This is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s warm, hearty, and full of rich, savory flavor — and the best part?
The slow cooker does almost all the work. I love throwing this together in the morning and coming home to a house that smells amazing.
You’ll love how the cube steak gets super tender, and the gravy is thick, creamy, and totally keto-friendly.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs cube steak
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp xanthan gum (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp butter
Why I Love This Recipe
This one brings me back to Sunday dinners growing up. My mom made cube steak a lot, but now I’ve tweaked it to be keto without losing that comfort-food flavor.
- Super easy to prep in under 15 minutes
- The steak gets super tender after hours in the slow cooker
- Keto-friendly, low-carb, and totally satisfying
- Perfect for batch cooking or meal prep
Servings and Time
Servings: 4
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 435
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 32g
- Net Carbs: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cube steak is usually a tougher cut, but slow cooking it breaks down the fibers and makes it fork-tender. The fat from the heavy cream and cream cheese keeps the gravy rich without needing flour, while xanthan gum thickens everything up without carbs. Worcestershire sauce adds that umami depth that makes this taste like it simmered all day.
Pro Tips
- Sear the cube steak first if you have extra time — it adds more flavor
- Let the cream cheese soften before adding, so it melts smoothly
- Use a whisk to mix the gravy before adding it in to avoid lumps
- Add the xanthan gum at the end for the perfect gravy texture
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Small saucepan (optional for searing)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Use chuck roast or stew meat instead of cube steak
- Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor
- Use arrowroot powder if you’re not strict keto
- Skip xanthan gum if you like thinner gravy
Make Ahead Tips
- You can slice onions and garlic the night before
- Mix the gravy base (everything but xanthan gum and steak) and store in the fridge
- Cube steak can be seasoned ahead and stored in a zip-top bag overnight
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the onions and garlic
Thinly slice 1 small yellow onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic.
Step 2: Layer cube steak in the crockpot
Place 2 lbs of cube steak in the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 3: Add onions and garlic on top
Spread the sliced onions and minced garlic evenly over the cube steak.
Step 4: Make the gravy mixture
In a bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Step 5: Pour the gravy over the steak
Pour the mixed gravy over the steak, onions, and garlic in the crockpot.
Step 6: Add butter on top
Place 2 tbsp butter in small pieces on top of the mixture.
Step 7: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
Step 8: Thicken the gravy
Once cooked, sprinkle ½ tsp xanthan gum over the top and gently stir. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Step 9: Serve
Spoon steak and gravy into a wide bowl or plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove
- The gravy may thicken more after chilling — stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen
Common Mistakes
- Don’t skip softening the cream cheese — cold cream cheese can clump
- Don’t overdo xanthan gum — a little goes a long way
- Make sure the gravy covers most of the meat for best results
- Don’t undercook — the steak needs time to get tender
What to Serve With
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Mashed cauliflower
- Keto garlic “bread” or chaffles
- A light arugula salad with olive oil
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes! Chuck roast or stew meat works great — just keep cooking it low and slow.
Is xanthan gum necessary?
Not totally — you can leave it out, but the gravy will be thinner.
Can I freeze this?
Yes! Let it cool fully, then freeze in portions. Thaw and reheat on the stove.
Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely — they add great flavor and go perfectly with the gravy.
Go ahead and give this one a try! It’s cozy, easy, and so satisfying. Leave a comment and let me know how yours turns out or if you have any questions.