Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds cube steak
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • (Optional) A splash of red wine for depth of flavor
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • (Optional) Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. [Prepare the Cube Steaks]: Start by patting the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. [Dredge in Flour]: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of cube steak lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. [Sear the Meat (Optional)]: For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sear each side of the floured cube steaks for about two minutes until browned but not cooked through. Transfer to the crock pot when done.
  4. [Layer Vegetables]: In your crock pot, layer sliced onions at the bottom followed by minced garlic and sliced mushrooms on top of the seared cube steaks.
  5. [Add Liquid]: In a bowl, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme (and red wine if using). Pour this mixture evenly over everything in the crock pot.
  6. [Cooking Time Settings]: Cover and cook on low for about eight hours or high for four hours until meat is tender.
  7. [Thickening Gravy (Optional)]: If you prefer a thicker gravy at serving time, mix together an additional tablespoon of flour with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry; stir it into your crock pot during the last hour before serving.