What exactly is cube steak?

Cube steak is typically a cut of top round or top sirloin that's been mechanically tenderized, creating a distinctive pattern of indentations (hence the "cube" name). This tenderizing process makes this economical cut perfect for quick cooking methods and helps it absorb flavors wonderfully.

My gravy is too thin. How can I fix it?

If your gravy hasn't thickened enough, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create another slurry. Add this to the simmering gravy a little at a time, stirring constantly, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the gravy will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sear the flour-coated cube steaks as directed, then transfer them to your slow cooker. Make the gravy in the skillet, then pour it over the steaks in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is fork-tender.

What can I substitute for the onion soup mix?

If you don't have onion soup mix, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of beef bouillon granules, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of dried thyme. This will provide a similar depth of flavor to your gravy.

Smothered Cube Steak Recipe

Name: Smothered Cube Steak Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cube steaks, about 2 lbs; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Fresh parsley, optional garnish; 1 large red onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ¼ cups beef broth; 1 (1 oz) packet Lipton onion soup mix; ¼ cup cold water; 3 tablespoons corn starch

This incredibly tender Smothered Cube Steak is the ultimate comfort food that will transform your weeknight dinner routine. Perfectly seasoned cube steaks are seared until golden, then bathed in a rich onion gravy that’s absolutely packed with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this budget-friendly dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Tender Meat: The cube steaks become melt-in-your-mouth tender when smothered in the savory gravy.
Rich, Savory Gravy: The onion gravy is the star of the show – deeply flavored and perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.
Budget-Friendly: Cube steak is an economical cut that becomes extraordinary with this cooking method.
Quick Dinner Solution: From start to finish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cube steaks: These pre-tenderized steaks are the foundation of the dish, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the gravy.
Butter: Creates a beautiful sear on the meat and adds richness to the gravy base.
All-purpose flour: Helps create a lovely crust on the steaks and thickens the gravy.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder): The perfect blend to enhance the natural flavors of the beef without overwhelming it.
Red onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy as it caramelizes slightly.
Garlic: Provides that aromatic foundation that makes the gravy irresistible.
Beef broth: The liquid base for the gravy, adding rich meaty flavor.
Onion soup mix: A flavor powerhouse that instantly adds depth and complexity to the gravy.
Cornstarch and water: Creates a slurry that thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

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

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions for an earthy flavor boost.
Creamy Gravy: Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a richer, more decadent gravy.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to the gravy while it simmers, then remove before serving.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of horseradish to the gravy for some heat.

How to Make Smothered Cube Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks

Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Place the steaks in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove the steaks and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), add sliced red onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Be sure to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the pan. Add garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Pour in beef broth and stir in the onion soup mix, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. In a small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch until smooth, then stir this slurry into the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your liking.

Step 5: Smother and Finish

Return the seared cube steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Ensure they’re evenly coated and let them simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: A good sear on the steaks creates flavor compounds that enhance the entire dish.
Room Temperature Meat: Let the cube steaks sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking for the most even cooking.
Scrape Those Bits: The browned bits at the bottom of the pan after searing the meat (called fond) are full of flavor – make sure to scrape them up when making the gravy.
Gravy Consistency: If your gravy gets too thick, thin it with a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer.

How to Serve

This smothered cube steak practically begs to be served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes that can soak up all that incredible gravy. Here are some perfect pairings:

Side Dishes:

Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
Buttermilk biscuits for sopping up extra gravy
Simple garden salad with vinaigrette dressing

Beverages:

A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel
Cold sweet tea or lemonade for a non-alcoholic option

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover smothered cube steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often develop and improve overnight, making this a great make-ahead meal.

Freezing

Cool the dish completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage. Warm everything gently until the steaks are heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the meat tough.

FAQs

What exactly is cube steak?

Cube steak is typically a cut of top round or top sirloin that’s been mechanically tenderized, creating a distinctive pattern of indentations (hence the “cube” name). This tenderizing process makes this economical cut perfect for quick cooking methods and helps it absorb flavors wonderfully.
My gravy is too thin. How can I fix it?

If your gravy hasn’t thickened enough, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create another slurry. Add this to the simmering gravy a little at a time, stirring constantly, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the gravy will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sear the flour-coated cube steaks as directed, then transfer them to your slow cooker. Make the gravy in the skillet, then pour it over the steaks in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
What can I substitute for the onion soup mix?

If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of beef bouillon granules, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of dried thyme. This will provide a similar depth of flavor to your gravy.

Final Thoughts

This Smothered Cube Steak recipe transforms a humble cut of meat into a memorable meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The combination of tender beef and rich, savory gravy creates pure comfort food magic that your family will request again and again. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most satisfying results. Give it a try tonight – your dinner table will thank you!