Crock Pot Bucket Steak: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
Winter brings a cozy feeling, and nothing beats the smell of a homemade meal in the slow cooker. This Crock Pot Bucket Steak recipe is a family favorite. It’s a simple, comforting dinner that reminds me of my childhood.
My mom used to make this on Sundays, filling our home with the scent of tender steak and rich gravy. Now, as a parent, I love making it for my family. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and the slow cooker.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Crock Pot Bucket Steak is a classic comfort food dish made with tender cubed steak and flavorful gravy.
- The slow cooker ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making this an easy and delicious family meal.
- This recipe features simple pantry staples for rich, beefy flavor without a lot of fuss.
- It’s a budget-friendly option that can be made ahead and easily reheated for effortless weeknight dinners.
- Readers rave about the tender, fall-off-the-fork texture and comforting taste of this Crock Pot Bucket Steak.
What is Crock Pot Bucket Steak?
Crock Pot Bucket Steak is a classic comfort food. It combines tender cubed steak with a rich, flavorful gravy. This dish is great for cozy family dinners or weekend gatherings. The slow cooking makes the beef tender and fall-apart.
A Comforting Classic
The dish uses cubed steak, a tender cut of beef. As it simmers in the gravy, it absorbs flavors and becomes tender. This dish is a true comfort food classic, perfect for satisfying your cravings.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef Cube Steaks | 2 pounds |
| Cooking Oil | ¼ cup |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Kosher Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Cracked Black Pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Beef Stock | 2 cups |
The recipe has just 4 main ingredients: cube steaks, onion, gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup. It cooks for 6 hours on low heat until the steaks are tender. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This dish is a family-friendly classic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. With its tender beef, savory gravy, and simple prep, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker Recipe?
Slow cooker recipes, like the Crock Pot Bucket Steak, are perfect for easy dinners. They cook slowly, blending flavors and tenderizing meat. This makes for a delicious, ready-to-eat meal with little effort.
They’re ideal for busy weeknights or when you crave a comforting meal. With just a few ingredients and some time, you get a tasty dish that everyone will love. Slow cooker meals are great for those easy dinners and set-it-and-forget-it meals you need on busy days.
“Slow cooker recipes are a game-changer for busy families. They allow you to enjoy all the flavor of a long-simmered dish with minimal hands-on time.”
Looking for slow cooker recipes that are easy and flavorful? Try the Crock Pot Bucket Steak. It’s a weeknight lifesaver with its hands-off cooking and set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
Ingredients Needed
This Crock Pot Bucket Steak recipe is easy to make. It uses just a few common items. These items mix together to create a rich, beefy flavor in the gravy. The main parts are cubed steak, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and au jus gravy mix.
You’ll also need water, cornstarch, and salt and pepper. The cornstarch thickens the gravy. Salt and pepper make the dish taste just right.
Here’s a detailed list of what you need for this Crock Pot Bucket Steak:
- Cubed steak (1½-2 pounds)
- 1 (1-ounce) packet of onion soup and dip mix
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 8 ounces of beef broth
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- ½ cup of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
With these simple items, you can make a delicious Crock Pot Bucket Steak dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the perfect crock pot bucket steak is easy. Start by mixing cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, au jus gravy mix, and water in a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir well to mix everything together.
Then, add the cubed steaks to the slow cooker. Make sure they’re covered in the gravy. Cover the cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This will make the beef tender and easy to shred.
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, thicken the gravy. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 30 minutes. The gravy will become smooth and rich.
Finally, serve the crock pot bucket steak hot. You can serve it over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles. The tender beef and flavorful gravy will make a delicious family meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cubed Steak | 2 pounds |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 2 cans (10.5 oz each) |
| French Onion Soup | 1 packet |
| Au Jus Gravy Mix | 1 packet |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Cold Water | 2 tablespoons |
Crock Pot Bucket Steak: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with our Crock Pot Bucket Steak recipe. It’s tender cubed steak cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy. This slow cooker meal is easy and hands-off.
The sauce is made from cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and au jus gravy mix. It’s perfect for topping mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice.
This crock pot bucket steak recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. The slow cooking makes the beef tender, and the gravy adds rich flavor.
It’s great for feeding a crowd or a cozy family dinner. This slow cooker recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Rating | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 10 minutes | 8 hours | 8 hours 10 minutes | 4.50 / 5 (2 votes) | 254 per serving |
The secret to this crock pot bucket steak recipe is the flavorful gravy. You’ll need 4-6 cube steaks, a sliced onion, golden mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown gravy mix. Just add everything to your slow cooker and forget it until dinner.
Buying ingredients on sale at Walmart can make it budget-friendly. This recipe costs less than $10. You can also add cheese or serve it over pasta for a kid-friendly twist.
“This crock pot bucket steak recipe is a game-changer! The beef is so tender and the gravy is absolutely delicious. I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and come back to a complete, satisfying meal.”
For the best results, cook on low for 6-8 hours. This lets the flavors meld and the meat become tender. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family and savor the delicious, hassle-free dinner you’ve created.
Tips for Tender, Flavorful Results
To get the tender cubed steak in this Crock Pot Bucket Steak recipe just right, follow these easy tips:
- Make sure the beef is thawed before putting it in the slow cooker. This ensures it cooks evenly.
- Cook the crock pot bucket steak on low for 6-8 hours. This long, slow cooking breaks down the meat, making it tender.
- Thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry at the end. This makes the sauce rich and velvety, perfect for the meat.
By using these slow cooker tips, you’ll get tender cubed steak every time. This crock pot bucket steak recipe is a comforting treat.
| Cooking Time | Thawing Requirement | Gravy Thickening |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 hours on low | Thaw beef completely | Use cornstarch slurry |
“The secret to tender, flavorful crock pot bucket steak is slow, gentle cooking. Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy tender beef every time.”
Variations and Substitutions
The Crock Pot Bucket Steak recipe is perfect for making your own. You can change it to fit your diet and taste. It’s easy to add veggies, change the protein, or cut down on salt.
Dietary Accommodations
Want to eat less sodium? Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and au jus gravy mix. Or, make your own gravy with beef broth and a cornstarch or flour mix.
Don’t like mushrooms? Try cream of celery instead. It changes the flavor a lot.
Protein Substitutions
Instead of cubed steak, use pork chops. Just make sure the pork is cooked to 145°F for safety.
Vegetable Additions
Add veggies like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. It makes the dish more nutritious and filling.
This recipe is all about trying new things. Mix and match ingredients to make it your own.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Bucket Steak
Choosing the right side dishes for your Crock Pot Bucket Steak is easy. This classic dish goes well with many classic sides. These help soak up the rich, beefy gravy.
One great choice is creamy mashed potatoes. Their velvety texture and mild flavor are perfect for the flavorful gravy. You can also serve the steak over egg noodles or fluffy dinner rolls for a heartier option.
To add balance, consider roasted vegetables on the side. Carrots, green beans, or a simple green salad are all tasty with the slow-cooked beef.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | The creamy texture and subtle flavor allow the rich gravy to shine. |
| Egg Noodles | The hearty noodles soak up the beefy flavors perfectly. |
| Dinner Rolls | Fluffy, soft rolls are great for sopping up every last drop of the gravy. |
| Roasted Vegetables | The tender, caramelized veggies balance the richness of the steak. |
No matter your choice, the Crock Pot Bucket Steak will be the main attraction. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal with loved ones.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Ideas
The Crock Pot Bucket Steak recipe is great for make-ahead and meal prep. You can prepare the ingredients the night before. Then, just plug it in and turn it on in the morning for a simple dinner. It also reheats well, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Strategies for Effortless Family Dinners
- Double the recipe and portion out servings to freeze for future easy dinners your family will love.
- Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Cook the Crock Pot Bucket Steak over the weekend and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week for hassle-free meal prep.
Using this recipe for make-ahead and meal prep means your family gets tasty, homemade meals without the daily dinner stress. The tender, flavorful Crock Pot Bucket Steak is ideal for busy weeknights.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Wondering how to store and reheat leftover Crock Pot Bucket Steak? We’ve got you covered. Our tips will help keep your how to store crock pot bucket steak delicious for days.
Store leftover Crock Pot Bucket Steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheating instructions, microwave individual portions until hot. Or, warm it on the stove over low heat. If the gravy thickens, add a bit of broth or water to thin it out.
This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. leftovers Thaw in the fridge before reheating. The slow-cooked beef and rich gravy will still taste great, making it easy to enjoy again.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
With these tips, you can enjoy Crock Pot Bucket Steak’s delicious flavors for longer. This comforting dish is always ready when you are.
Budget-Friendly Family Meal
Crock Pot Bucket Steak is a great choice for a budget-friendly family meal. It uses cubed steak, which is cheaper than other cuts. This makes the dish affordable for a big family. Plus, the slow cooker tenderizes the meat, so you don’t need to spend more on expensive cuts.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious beef dinner. It’s something everyone will enjoy without spending too much.
Affordable and Nutritious
Each serving of Crock Pot Bucket Steak has about 747 calories. That’s 37% of what you need in a day. It’s also packed with protein, giving you 52g per serving. That’s 104% of your daily protein needs.
But, it’s also high in fats, with 43g per serving. That’s 66% of your daily fat intake. The sodium content is also high, with 2600mg per serving. That’s 113% of what you should have in a day.
Even with the high calorie and fat content, the dish is full of important nutrients. It has 2246mg of potassium per serving. That’s 64% of what you need daily. It also has 33g of carbohydrates per serving, which is 11% of your daily needs.
It’s also a good source of Vitamin A and Calcium. You get 9% and 26% of your daily needs, respectively.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % of Daily Recommended Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 747 kcal | 37% |
| Protein | 52g | 104% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Sodium | 2600mg | 113% |
| Potassium | 2246mg | 64% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Vitamin A | 470 IU | 9% |
| Calcium | 259mg | 26% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
The Crock Pot Bucket Steak is a budget-friendly option. It’s also affordable and full of nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty beef dinner with your family.
Crock Pot Bucket Steak Reviews
Readers love this Crock Pot Bucket Steak recipe. They say it’s easy to make and tastes amazing. The slow cooker makes the tough steak tender, and the gravy adds a rich flavor.
One happy reviewer said, “This is the most tender and flavorful cubed steak I’ve ever had. The slow cooker makes it so easy, and the gravy is out of this world.” Another home cook exclaimed, “My family devoured this dish – the beef was fall-apart tender and the gravy was so rich and savory. I’ll be making this again and again.”
Many people also like how well this crock pot bucket steak recipe reheats and freezes. It’s perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights. Its simple ingredients and easy cooking make it a favorite among cooks of all levels.
“This is the most tender and flavorful cubed steak I’ve ever had. The slow cooker makes it so easy, and the gravy is out of this world.”
The great reader feedback shows how much people enjoy this crock pot bucket steak. It’s good with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or any side dish. This comforting and affordable meal is a hit with families.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Bucket Steak is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple and hands-off. By simmering cubed steak in a rich gravy all day, you get incredibly tender beef.
Just a few pantry staples and minimal prep are needed. This way, you can enjoy a hearty beef dinner any weeknight.
This recipe is a hit when served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. The slow cooker breaks down the steak’s connective tissues. This makes the dish tender and flavorful.
Plus, leftovers can be stored in the fridge or freezer. This makes the dinner easy to enjoy again and again.
Try the Crock Pot Bucket Steak for a delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves slow cooker beef recipes.