prepared, the slow cooker handles most of the cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cube Steak
Use about 1½ to 2 pounds of cube steak. Cube steak is typically tenderized before packaging, making it a convenient choice for slow-cooker recipes.
Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and extra texture to the gravy. White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms both work well.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup gives the gravy a creamy consistency and adds plenty of savory mushroom flavor.
Beef Broth
Beef broth creates a flavorful liquid base for the gravy. Low-sodium broth is a good choice if you prefer more control over the salt.
Onion
Thinly sliced onion adds sweetness and savory depth as it slowly cooks with the steak.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic gives the gravy a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
Seasonings
A simple combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs works beautifully.
Worcestershire Sauce
A small amount of Worcestershire sauce adds savory umami flavor and helps make the gravy taste richer.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch can be used near the end of cooking if you want a thicker gravy.
How to Make Mushroom Crock Pot Cube Steak & Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the onion and mushrooms if they are not already prepared. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels.
Season both sides of the steaks with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a small amount of salt.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Mixture
In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
If you want an especially rich gravy, you can add a small amount of dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker
Place some of the sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the Crock Pot.
Arrange the seasoned cube steaks over the vegetables.
Add the remaining mushrooms and onions around and over the beef.
Step 4: Add the Gravy
Pour the mushroom gravy mixture evenly over the cube steaks.
Try to make sure the steaks are well coated so they absorb the flavor as they cook.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook until the cube steaks are tender.
For best results, cook on LOW for approximately 6–8 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and the individual slow cooker.
Step 6: Check the Gravy
Near the end of cooking, check the consistency of the gravy.
If it is thinner than you prefer, make a simple cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little cold water.
Stir the slurry into the hot gravy and allow it to cook for several minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste the gravy carefully before serving.
Add additional black pepper, garlic powder, or salt if needed. Remember that the soup and broth can already contain a significant amount of sodium.
Step 8: Serve
Place a tender cube steak on a serving plate and spoon plenty of mushroom gravy over the top.
Serve immediately with your favorite comforting side dishes.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak
Don’t Skip the Seasoning
Cube steak benefits from a good amount of seasoning. Season both sides before placing the meat into the slow cooker.
Use LOW Heat When Possible
Slow cooking on LOW gives the beef plenty of time to become tender while allowing the flavors to develop.
Don’t Add Too Much Liquid
The mushrooms, onions, soup, and beef will all contribute moisture as they cook. You generally don’t need to completely cover the steaks with liquid.
Let the Gravy Thicken Before Serving
If your gravy looks slightly thin, give it time to thicken. A cornstarch slurry is an easy way to achieve a thicker, spoonable consistency.
Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker
Arrange the steaks in a reasonably even layer when possible. This helps them cook more consistently.
Easy Recipe Variations
Creamy Onion Mushroom Steak
Add an extra sliced onion and a little onion soup mix for a deeper onion flavor.
Cheesy Cube Steak
For a richer variation, add a little shredded provolone or mozzarella near the end of cooking.
Garlic Herb Version
Increase the garlic and add dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for a more herb-forward flavor.
Pepper Mushroom Gravy
Add extra freshly ground black pepper to create a bolder, peppery gravy.
Vegetable Version
Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or additional mushrooms for more vegetables.
What to Serve with Cube Steak and Gravy
This dish is especially delicious when paired with something that can soak up the mushroom gravy.
Try serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- White or brown rice
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Corn
- Dinner rolls
- Homemade biscuits
- A simple green salad
Mashed potatoes are one of the best choices because the creamy potatoes and savory mushroom gravy make every bite incredibly comforting.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store the cube steak and gravy in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has become too thick.
Reheat until the beef and gravy are thoroughly hot.
Can You Freeze Cube Steak and Gravy?
Yes. Cube steak with mushroom gravy can be frozen for convenient future meals.
Allow the cooked beef and gravy to cool, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container.
For the best quality, use within a few months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if necessary to loosen the gravy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely.
You can prepare the ingredients in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook, provided the raw beef is kept safely refrigerated and cooked within an appropriate timeframe.
You can also fully cook the dish ahead of time and simply reheat it when dinner is needed.
In fact, the gravy often tastes even richer after the flavors have had time to come together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cube steak?
Cube steak is beef that has usually been mechanically tenderized, leaving its characteristic small indentations. It is commonly used in recipes involving gravy because it works particularly well with slow cooking.
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes. You can experiment with other economical beef cuts suitable for slow cooking, although the cooking time and final texture may differ.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned mushrooms?
Definitely. Fresh mushrooms provide excellent flavor and texture and are a great choice for this recipe.
Why is my cube steak tough?
Cube steak generally needs enough cooking time to become tender. If it is still tough, it may need additional time in the slow cooker. Avoid judging tenderness too early.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the hot gravy toward the end of cooking. Allow it to cook until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I use low-sodium ingredients?
Yes. Low-sodium beef broth and cream of mushroom soup are useful choices if you want greater control over the final salt level.
Can I add potatoes to the Crock Pot?
Yes. Cut potatoes into evenly sized pieces and place them around the beef. Keep in mind that adding a large quantity of potatoes can change the amount and consistency of the gravy.
Meal Prep Ideas
This recipe is excellent for meal preparation because the beef and gravy can be portioned into individual containers.
For an easy meal-prep combination, divide the cube steak and mushroom gravy between containers with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Keep the portions refrigerated and reheat when ready to eat.
For the best texture, store delicate side dishes separately when possible.
How to Make the Flavor Even Better
For an extra flavorful result, consider searing the cube steaks in a hot skillet before placing them into the slow cooker.
Searing isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can add a deeper browned flavor to the finished dish.
You can also sauté the onions and mushrooms briefly before adding them to the Crock Pot. This creates another layer of flavor and gives the mushrooms a richer taste.
A small splash of Worcestershire sauce also makes a noticeable difference in the savory depth of the gravy.
A Cozy Dinner Everyone Will Love
Mushroom Crock Pot Cube Steak & Gravy is the kind of meal that proves simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying dinner.
Tender beef, savory mushrooms, onions, and rich gravy come together in the slow cooker with very little hands-on effort. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles, add a simple vegetable on the side, and you’ve got a complete comfort-food dinner.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, preparing meals ahead of time, or simply craving a warm homemade dinner, this Crock Pot cube steak recipe is an easy one to keep in your recipe collection.