If you’ve ever wanted a fuss-free dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Crockpot Cubed Steak with French Onion Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, flavorful cubed steak simmers slowly in a rich, savory French onion gravy enhanced with diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, creating a perfect balance of hearty and comforting flavors. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a genuine crowd-pleaser, elevating your weeknight dinners to something truly special without any stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity yet bold flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the cubed steak providing that satisfying texture to the French onion soup lending the gravy its iconic, rich taste. The combination is straightforward but powerful.
- 1 1/2 pounds beef cube steak: The star of the dish, tenderized beef that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the meat.
- 1/4 cup flour: Helps to coat the steak, creating a light crust and thickening the gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic depth that complements the onions perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the cube steaks, locking in flavor before slow cooking.
- 10.5 oz can condensed French onion soup: The backbone of the savory gravy, rich with onion and beefy goodness.
- 1 can water or beef broth: Dilutes the soup to the perfect gravy consistency with extra flavor.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix envelope: Boosts the gravy’s savory and smooth qualities for a restaurant-like finish.
- 28 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice: Adds a bright acidity and hearty texture to complement the beef.
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami magic that deepens the gravy’s complexity.
How to Make Crockpot Cubed Steak with French Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Start by mixing the flour and garlic powder in a shallow bowl or container. This simple combo will coat the cubed steak and give your gravy that lovely thick texture while infusing subtle flavor.
Step 2: Season and Dredge the Cubed Steak
Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of your cubed steaks. Then, dip each piece into your flour mixture until fully coated. This step not only seasons the meat but also prepares it for a crispy sear that locks in juices.
Step 3: Brown the Steak
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated cube steaks and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until the crust is golden and crispy. Browning is key—it adds incredible flavor and texture before slow cooking.
Step 4: Combine the Gravy Ingredients in the Crockpot
In the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker, stir together the condensed French onion soup, water or beef broth, au jus gravy mix, diced tomatoes along with their juice, and Worcestershire sauce. This flavorful mixture will bubble away, creating the ultimate rich gravy.
Step 5: Add the Steak to the Crockpot
Carefully place your browned cube steaks over the gravy in the slow cooker. They’ll soak up every bit of that savory goodness as they slowly cook, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on medium heat for 6 to 8 hours. Patience here is rewarded with irresistibly tender meat and a deeply flavorful gravy that’s worth every minute.
How to Serve Crockpot Cubed Steak with French Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a splash of green and brightness that balances the rich gravy beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving enhances the flavor and looks inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with creamy mashed potatoes which soak up every drop of that luscious gravy. Steamed green beans or buttered carrots add a fresh, crisp contrast for a complete, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a comforting twist, serve the cubed steak over buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta. Or, pile the tender steak and gravy atop toasted sourdough slices for an open-faced sandwich that’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover cubed steak and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the cubed steak and gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and store for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to preserve tenderness. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the gravy smooth.
FAQs
Can I use fresh onions instead of canned French onion soup?
Absolutely! Sauté thinly sliced onions until caramelized and add beef broth and seasonings to replicate the soup’s flavor. It adds a homemade touch but the canned soup keeps things super easy and consistent.
Is cubed steak the same as tenderized round steak?
Yes, cubed steak is usually top round beef that’s been tenderized by pounding. It’s an affordable cut that turns tender when cooked low and slow, like in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
While it’s designed for slow cooking, you can adapt it to an Instant Pot using the sauté function for browning and pressure cook on high for about 45 minutes with natural release. Just watch the liquid amounts closely.
What if I don’t have au jus gravy mix?
No worries! You can substitute with a beef bouillon cube or extra Worcestershire sauce to deepen the gravy flavor. The French onion soup already provides a great base.
How do I know when the cubed steak is done?
The best sign is tenderness—you want the meat to be fork-tender and easy to cut. The 6-8 hour slow cook time on medium usually gets it there, but you can test early if you like.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a heartwarming, no-fail meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas, give this Crockpot Cubed Steak with French Onion Gravy Recipe a try. It’s a simple way to transform everyday ingredients into a dish that feels like a delicious celebration of home cooking. Once you taste that tender steak wrapped in savory gravy, I promise it will become one of your go-to comfort meals!
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Crockpot Cubed Steak with French Onion Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cubed Steak recipe offers tender, flavorful beef cooked slowly in a rich and savory French onion and tomato gravy. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal served over mashed potatoes or rice, this dish combines a quick flour coating and a brief skillet sear with slow cooking to achieve melt-in-your-mouth results.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds beef cube steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Gravy Mixture
- 10.5 oz can condensed French onion soup
- 1 can water or beef broth (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix envelope
- 28 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow container or bowl, mix together the flour and garlic powder evenly. This will be used for coating the cube steak.
- Season and Coat the Steak: Sprinkle both sides of the cubed steak with salt and pepper. Then dip each piece and thoroughly coat both sides with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Sear the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded cube steak pieces and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown. This seals in flavor and adds texture.
- Mix the Gravy Base: In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the condensed French onion soup, one can of water or beef broth, the packet of au jus gravy mix, diced tomatoes with juice, and 2 shakes (approximately 1/2 tablespoon) of Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Combine Steak and Gravy: Place the seared cube steak pieces into the slow cooker, submerging them in the prepared gravy mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on medium for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and flavorful.
Notes
- For best results, use a 6-quart crockpot to ensure proper cooking volume and heat circulation.
- The initial skillet searing step adds flavor and texture but can be skipped for a faster prep; however, the steak may be less crispy.
- Serve the cubed steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- You can substitute beef broth for water to increase richness in the gravy mixture.
