Cube steak is a classic comfort food that is both affordable and versatile. Because this cut of beef has been tenderized mechanically, it cooks faster than many other cuts but still benefits from the right cooking technique to keep it juicy and flavorful. With a few simple ingredients and the proper method, cube steak can be transformed into a tender and satisfying meal that works for both quick weeknight dinners and hearty family meals.
In this guide, I will instruct you how to cook perfect cube steak at home. From a rich stovetop version with savory onion gravy to a hands-off crock pot recipe, plus quick air fryer and simple oven methods, each technique brings out the best texture and flavor in the meat. No matter which option you choose, these step-by-step recipes will help you create cube steak that is tender, delicious, and full of comforting flavor.
1. How to Cook Cube Steak Tender on Stove top
Ingredients
For Cube Steaks
- 4 cube steaks
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, separated
Meat Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Gravy
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube, or 1 tsp better than bouillon
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into ½ inch strings
Instructions
Prepare the seasoning.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of each steak.
Lightly coat the steaks.
Place the flour on a plate and lightly dredge each cube steak in the flour. Shake off any excess flour. This coating helps create a golden crust and also helps thicken the gravy later.
Sear the cube steaks.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cube steaks and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the onions.
Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 5–7 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize.
Prepare the gravy.
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, beef broth, cornstarch, bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Simmer the gravy.
Pour the gravy mixture into the skillet with the onions. Stir well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the gravy begins to thicken.
Finish cooking the steak.
Return the cube steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the meat becomes tender.
Add butter for richness.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter at the end of cooking to give the gravy a silky texture.
Serve.
Serve the cube steaks hot with plenty of onion gravy. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
2. How to Cook Cube Steak in Crock Pot ( Yield: 4 Serving )
Ingredients
- 4 cubed steaks
- 10.75 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 ounce can French onion soup
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Prepare the slow cooker.
Lightly spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Add the cube steaks.
Place the cubed steaks evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. If needed, slightly overlap them.
Make the sauce mixture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, au jus gravy mix, and ½ cup water. Stir until everything is well blended.
Pour over the meat.
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the cube steaks, ensuring they are well coated.
Cook slowly.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the cube steak to become very tender.
Thicken the gravy.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry.
Add the slurry.
Stir the slurry into the crock pot and mix gently with the gravy.
Finish cooking.
Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Serve.
Serve the cube steak with the thick gravy spooned over the top. It’s excellent with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
3. How to Cook Cube Steak in Air Fryer ( Yield: 4 Serving )
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks (4–6 ounces each)
- Montreal Steak Seasoning to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the cube steak cook evenly and develop a better texture on the outside.
Prepare the cube steaks.
Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and allows the meat to brown better during cooking.
Season the meat.
Sprinkle Montreal Steak Seasoning evenly over both sides of each cube steak. Gently press the seasoning into the meat so it adheres well.
Prepare the air fryer basket.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the steaks from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Arrange the steaks.
Place the cube steaks in the basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each piece so hot air can circulate properly. If necessary, cook in batches.
Cook the first side.
Air fry the cube steaks for 5–6 minutes.
Flip and continue cooking.
Use tongs to flip the steaks over and cook for another 4–6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steaks.
Check doneness.
The steaks should be browned on the outside and cooked through. If needed, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
Rest before serving.
Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
4. How to Cook Cube Steak in the Oven ( Yield: 2 Serving )
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb cubed beef steaks cut into smaller pieces
- 10 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup water
- Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is fully heated before baking the cube steak.
Prepare the baking dish.
Lightly grease a medium baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange the cube steak pieces.
Place the cubed beef steak pieces evenly in the baking dish, spreading them out so they cook evenly.
Make the mushroom sauce.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Season the meat.
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and black pepper evenly over the cube steak pieces.
Pour the sauce over the meat.
Spread the mushroom sauce evenly over the cube steak, making sure the meat is mostly covered so it stays moist while baking.
Cover the dish.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap steam and keeps the cube steak tender as it cooks.
Bake the cube steak.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, allowing the meat to slowly cook in the sauce.
Finish and serve.
Remove the foil, check that the meat is tender, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving. Serve the cube steak with the mushroom gravy spooned over the top.
Cube steak is an affordable and versatile cut of beef that can be transformed into a tender, flavorful meal with the right cooking method. By using simple ingredients and following these easy techniques, you can consistently create cube steak that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Try these different methods to discover your favorite way to cook cube steak at home.
