The Ultimate Tender Crock Pot Bucket Steak

If you’re hunting for a dinner recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, look no further than the humble, yet glorious, Crock Pot Bucket Steak. This recipe is the ultimate secret weapon for turning an affordable cut of meat—often called “bucket steak” or cube steak—into a fork-tender, melt-in-your-mouth comfort food masterpiece.

Forget the days of tough, chewy meat. Thanks to the magic of slow cooking, this simple, hands-off method ensures that every fiber of the steak is infused with rich, savory juices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, effortless Sunday dinners, and anyone who wants to serve a high-quality meal without the high-quality price tag. By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to master this incredible Crock Pot Bucket Steak recipe, making it a permanent fixture in your weekly rotation.

Why the Slow Cooker Transforms Budget Steak

Hi there! I’m Maggie, the baker behind Flavorful Cooking, and this recipe for Crock Pot Bucket Steak is one of my all-time favorites. My love for cooking began in my mom’s kitchen, where I learned that the best recipes aren’t just about ingredients—they’re about love, patience, and a little bit of mess.

This particular dish embodies that spirit. Bucket steak, being an inexpensive cut, often gets a bad rap for being tough. But my mom always taught me that a tough cut just needs a little bit of patience. That patience comes in the form of a slow cooker.

The low, consistent heat of the Crock Pot works wonders through a process called braising. Over many hours, the heat slowly breaks down the tough connective tissues (collagen) in the meat. That collagen dissolves into gelatin, which is what gives the final steak its incredible tenderness and rich, moist texture. It’s a simple science, but the result is a culinary revelation. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a testament to how humble ingredients, treated with care in the slow cooker, can yield spectacular results.

Crock Pot Bucket Steak: Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is designed to be as simple as possible, maximizing flavor with minimal fuss. It takes just 15 minutes to prep, and your Crock Pot does all the heavy lifting!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Bucket Steak

• 4 (about 1.5 lbs total) Bucket Steaks (or cube steaks), about 1/2-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (for classic flavor and thickness)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 cup baby carrots and 2 medium potatoes, quartered

Easy Prep: Seasoning and Setting Up Your Slow Cooker

1. Season the Steaks: Pat the Crock Pot Bucket Steaks dry with paper towels. Generously sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Optional Sear: While optional, a quick sear adds depth. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 60 seconds per side, just until browned. Transfer them to the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Layer the Aromatics: If using, lay the sliced onions, carrots, and potatoes over and around the steaks.
4. Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth.

The Slow and Low Cook Time

1. Pour and Cover: Pour the entire sauce mixture evenly over the steaks and vegetables in the Crock Pot. Ensure the steaks are mostly submerged in the liquid.
2. Set It and Forget It: Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
3. Cooking Time: Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The steak is done when it shreds easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 200∘F to 205∘F. Note: Cooking on LOW is always recommended for the most tender results.
4. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, use tongs to transfer the Crock Pot Bucket Steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the rich gravy and vegetables from the Crock Pot.

For additional ideas on transforming tough cuts of meat, check out this great resource from The Spruce Eats: Tips for Tenderizing Beef.

Maximizing Flavor: Tips for the Juiciest Slow Cooker Cube Steak

Achieving the perfect, juicy texture when you cook cubed steaks in a slow cooker is all about maximizing flavor and moisture retention. Here are a few pro-tips to elevate your dish from good to great.

Making a Rich Gravy from the Pan Juices

The liquid remaining in your Crock Pot after cooking is liquid gold! It’s the rich, concentrated essence of the meat and seasonings.

1. Remove Solids: Once the meat is done, use a slotted spoon to remove the meat and vegetables.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl (this is called a slurry).
3. Simmer: Pour the pan juices into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Ladle this rich gravy generously over your finished Slow Cooker Cube Steak.

Flavor Variations: Italian, Mexican, and Classic Beef

While the recipe above is a classic, the Crock Pot Bucket Steak is incredibly versatile:

• Italian Style: Use a can of diced tomatoes (undrained) instead of cream soup and swap the Italian seasoning for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve over pasta.
• Mexican Style: Use a can of enchilada sauce and 1 cup of drained diced green chiles. Replace the beef broth with chicken broth. Shred the final steak and use it for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
• Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced button mushrooms with the onions before adding them to the slow cooker for an extra earthy depth.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Cooking Bucket Steak

We’ve covered the basics, but there are a few common questions that always come up when making this recipe. Understanding the “why” behind the method will ensure your Crock Pot Bucket Steak is perfect every time.

How long does it take for steak to get tender in a crock pot?

The key to a truly tender result is time, not heat. It takes approximately 6 to 8 hours on the LOW setting in a crock pot for the steak to become tender. This extended period, at a temperature typically between 170∘F and 200∘F, is crucial for breaking down collagen.

While you can cook it on HIGH for 3–4 hours, the rapid increase in temperature is more likely to result in steak that is “cooked” but not yet “tender.” For the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this Crock Pot Bucket Steak famous, sticking to the LOW setting is highly recommended. The meat should reach an internal temperature of 200∘F to 205∘F to ensure that the connective tissue has completely dissolved into gelatin.

What is a bucket steak used for?

The term “bucket steak” is often a local or regional name for cube steak or a cut of top sirloin or round steak that has been mechanically tenderized. Because it is a budget-friendly cut from a well-exercised muscle (meaning it’s lean but tough), its primary use is in recipes that require slow, moist heat.

A bucket steak is best used for:

1. Chicken Fried Steak: The classic, battered and pan-fried Southern dish.
2. Slow-Cooker Dishes: Like this Crock Pot Bucket Steak recipe, where the goal is tenderness and rich sauce.
3. Steak Sandwiches/Hoagies: When sliced thin after cooking, the flavorful meat is perfect for a French Dip or Philly-style sandwich.
4. Stew or Beef Tips: Cutting the steak into 1-inch pieces makes it an excellent, affordable addition to beef stew or beef tips served over noodles.

How do you cook cubed steaks in a slow cooker?

To cook cubed steaks in a slow cooker, the best method is to braise them. Braising involves searing the meat first (optional, but recommended), cooking it partially submerged in a flavorful liquid, and doing so at a low temperature for a long time.

The essential steps for cooking cubed steaks in a slow cooker are:

1. Sear (Optional): Lightly brown the steaks in a skillet to build a deeper flavor foundation.
2. Liquid: Ensure your liquid (broth, cream soup, water, etc.) covers at least half of the steak’s surface. This creates the steamy, moist environment necessary for tenderness.
3. Aromatics: Always include flavorful components like onion, garlic, and herbs.
4. Temperature: ALWAYS use the LOW setting for the longest duration possible (6-8 hours). This ensures the connective tissue fully breaks down.
5. Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid. Every time you open the Crock Pot, you lose heat, which adds about 20–30 minutes to your total cook time.

Can you slow cook steak in a crock pot?

Absolutely, you can slow cook steak in a crock pot, but the cut of steak matters greatly.

You generally should not slow cook expensive, tender cuts like Filet Mignon, Ribeye, or Strip Steak. These are meant for high-heat, fast cooking methods (grilling, searing) because they are already tender and contain high levels of fat marbling. Slow cooking these cuts will dry them out and make them tough.

The Crock Pot is ideal for tough, budget-friendly cuts that benefit from the braising process, such as:

• Bucket Steak (Cube Steak)
• Round Steak
• Chuck Steak (for pot roast)
• Sirloin Tip

When you slow cook steak in a crock pot, you are essentially transforming it into a luxurious, tender meal that you couldn’t achieve with a simple stovetop sear. It’s the perfect tool for maximizing value and flavor from harder working muscle cuts.

What to Serve with Your Tender Crock Pot Bucket Steak Dinner

Your incredible, tender Crock Pot Bucket Steak deserves side dishes that complement its rich, savory gravy.

• Classic Comfort: Mashed potatoes or egg noodles are essential. They are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious gravy.
• Green Balance: A simple side of steamed green beans, sautéed asparagus, or a fresh garden salad adds a crucial element of freshness to balance the richness of the beef.
• Bread: Crusty French bread or soft dinner rolls are excellent for dipping into the flavorful sauce.

The Easiest Comfort Food: Your New Favorite Crock Pot Recipe

The Crock Pot Bucket Steak is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of comfort, a lesson in patience, and proof that the most delicious meals don’t have to break the bank or consume your evening. From the budget-friendly cube steak to the fork-tender result, this meal is a win on every front.

The next time you’re planning your week, remember that this effortless Crock Pot recipe is waiting to deliver rich, savory flavors with almost zero stress. Give this recipe a try this week—you won’t be disappointed!

We’d love to know your favorite side dish to pair with this recipe! Leave a comment below and let us know your favorite way to serve your Crock Pot Bucket Steak.

When the weather turns chilly, there is nothing more satisfying than a bowl of hearty, homemade comfort food. If you are looking for a classic, budget-friendly meal that utilizes simple ingredients and is naturally creamy without any dairy, you absolutely must try the recipe for our Rich and Creamy Split Pea Soup. Made with a smoky ham bone, it’s the ultimate way to warm up on a cold evening.

Crock Pot Bucket Steak

This Crock Pot Bucket Steak transforms budget-friendly cube steaks into fork-tender comfort food. Slow cooked with onions, garlic, broth, and cream soup, the meat becomes juicy and flavorful with a rich gravy—perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• mixing bowl
• whisk
• skillet (optional for searing)
• tongs

Ingredients

  

• 4 bucket steaks (cube steaks), about 1/2-inch thick (1.5 lbs total)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup baby carrots (optional)
• 2 medium potatoes, quartered (optional)

Instructions

 

• Pat steaks dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks 60 seconds per side until browned, then transfer to slow cooker.
• Layer sliced onions, carrots, and potatoes (if using) over and around the steaks.
• In a bowl, whisk cream soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
• Pour sauce mixture evenly over the steaks and vegetables in the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until tender and fork-shredding at 200–205°F.
• Remove steaks and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with gravy and vegetables.

Notes

For extra depth, sear the steaks before adding to the slow cooker. Add carrots and potatoes for a complete one-pot meal. Always cook on LOW for the most tender results. Leftovers taste even better the next day!