Cube Steak with Cream of Mushroom Soup: 5-Min Recipe

PUBLISHED BY: Elle

May 7, 2025

Cube steak with cream of mushroom soup served over mashed potatoes with broccoli

If you’re craving a hearty, old-school dinner that’s simple, flavorful, and rich with comfort, cube steak with cream of mushroom soup is your perfect match. This timeless classic takes just 5 minutes to prep and delivers fall-apart tender steak in a velvety gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, it’s a dish that deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

This recipe is a great partner to other creamy or saucy dishes, like our Golden Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. It’s all about simple ingredients delivering maximum flavor.

Want to make sure your meat is safely prepared and stored? See the official USDA beef handling guide to get everything right, from fridge to fork.

Cube steak with cream of mushroom soup served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables — Creamy cube steak served with buttery mashed potatoes and colorful steamed vegetables—classic comfort on a plate.

What is Cube Steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef — usually top round or sirloin — that has been mechanically tenderized. This pounding process creates small cube-shaped indentations, which give the meat its name. Because it’s lean and economical, it’s ideal for slow cooking or simmering in sauces like our savory mushroom gravy.

If you’re a fan of slow-cooked beef meals, you’ll enjoy our Smoked Beef Cheeks Recipe too, which follows a similar “low and slow” philosophy.

Why Cube Steak and Cream of Mushroom Soup Work So Well

This combo has stood the test of time for a reason. The creamy base of mushroom soup clings beautifully to the tenderized meat, delivering savory flavor in every bite. It’s also flexible — you can season, spice up, or customize it with pantry staples.

If you’re avoiding processed soups or need a healthier alternative, check out this guide to cream of mushroom substitutes that offers gluten-free and homemade options from real cooks.

Ingredients

4 cube steaks (1 lb total)
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1/2 cup beef broth or water
2 tbsp oil or butter for searing

Optional Add-ins

Fresh or canned mushrooms
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp paprika
Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Cube Steak with Cream of Mushroom Soup

Step 1: Sear the Cube Steak

Raw cube steaks being seared in oil for a mushroom gravy recipe — Start by searing your cube steak to seal in flavor before simmering in mushroom soup.

Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper. Sear the steaks for about 2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly. Add sliced onions and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Gravy Base

Homemade cream of mushroom sauce with sliced mushrooms in skillet — A rich and savory mushroom sauce made from scratch adds depth to this cube steak recipe.

Add the cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir until smooth. Bring to a low simmer.

Step 4: Simmer with Steaks

Cube steak simmering in mushroom gravy in a skillet — Let the cube steaks cook low and slow in mushroom soup for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth result.

Return the cube steaks to the skillet and spoon gravy over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes. The meat should become fork-tender, and the sauce thickens slightly.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With This Recipe

Cube steak and gravy are made to be poured over something starchy. Here are some perfect matches:

Mashed potatoes (like we use in what to serve with short ribs)
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed jasmine rice
Roasted carrots or green beans

Easy cube steak and mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies — This comforting plate of cube steak in creamy mushroom sauce pairs perfectly with classic sides like potatoes and carrots.

Recipe Variations and Customization Tips

Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Oven-Baked Version: Transfer to a baking dish, cover, and bake at 325°F for 1.5 hours.
Low Sodium: Use homemade soup and skip the added salt.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Use a GF-certified soup and check the Worcestershire sauce label.

Need more ideas for comforting beef dinners? Try our Flat Short Ribs Recipe or Boneless Short Ribs in a Pan.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, or microwave in short intervals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking: High heat can dry out the meat. Keep it low and slow.
Skipping the sear: Adds texture and flavor.
Not seasoning enough: Mushroom soup can be bland without help.
Too thin? Simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to thicken gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you cook steak in cream of mushroom soup?

To cook steak in cream of mushroom soup, simply sear cube steak in a skillet, then simmer it in a mixture of the soup, broth, and seasonings for 25–30 minutes until tender and coated in rich, creamy gravy.

How do you get your cube steak to be tender?

Tender cube steak comes from low and slow cooking. Start with a quick sear, then simmer in a covered pan with sauce or gravy like cream of mushroom soup to break down the fibers and keep it juicy.

How best to cook cube steak?

The best way to cook cube steak is to pan-sear it briefly, then braise it in a flavorful liquid such as cream-based soup or broth for 30 minutes. This method keeps it moist and prevents toughness.

Is Salisbury steak and cube steak the same thing?

No, Salisbury steak is made from ground beef shaped into patties, while cube steak is a real steak cut that’s been tenderize

What is the best way to tenderize cube steak?

It’s already mechanically tenderized, but pounding it a bit more or marinating it in Worcestershire sauce can help even further.

Can I skip the sear?

Yes, especially for slow-cooked versions. But searing boosts flavor significantly.

Conclusion

This cube steak with cream of mushroom soup recipe is proof that simple, budget-friendly ingredients can create restaurant-worthy meals. It’s creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for the week, this dish won’t disappoint.