Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe
If you are craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth beef dish that practically cooks itself, you absolutely have to try this Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe. It’s the ultimate easy dinner that delivers bold, tangy, and buttery flavors all in one pot. The secret lies in the perfect combination of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers, which work together to create a rich, flavorful gravy that turns simple cubed steaks into a show-stopping meal. This dish is a true slow cooker gem that will quickly become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe plays a key role in the unbeatable taste and texture of the dish. The beauty of this recipe is how these few pantry staples and fresh elements come together to create a deep, savory, and slightly tangy experience that feels anything but simple.
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 1.5–2 pounds): Choose good quality steaks for tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix: Adds creamy, herby notes that make the gravy irresistibly savory.
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus gravy mix: Brings rich, beefy depth and a hint of saltiness for balanced flavor.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick): Melts into the gravy creating luxurious richness and smooth texture.
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers (plus a splash of the juice): Provides a gentle tang and mild heat, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering.
- ½ cup beef broth (optional): Perfect for those who prefer a thinner gravy that coats the meat lightly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the beef.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Start by seasoning the cube steaks lightly with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning enhances the beef’s natural flavors and sets the stage for the rich gravy that will envelop the steaks. Place the steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer, making sure they have room to cook evenly.
Step 2: Season with Dry Mixes
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the steaks. These two seasoning packets form the backbone of the dish’s distinct taste, combining creamy herbs with robust beef flavor. Make sure to distribute the mixes as evenly as possible so every bite captures that amazing combo.
Step 3: Add Butter and Peppers
Lay slices of unsalted butter on top of the meat, allowing it to melt slowly during cooking and infuse the dish with buttery goodness. Nestle the pepperoncini peppers around the steaks and add a splash or two of their juice. This step brings that subtle kick of tanginess that gives the dish its signature zing.
Step 4: Optional Broth Addition
If you like a saucier, thinner gravy, pour in half a cup of beef broth now. This adds moisture without diluting any flavors. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can skip this step and let the natural juices thicken as the dish cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the cube steaks will become incredibly tender—so soft you can cut them with a fork—and the flavors will meld into a luscious gravy you’ll want to spoon over everything on your plate.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
For finishing touches, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the steaks to add a pop of color and freshness. The bright herbs contrast beautifully with the rich gravy and enhance the presentation dramatically.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttered egg noodles. These absorb the delicious gravy, making every bite a delicious harmony of flavors and textures. Roasted or steamed green vegetables also add a nice fresh balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Try serving the beef cubed steaks shredded over sandwiches for a hearty twist or pile them onto toasted baguette slices as an indulgent appetizer. You can even serve them over polenta or creamy grits for a Southern-inspired feast that still honors the classic flavors of this Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover slow cooker Mississippi beef cubed steaks in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for later, freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to include some of the gravy to keep the steaks moist during freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up and bring back that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cube steaks are traditional and cook quickly to tenderness, you can experiment with thin-sliced chuck steak or round steak. Just adjust cooking times as needed to achieve the same tender result.
Do I need to sear the beef before slow cooking?
No! One of the beauties of this Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe is its dump-and-go simplicity. The beef cooks wonderfully without searing, saving you time and keeping things easy.
What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?
You can substitute mild banana peppers or pickled jalapeños for a different but still tangy and slightly spicy flavor. Just keep in mind that different peppers will change the heat level.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt it for the Instant Pot using the slow cook function or by cooking under pressure for a shorter time. If pressure cooking, cook for about 35 minutes and allow natural pressure release to keep the meat tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use ranch and au jus mixes that are labeled gluten-free. Always double-check labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients sneak into your dish.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe is everything you could want in an effortless, flavorful comfort meal. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it tastes like a special occasion but requires hardly any effort. If you want to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal fuss, this is your new go-to. Give it a try and get ready for a new favorite!
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Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender cube steaks cooked low and slow with ranch and au jus gravy mixes, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. The result is a rich, tangy gravy perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, making it an easy dump-and-go meal ideal for busy nights.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 1.5–2 pounds)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning Mixes
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus gravy mix
Additional Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick), sliced
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers
- Splash of pepperoncini juice (1–2 tablespoons)
- ½ cup beef broth (optional, for more gravy)
Instructions
- Season the steaks: Lightly season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor before slow cooking.
- Layer the seasoning mixes: Place the seasoned cube steaks in the bottom of the slow cooker, then evenly sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the meat.
- Add butter and peppers: Place slices of butter on top of the steaks and arrange the pepperoncini peppers around them. Add a splash of the pepperoncini juice to impart a tangy flavor to the dish.
- Optional beef broth: Pour in the beef broth if you desire a thinner, more abundant gravy to accompany the steaks.
- Cook the steaks: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the steaks are tender enough to be cut with a fork.
- Serve: Spoon the flavorful gravy and steaks over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- No need to sear the steaks first; this is a convenient dump-and-go recipe.
- For added flavor and texture, consider adding sliced onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- Using gluten-free seasoning packets makes this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
