Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe

This melt-in-your-mouth Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks recipe transforms humble cube steaks into a restaurant-worthy dinner with minimal effort. The combination of tangy pepperoncini, savory au jus, and zesty ranch creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just layer, sprinkle, and let your slow cooker work its magic – perfect for busy weekdays when you need dinner to cook itself.
• Budget-Friendly: Cube steaks are an economical cut that becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked, giving you gourmet flavor without the price tag.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of tangy pepperoncini peppers with savory au jus and ranch seasoning creates a mouthwatering gravy that’s absolutely addictive.
• Family Favorite: This dish consistently earns rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters – the rich, savory flavors win everyone over.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cube Steaks: The star of the show, these tenderize beautifully in the slow cooker, soaking up all the amazing flavors.
• Au Jus Gravy Packet: Provides a deep, beefy flavor base that creates the foundation of our incredible gravy.
• Ranch Seasoning Packet: Adds a herbaceous, tangy dimension that perfectly complements the beef and peppers.
• Water: Just enough to create steam and help everything cook properly without making the dish watery.
• Butter: Creates richness and helps tenderize the meat while adding a velvety texture to the sauce.
• Pepperoncini Peppers: These mild, tangy peppers infuse the entire dish with their distinctive flavor that makes Mississippi-style recipes so addictive.

Variations

Mississippi Chicken

Swap the cube steaks for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The cooking time remains similar, and the results are equally delicious.

Spicy Mississippi Beef

Add a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a version with more heat.

Mississippi Pot Roast Style

Use a 3-pound chuck roast instead of cube steaks and increase cooking time to 8-10 hours on low for a classic pot roast variation.

Lower Sodium Option

Use unsalted butter and low-sodium au jus packet to reduce the salt content while maintaining great flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks

Step 1: Layer the Steaks

Place 3 of the cube steaks in a single layer at the bottom of your 8-quart slow cooker, making sure they don’t overlap too much.

Step 2: Season the First Layer

Sprinkle half of the au jus gravy packet and half of the ranch seasoning directly onto the steaks, distributing evenly.

Step 3: Add Remaining Steaks and Seasonings

Layer the remaining 3 cube steaks on top and sprinkle with the rest of the au jus and ranch seasonings, covering the meat completely.

Step 4: Add Liquid

Pour 1/3 cup of water around the edges of the slow cooker (not directly on top of the seasonings to avoid washing them off).

Step 5: Top with Butter and Peppers

Distribute the butter cubes evenly over the steaks, then place the pepperoncini peppers around the slow cooker.

Step 6: Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the steaks are fork-tender and falling apart.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the steaks immediately, spooning the rich, flavorful gravy over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Choose the Right Cut: While cube steaks are traditional, you can also use round steak that’s been tenderized with a meat mallet.
• Layer Properly: Creating layers ensures that all the meat gets seasoned evenly and prevents the steaks from clumping together.
• Don’t Dilute the Flavor: Resist the urge to add more water than called for – the meat and butter will release moisture as they cook.
• Let It Rest: If possible, let the finished dish sit for 10 minutes with the lid off before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the gravy to thicken slightly.
• Slice Against the Grain: If your cube steaks are still intact after cooking, slice them against the grain for maximum tenderness.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these tender steaks over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious gravy.

Side Dish Suggestions

Balance the rich flavors with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette.

Bread Options

Offer crusty French bread or soft dinner rolls for mopping up every last bit of the savory sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the seasonings continue to meld.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. The gravy helps keep the meat moist during reheating.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to revive the gravy. Microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cube steaks in this recipe?
While it’s always best to use thawed meat for food safety and even cooking, you can use frozen cube steaks in a pinch. Add about 2 hours to your cooking time if using frozen steaks, and make sure they’re separated and not frozen in a block. Also, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of water to account for the lack of moisture that would normally be released during thawing.

Why are my steaks tough instead of tender?
Toughness usually occurs when the steaks are overcooked or if your slow cooker runs hot. Try reducing the cooking time next time, or make sure you’re cooking on low rather than high. Remember that cube steaks should be meltingly tender, not chewy, when properly cooked in a slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?
Yes! While pepperoncinis give this dish its signature tangy flavor, you can substitute with banana peppers, mild pickled jalapeños, or even a tablespoon of pickle juice plus a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to approximate the flavor profile. The dish won’t be traditional Mississippi style, but it will still be delicious.

Is there a substitute for the packaged seasonings?
Absolutely! For the au jus packet, you can use 1 tablespoon beef bouillon paste or granules mixed with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. For the ranch packet, combine 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley and dried dill with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chives, plus 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks recipe is comfort food at its finest – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary with barely any effort. The tangy-savory flavor profile has become a modern classic for good reason, and once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for something impressive yet effortless for guests, these melt-in-your-mouth steaks deliver every time. Give them a try tonight – your taste buds (and schedule) will thank you!

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