Can I use frozen cube steaks for this recipe?

I don't recommend starting with frozen steaks as they may cook unevenly and won't absorb the seasonings as well. For best results, thaw your cube steaks completely in the refrigerator before cooking. If you're really in a pinch, you can use frozen, but add about 1-2 hours to your cooking time and check to ensure they've cooked through properly.

What if I can't find pepperoncini peppers?

Pepperoncinis give this dish its signature tangy zip, but if you can't find them, banana peppers make a great substitute. In a pinch, you could use 1-2 tablespoons of mild pickled jalapeño slices or even a tablespoon of pickle juice to get that vinegary tang that balances the rich gravy.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can make this in a Dutch oven in your regular oven. Layer everything as directed, cover tightly, and bake at 300°F for about 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. You can also use an Instant Pot—layer as directed, seal, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

Why is my gravy too watery?

This can happen if your cube steaks released more moisture than expected during cooking. For a quick fix, remove the cooked steaks and keep them warm. Transfer the liquid to a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then return to the meat.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cube steaks; 1 ounce au jus gravy packet; 1 ounce ranch seasoning packet; 1/3 cup water; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 6 pepperoncini peppers

Description

This Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering tender and flavorful steaks infused with savory, buttery, and tangy notes. Featuring simple ingredients like ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers, it’s a low-effort dish with rich, hearty flavors. Perfect for an easy dinner that tastes like it simmered all day, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice for a meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Units Scale

6 cube steaks
1 ounce au jus gravy packet
1 ounce ranch seasoning packet
1/3 cup water
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
6 pepperoncini peppers

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Instructions

Layer the Steaks in the Slow Cooker
Begin by placing 3 cube steaks into the bottom of an 8-quart slow cooker. They should fit in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Add Seasoning
Sprinkle half of the au jus gravy mix and half of the ranch seasoning mix over the steaks to coat them evenly.
Create the Second Layer
Lay the remaining 3 cube steaks on top of the first layer, and then sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixes over them.
Add Water
Pour 1/3 cup of water into the slow cooker. This small amount of liquid helps ensure the steaks stay moist during cooking.
Top with Butter and Peppers
Scatter the cubes of butter on top of the steaks, followed by the pepperoncini peppers. The butter melts to create a rich, flavorful sauce while the peppers add a tangy kick.
Cook Slowly
Close the slow cooker lid securely and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Avoid opening the lid while cooking to maintain consistent heat. Once done, serve the steaks immediately with the flavorful sauce as a gravy.

Notes

Pat the Meat Dry: If your steaks seem overly wet, pat them dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick better.
Don’t Open the Lid: Opening the slow cooker too often releases heat and extends the cooking time. Keep the lid closed!
Adjust Cooking Time: Every slow cooker is different! Experiment if needed—4 hours on low might suffice for a hotter device, while others may require up to 6 hours.
Sear for Extra Flavor: For a boost of flavor, quickly sear the cube steaks in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
Pepperoncini Options: Love tanginess? Add extra pepperoncini peppers or a splash of pepperoncini juice to amplify the flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Finish the meal by pairing the steaks with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or rustic toasted bread.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 420kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 115mg