There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that cooks low and slow all day, filling your home with the kind of rich, savory aroma that makes everyone eager for dinnertime. Cube steaks with gravy in the slow cooker are the perfect answer for busy days when you still want a meal that feels homemade and hearty. This dish delivers fork-tender beef, layered with flavor, and smothered in a rich, velvety gravy that tastes like you spent hours fussing in the kitchen—even though your slow cooker did all the work.
This recipe starts by browning seasoned, flour-dusted cube steaks, which helps lock in flavor and gives the gravy a head start in richness. Sliced onions melt down beneath the steaks during cooking, adding sweetness and body to the sauce. A trio of gravy mixes—brown, mushroom, and onion—creates a flavorful blend that’s perfect for ladling over a bed of mashed potatoes, warm noodles, or fluffy rice. It’s a complete comfort meal in one pot, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is dependable, budget-friendly, and always delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 beef cube steaks (about 4 oz. each)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 cups water, divided
- 1 envelope brown gravy mix (reduced sodium preferred)
- 1 envelope mushroom gravy mix
- 1 envelope onion gravy mix
- Mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or noodles for serving
Servings: 6
Instructions
Lightly coat the inside of a 3 to 5-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Layer the sliced onions on the bottom. In a resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Add a few cube steaks at a time and shake to coat well. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the steaks briefly on both sides in batches, then place them over the onions in the slow cooker. Pour in 2 cups of water, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours, until the meat is tender. In a separate bowl, whisk the brown, mushroom, and onion gravy mixes with the remaining 1 cup of water. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook on low for another 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This dish is high in protein and provides comforting sustenance when served with a starch like potatoes or rice. The gravy packs in bold flavor, though it can be high in sodium depending on the mixes used. Look for reduced-sodium versions if you’re watching salt intake. While not suitable for vegetarians or those avoiding gluten, it is a satisfying choice for most omnivorous eaters. You can swap in a gluten-free flour and gravy mix if dietary needs require.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Did this recipe bring a little comfort to your dinner table? Let us know! Drop a comment, share your tweaks, or tag someone who would love this hearty dish. Every comment helps more people discover cozy meals like this one—and we love hearing from you!