Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy: Tender, Fall-Apart & Incredibly Easy
Crock pot cube steak and gravy is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food dinner. Tender, fall-apart cube steak slow-cooked all day in a rich, savory brown gravy — this is home cooking at its finest.
This crock pot cube steak and gravy recipe is incredibly simple to make — just sear the steak, add everything to the crock pot, and let the slow cooker do all the work. Come home to a hearty, deeply flavorful meal that the whole family will love, served over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy biscuits.
If you love easy, comforting slow cooker meals, this cube steak and gravy crock pot recipe is one you will make on repeat!
💡 Love slow cooker steak recipes? Try our melt-in-your-mouth Slow Cooker Cube Steak or the hearty Smothered Cube Steak for more incredible comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe
- ✅ Completely Hands-Off: Add everything to the crock pot and walk away — dinner cooks itself!
- ✅ Fall-Apart Tender: Low-and-slow cooking transforms tough cube steak into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
- ✅ Rich, Savory Brown Gravy: A deeply flavorful gravy made right in the slow cooker — no separate pan needed!
- ✅ Budget-Friendly: Cube steak is one of the most affordable cuts of beef — perfect for feeding the whole family.
- ✅ Classic Comfort Food: The kind of hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug!
- ✅ Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.
What Is Cube Steak?
Cube steak (also called cubed steak or minute steak) is a cut of beef — usually top round or top sirloin — that has been run through a mechanical meat tenderizer. This process creates the distinctive cube-shaped indentations on the surface and breaks down the tough muscle fibers, making it more tender.
It is one of the most budget-friendly cuts of beef and becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked in a crock pot. The low, steady heat of the slow cooker does the rest of the tenderizing work — resulting in fall-apart, fork-tender steak in a rich gravy.
🛒 Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cube Steak:
- 4 Cube Steaks (about 1.5–2 lb total): Boneless, tenderized. (Ask your butcher or find them pre-packaged in most grocery stores.)
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour: For dredging — creates a beautiful crust and helps thicken the gravy.
- 1 tsp Salt-and-pepper: To taste.
- 1 tsp Paprika: For color and subtle smokiness.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter: For searing.
For the Crock Pot Brown Gravy:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup: The base of the gravy — rich, creamy, and deeply savory.
- 1 cup Beef Broth: Adds depth and keeps everything moist.
- 1 packet (1 oz) Onion Soup Mix: The secret weapon for bold, savory gravy flavor!
- 1 cup Mushrooms: Sliced. (Baby bella or white mushrooms both work great.)
- 1 large Onion: Thinly sliced.
- 3 Cloves Fresh Garlic: Minced.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds incredible umami depth.
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water: For thickening the gravy at the end.
- 1 tsp Thyme: Fresh or dried.
- Salt-and-pepper: To taste.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup Carrots (sliced) — adds sweetness
- 2 cups Baby Potatoes — for a complete one-pot meal
- 1 tbsp Balsamic — adds subtle tang to the gravy
- 1 tbsp Brown Gravy Mix — for extra gravy depth
👨🍳 How to Make the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Dredge and Sear the Cube Steaks

In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Shake off excess.
Heat 2 tbsp butter or olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
Sear the floured cube steaks for 2 minutes per side until golden-brown. Work in batches — do not overcrowd the pan.
Transfer seared cube steaks to the crock pot.
💡 Pro Tip: Searing is optional but highly recommended! The flour coating creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that not only adds incredible flavor but also helps thicken the gravy as it cooks in the crock pot.
Step 2: Build the Brown Gravy Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), reduce heat to medium-low. Add a little more butter if needed.
Sauté the sliced onions for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for 2 more minutes.
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Beef broth
- Onion soup mix
- Worcestershire-sauce
- Thyme
- Salt-and-pepper
Pour the mushroom and onion mixture over the cube steaks in the crock pot.
Pour the gravy sauce over everything — make sure the cube steaks are well coated and submerged.
💡 Pro Tip: The combination of cream of mushroom soup + beef broth + onion soup mix creates the most incredibly rich, savory, and flavorful crock pot cube steak gravy — it is absolutely irresistible!
Step 3: Slow Cook the Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

Place the lid on the crock pot and cook:
| Setting | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 6–8 hours ⭐ | Most tender, fall-apart steak |
| HIGH | 3–4 hours | Good results, quicker option |
💡 Pro Tip: LOW and slow is always the best option for crock pot cube steak and gravy. The longer, gentler heat completely breaks down the tough fibers in cube steak, resulting in the most tender, fall-apart results!
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
About 30 minutes before serving, check the gravy consistency. If you prefer a thicker gravy:
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the crock pot.
Replace the lid and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
💡 Pro Tip: If the gravy is still too thin after cornstarch, whisk in a little flour-butter paste (equal parts softened butter and flour) for an even richer, creamier gravy!
Step 5: Serve the Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy

Gently remove the cube steaks from the crock pot — they will be incredibly tender and fall-apart. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately over:
- 🥔 Mashed potatoes — the ultimate pairing, classic and ultra-comforting ⭐
- 🍝 Egg noodles — soaks up the brown gravy beautifully
- 🍚 Steamed rice — simple and hearty
- 🥐 Fluffy biscuits — perfect for soaking up every drop of gravy
- 🍞 Cornbread — a Southern classic combination
🍽️ What to Serve with Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
This crock pot cube steak and gravy is a complete comfort food dinner. Here are the best sides:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The absolute classic pairing — rich, buttery mashed potatoes topped with that incredible brown gravy. ⭐
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles absorb the savory gravy perfectly — a hearty, satisfying bowl.
- Fluffy Biscuits: Southern-style biscuits are incredible for soaking up the rich gravy.
- Steamed Green Beans: A simple, healthy side that adds freshness and color.
- Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with this Southern comfort food dish.
- Roasted Carrots or Broccoli: Light and fresh vegetables balance the richness of the gravy.
💡 Want to make it a complete one-pot meal? Add baby potatoes and carrots directly to the crock pot!
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
- Always Sear First: Even just 2 minutes per side adds a golden-brown crust that dramatically improves flavor and helps thicken the gravy.
- Don’t Skip the Flour Dredge: Dredging in flour before searing is what gives you that beautiful, glossy, thickened gravy.
- LOW is Always Better: Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours for the most tender, fall-apart cube steak.
- Onion Soup Mix is Key: The packet of onion soup mix adds incredible savory depth to the gravy — don’t substitute it!
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Use the condensed version straight from the can — don’t add water.
- Better the Next Day: Like all great slow cooker recipes, crock pot cube steak and gravy tastes even richer and more flavorful the next day.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: Each time you open the crock pot, you add 20–30 minutes to the cooking time.
💡 Love slow-cooked steak recipes? Check out our Salisbury Cube Steak for more incredible comfort food dinners!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
How to Cook Cube Steak and Gravy in a Crock Pot?
Making crock pot cube steak and gravy is simple:
- Dredge cube steaks in seasoned flour and sear in a hot skillet
- Transfer to the crock pot
- Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms — add to crock pot
- Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce
- Pour everything into the crock pot
- Cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours
- Thicken gravy with cornstarch if needed — serve over mashed potatoes
How Long to Cook Cube Steak in a Crock Pot?
For the most tender crock pot cube steak and gravy:
- LOW setting: 6–8 hours ⭐ (best results — fall-apart tender)
- HIGH setting: 3–4 hours (good results — quicker option)
Always prefer LOW when possible for the most melt-in-your-mouth, tender cube steak.
[H3] How to Make Cube Steak Tender in a Crock Pot?
The secrets to incredibly tender cube steak in a crock pot:
- Dredge in flour before searing — helps tenderize further
- Sear first — locks in juices and adds flavor
- Cook on LOW — gentle, long heat breaks down tough fibers
- Add enough liquid — beef broth keeps the steak moist throughout
- Don’t overcook on HIGH — high heat can make cube steak tough and rubbery
Can You Put Raw Cube Steak in the Crock Pot?
Yes! You can add raw cube steak directly to the crock pot without searing — it will still become tender after 6–8 hours on LOW. However, searing first is highly recommended because:
- It creates a golden-brown crust with much better flavor
- The flour coating helps thicken the gravy naturally
- The browning adds caramelized, savory depth to the final dish
What to Serve with Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy?
The best sides for cube steak and gravy in a crock pot are:
- Mashed potatoes — the classic, ultimate pairing ⭐
- Egg noodles — soak up the gravy perfectly
- Fluffy biscuits — Southern comfort food at its finest
- Steamed rice — simple and hearty
- Cornbread — sweet and savory contrast
How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy?
Storage:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth
- Microwave: 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Crock Pot: Reheat on LOW for 1–2 hours
🔄 Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Variations
- 🍄 Mushroom Gravy Version: Add extra mushrooms and a splash of red wine for a rich mushroom stroganoff-style gravy.
- 🧅 French Onion Style: Use onion soup mix + caramelized onions + a splash of white wine for a French onion-inspired gravy.
- 🥛 Cream Gravy Version: Replace beef broth with chicken broth and add ½ cup heavy cream for a white cream gravy variation.
- 🌶️ Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy for a kick.
- 🥔 Complete One-Pot Meal: Add baby potatoes and carrots directly to the crock pot for a hearty all-in-one dinner.
- 🧀 Cheesy Gravy: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a rich, cheesy brown gravy.
Conclusion — Try This Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy Recipe Tonight!
This crock pot cube steak and gravy recipe is the definition of effortless comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients, a quick sear, and 6–8 hours in the slow cooker, you get incredibly tender, fall-apart cube steak in the richest, most savory brown gravy you have ever tasted.
Whether you serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or warm biscuits — every single bite of this cube steak and gravy crock pot dinner is pure, hearty comfort food at its absolute finest.
👇 Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments what you served it with! 🥔🥩

Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
Equipment
- 6 Quart Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
- Large Skillet (for searing)
- Shallow Bowl (for flour dredging)
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
Cube Steak
- 4 Cube Steaks about 1.5–2 lb total
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 tbsp Butter or Olive Oil for searing
Brown Gravy Sauce
- 1 can 10.5 oz Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 packet 1 oz Onion Soup Mix
- 1 cup Mushrooms sliced
- 1 large Onion sliced
- 3 Cloves Fresh Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Thyme
- Salt-and-pepper to taste
Gravy Thickener
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Cold Water
Garnish
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge cube steaks in flour mixture on both sides.
- Heat butter in a skillet over high heat. Sear cube steaks 2 minutes per side until golden-brown. Transfer to crock pot.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, sauté sliced onions 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, cook 2 minutes. Add to crock pot.
- Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour over everything in the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water. Stir into crock pot. Cook on HIGH 20–30 minutes to thicken gravy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or biscuits.
Notes
- Sear First: Always sear the cube steaks for maximum flavor and a thicker gravy.
- LOW is Best: Cook on LOW for the most tender, fall-apart results.
- Cream of Mushroom: Use condensed soup straight from the can — don’t add water.
- Onion Soup Mix: Do not skip this — it is the key to the best gravy flavor.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge 4 days, freezer 3 months.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 920mg |







