Can I use a different cut of beef instead of cube steak?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced sirloin or round steak works well. You could even use ground beef in a pinch, though the texture will be different. If using a tougher cut, consider marinating it briefly or cutting it into smaller pieces to ensure tenderness.

My rice didn't cook completely. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the foil wasn't sealed tightly enough during the first baking phase, allowing steam to escape. Make sure your foil is crimped well around the edges of your baking dish. If needed, you can add 1/4 cup of hot water or broth, cover again with foil, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the cube steak first, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the rice is tender. Note that you may need to reduce the liquid slightly for slow cooker preparation.

Can I substitute brown rice in this recipe?

Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. If using brown rice, add an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth and expect to add about 20-30 minutes to the total cooking time, checking for doneness.

Cube Steak Mushroom Casserole Recipe

Name: Cube Steak Mushroom Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cube steak, diced; 2 cups (370 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked; 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) French onion soup; 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consomme; 8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms, or canned; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, sliced into pats; Green onions or chives, chopped for garnish

This hearty Cube Steak Mushroom Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pieces of cube steak, fluffy rice, and savory mushrooms in a rich French onion and beef broth. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it comes together – just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Prep Work: Simply dice your steak, combine the ingredients, and let the oven do the rest!
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of French onion soup and beef consommé creates an incredibly deep, savory base that infuses every grain of rice and piece of meat.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Budget-Friendly: Cube steak is an economical cut that becomes wonderfully tender in this casserole method.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cube Steak: This underrated cut shines in this recipe, becoming fork-tender while adding rich beefy flavor. Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Long-grain White Rice: The perfect canvas for soaking up all those amazing flavors. It stays distinct and fluffy rather than becoming mushy.
French Onion Soup: Provides incredible depth of flavor with sweet caramelized onion notes that elevate the entire dish.
Beef Consommé: This clarified beef broth intensifies the savory elements and gives the rice a gorgeous color and flavor.
Mushrooms: Whether fresh or canned, mushrooms add earthy flavor and meaty texture. Fresh mushrooms will give a slightly better texture, but canned work perfectly in a pinch.
Butter: Creates a gorgeous golden top and adds richness that ties everything together. Don’t skimp here – it makes a difference!
Green Onions/Chives: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the casserole.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Cheese Lover’s Version

Sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded cheese (provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella work beautifully) on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, golden crust.

Vegetable Boost

Add diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers to incorporate more vegetables. Toss them in with the other ingredients before baking.

Herb-Enhanced

Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the rice mixture before baking for an aromatic twist.

Crispy Topping

Top with French fried onions for the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy contrast to the tender casserole.

How to Make Cube Steak Mushroom Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking issues later.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add your diced cube steak, uncooked rice, both cans of French onion soup, both cans of beef consommé, and the sliced mushrooms to your baking dish. Give everything a good stir to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Add Butter and Begin Baking

Place slices of butter evenly across the top of your mixture. This will melt down and create incredible richness. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Finish Baking Uncovered

After the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes. This uncovered time allows excess moisture to evaporate and helps develop those delicious caramelized edges.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, fluff it gently with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Properly Season Your Cube Steak: While the soups provide good flavor, seasoning your diced cube steak with a bit of salt and pepper before adding it to the casserole can enhance the overall taste.
Don’t Peek Too Early: Keep that foil tightly sealed for the first 30 minutes to trap the steam needed to cook the rice properly.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the remaining liquid to be absorbed and makes serving easier.
Dice Consistently: Try to cut your cube steak into similar-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking throughout.

How to Serve

This robust casserole stands perfectly well on its own as a complete meal, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

Simple Sides

Pair with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

Bread Companions

Warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any extra sauce from your plate.

Wine Pairing

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel that won’t overpower the savory flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date and contents.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout (about 20-25 minutes). Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. Microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of cube steak?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced sirloin or round steak works well. You could even use ground beef in a pinch, though the texture will be different. If using a tougher cut, consider marinating it briefly or cutting it into smaller pieces to ensure tenderness.
My rice didn’t cook completely. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the foil wasn’t sealed tightly enough during the first baking phase, allowing steam to escape. Make sure your foil is crimped well around the edges of your baking dish. If needed, you can add 1/4 cup of hot water or broth, cover again with foil, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the cube steak first, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the rice is tender. Note that you may need to reduce the liquid slightly for slow cooker preparation.
Can I substitute brown rice in this recipe?

Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. If using brown rice, add an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth and expect to add about 20-30 minutes to the total cooking time, checking for doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Cube Steak Mushroom Casserole is the kind of recipe that will quickly find its way into your regular dinner rotation. It’s truly the perfect combination of convenience and comfort – rich flavors that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen, when really, your oven did all the heavy lifting. Next time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, give this casserole a try. I promise your family will be asking for seconds!