There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the house, especially when it’s a comforting dish like Slow Cooker Cubed Steak. Tender cubed steaks simmered in a savory gravy with onions and seasonings – it’s the epitome of Southern comfort food. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy all the flavors of this classic dish with minimal effort. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and experience the joy of slow-cooked goodness!
Ingredients:
- 6 cubed steaks (can sub based on notes above)
- 1 onion, sliced into rings
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- ½ can of water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cubed Steaks: If needed, trim any excess fat from the cubed steaks. Season them with black pepper on both sides.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the cubed steaks on top of the onions.
- Mix Soup Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, and water. Stir until well combined.
- Pour Mixture Over Steaks: Pour the soup mixture over the cubed steaks in the slow cooker, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the cubed steaks are tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once the cubed steaks are done cooking, serve them hot with the delicious gravy spooned over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Brown the Steaks: For added flavor, you can brown the cubed steaks in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Thicken the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing cornstarch with a little water and adding it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of soup? A: Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of onion soup for the cream of celery soup if preferred. Similarly, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup in place of cream of chicken soup.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use gluten-free versions of cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, and onion soup mix to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, leftover cubed steak and gravy can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use fresh onions instead of onion soup mix? A: Yes, you can use fresh onions instead of onion soup mix. Simply slice or dice onions and add them to the slow cooker along with the cubed steaks.
Q: Can I cook this dish on the stovetop or in the oven instead of a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven cooking. For stovetop, simmer the ingredients in a covered pot over low heat for 1-2 hours. For oven cooking, transfer the ingredients to a covered baking dish and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 2-3 hours.
Keto Version:
- Low-Carb Soup Substitutes: Use homemade keto-friendly versions of cream of celery soup and cream of chicken soup made with coconut cream or heavy cream instead of traditional canned soups.
- Thicken with Xanthan Gum: Instead of using flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy, use xanthan gum as a low-carb thickener.
- Serve with Cauliflower Mash: Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash as a low-carb alternative to accompany the cubed steak and gravy.
Low Carb Version:
- Reduce or Omit Onions: Limit the amount of onions used or omit them altogether to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Use Broth Instead of Soup: Substitute cream of celery soup and cream of chicken soup with a combination of beef broth and heavy cream or coconut cream for a lower-carb gravy.
- Serve with Cauliflower Rice: Pair the cubed steak and gravy with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb option.
With its tender cubed steaks smothered in savory gravy, Slow Cooker Cubed Steak is a timeless classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re a fan of Southern comfort food or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this dish is sure to hit the spot. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the hearty flavors and soul-warming comfort of homemade cubed steak!
