If you’re craving a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that practically cooks itself, you are going to love this Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe. This dish combines tender cubed steaks with a savory blend of ranch and au jus seasonings, all mellowed by buttery richness and tangy pepperoncini peppers, creating an irresistible flavor explosion. With just a handful of simple ingredients and very little hands-on time, you’ll come home to an absolutely comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the seasoning mixes that deliver bold flavors to the pepperoncini peppers adding that perfect tang. You’ll be amazed at how these few staples come together to create something truly special.
- 4 beef cubed steaks (about 1.5 to 2 lbs): Choose steaks that are uniform in thickness for even cooking and tender results.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: This brings a creamy, herbaceous note that’s essential to the dish’s signature taste.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix: Adds a savory depth and rich beef flavor with minimal effort.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, creating luscious richness and moisture.
- 5–6 pepperoncini peppers: Provide a mild heat and zesty tang that cut through the richness brilliantly.
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle vinegary brightness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Season the meat lightly to enhance natural flavors without overpowering the blend.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Mix with water if you want a thicker, gravy-like sauce.
- 1 tablespoon water (optional): Used to help the cornstarch thicken the sauce smoothly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Season and Layer the Meat
Begin by lightly seasoning your cubed steaks on both sides with salt and black pepper. This gentle seasoning sets the foundation for the rest of the flavors to build upon. Lay the steaks evenly in the slow cooker base—it helps them cook thoroughly and absorb every bit of seasoning.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Butter
Sprinkle both the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the stacked meat, ensuring every bite will be flavorful. Then, place the butter right on top. It will slowly melt into the meat, making the steaks incredibly tender and juicy through the long slow cooking process.
Step 3: Add Pepperoncini and Juice
Place the pepperoncini peppers over the butter, and pour the pepperoncini juice on top to infuse tanginess throughout the pot. These peppers are key to balancing the richness and bringing the dish to life with their delightful zest.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or if you’re short on time, choose high for 3–4 hours. The meat should become fork-tender, soaking up all those amazing flavors. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that contrast beautifully with the rich sauce. Adding a little cracked black pepper on top just before serving gives a lovely aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
This dish begs for cozy sides that can soak up all that delicious gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy white rice make perfect companions. For extra vegetables, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted carrots to add color and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can also turn this recipe into a hearty sandwich by layering the tender beef and gravy onto toasted rolls with some sautéed onions or melted cheese. Alternatively, serve it over creamy polenta or use the shredded meat as a topping for baked potatoes—this recipe is versatile and sure to impress however you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Mississippi beef cubed steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making this a perfect make-ahead meal with plenty of flavor left for your next serving.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip bag. Make sure to leave some headspace for expansion. The dish will last well for up to 3 months frozen without losing its wonderful taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back to a perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cubed steaks with thinly sliced round steak or even chuck roast cut into large chunks. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
What if I don’t have au jus gravy mix on hand?
You can replace it with beef broth and some Worcestershire sauce to mimic the savory depth, but the packet brings a particular richness that’s hard to replicate exactly.
Are pepperoncini peppers spicy?
Pepperoncini peppers add mild heat with a pleasant tanginess rather than intense spiciness. For a kick, you could add hot pepperoncini or sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
Can I omit butter or substitute it?
The butter adds richness and helps keep the beef juicy. If you want to avoid butter, you can use olive oil or another fat, but butter pays off with a creamier, more decadent sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, provided you use gluten-free ranch and au jus seasoning packets. Always check labels to be sure, and you’ll have a comforting gluten-free meal ready in hours.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe is one of those perfect dishes that brings warmth and simplicity to your dinner table. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser with its bold flavors and tender texture, and I encourage you to try it soon—you won’t believe how effortless it is to make a meal this satisfying at home.
Print
Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Cubed Steaks is a comforting and flavorful American main course featuring tender beef cubed steaks cooked low and slow with ranch and au jus seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. This easy-to-make recipe delivers juicy, fork-tender meat with a tangy, buttery sauce, perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 4 beef cubed steaks (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 5–6 pepperoncini peppers
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Meat: Lightly season the cubed steaks with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned beef cubed steaks in the bottom of the slow cooker ensuring they lay flat for even cooking.
- Add Seasonings and Butter: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the meat. Then, place the unsalted butter on top to melt during cooking, infusing rich flavor.
- Incorporate Pepperoncini: Add the pepperoncini peppers and pour the pepperoncini juice over the mixture to introduce a tangy and mildly spicy element.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Optional Gravy Thickening: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Serve the Mississippi beef cubed steaks hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
Notes
- You can add sliced onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicier flavor, use hot pepperoncini peppers or sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
