If you’re hunting for a meal that brings pure, old-fashioned comfort to your table, this Cube Steak Recipe is about to be your new best friend. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth tender steaks, drenched in a savory onion gravy, all coming together in one skillet. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a cozy Sunday supper, this dish hits the spot and fills your home with such warmth and nostalgia, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked cube steak any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t get much more straightforward than this — every ingredient in this Cube Steak Recipe brings something special. From humble pantry spices to the finishing sprinkle of parsley, these are the building blocks of the soulful flavor and comforting texture you crave.
- Cube Steaks: These budget-friendly cuts are tenderized to perfection and soak up flavors beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the secret to getting that golden crust and also helps thicken the gravy later on.
- Salt: Simple but essential for bringing out all the other flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Every savory dish needs a little kick — fresh cracked is always best.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and the barest hint of smokiness to the coating.
- Garlic Powder: Gives that subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion Powder: Doubles down on the comforting, savory vibes already coming from the real onions.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil that allows the steak to brown perfectly.
- Onion (Sliced): Sweet and gently caramelized, the onions make the gravy sing.
- Beef Broth: Opt for homemade or low-sodium if you can — this forms the backbone of your luscious gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The secret splash that deepens flavor and adds a whisper of tang.
- Cornstarch Slurry (Optional): If you like your gravy thick enough to hug every bite, this quick mix brings body and silkiness.
- Chopped Parsley (Optional): Brings a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
How to Make Cube Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Seasoned Flour
Start by combining your flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish. This is your flavorful coating station! Mixing everything together ensures every steak gets the same even, delicious coverage so each bite is balanced and full of savory goodness.
Step 2: Dredge the Steaks
Take each cube steak and dredge it in the seasoned flour. Pat the flour onto both sides, then give your steaks a gentle shake to remove any excess — this way, they brown up beautifully without becoming gummy or heavy.
Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection
Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Carefully lay in the floured steaks and let them sizzle, cooking for about 3–4 minutes per side. Your goal is a deep golden crust — be patient and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
Once your cube steaks are browned, transfer them to a plate. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out), add your sliced onions. Let them sauté for 3–4 minutes. They’ll pick up all those savory steak juices and will soften into sweet, luscious bites that make your gravy unforgettable.
Step 5: Build the Gravy
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce right into the softened onions, gently scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step is where all the flavor comes together, infusing your gravy with richness you just can’t get any other way.
Step 6: Simmer and Tenderize
Return those golden cube steaks to the skillet, nestling them down into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for about 25–30 minutes. This is when the magic happens — the beef relaxes, soaking up all the flavor, and becomes fork-tender.
Step 7: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you love a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs gravy, go ahead and stir in your cornstarch slurry during the last few minutes of cooking. Simmer until thick and glossy, then give a final stir and marvel at that beautiful sauce.
Step 8: Finish and Garnish
Once the steaks are irresistibly tender and the gravy is just right, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Now you’re ready to serve up pure comfort.
How to Serve Cube Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh chopped parsley goes a long way toward brightening up the rich flavors and adding a sprinkle of color. If you’re feeling fancy, a few chives or even a dollop of sour cream can make each serving look and taste extra special.
Side Dishes
This Cube Steak Recipe just begs for something that can soak up all that glorious gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or egg noodles are always a hit. For a little green on your plate, steamed green beans or buttery peas complement the savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve this dish family-style in a big skillet at the center of the table. Or, spoon the steak and gravy over toasted rustic bread for a restaurant-worthy open-faced sandwich. Leftover gravy? Drizzle it over roasted vegetables or even a bowl of creamy polenta and watch everyone come running for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cube steak is cool, transfer leftovers and extra gravy to an airtight container. Tucked into the fridge, it’ll stay delicious for three to four days — and honestly, some say it’s even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld.
Freezing
This Cube Steak Recipe is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Place cooled steaks and gravy into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date, and it’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back all that home-cooked goodness, gently reheat your cube steak and gravy in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of extra beef broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
While the beauty of this Cube Steak Recipe is in its tenderized cut, you can swap in round steak or minute steak — just remember to pound it thin for similar tenderness.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, and make sure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well.
Can I make the gravy without onions?
If onions aren’t your thing, you can skip them or swap them for thinly sliced mushrooms to keep that savory depth in the gravy.
What can I do if my gravy turns out too thin?
If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, just stir in a little more cornstarch slurry, a teaspoon at a time, simmering briefly after each addition until you reach the perfect consistency.
Any tips for extra flavor?
If you want to take this Cube Steak Recipe to the next level, use homemade beef broth, add a splash of heavy cream at the end for richness, or toss in a pinch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while simmering.
Final Thoughts
This Cube Steak Recipe has all the makings of a household classic — it’s simple, deeply satisfying, and brings comfort to every plate. Trust me, once your friends and family taste that tender beef and savory gravy, it’ll land a spot on regular rotation. So grab your skillet and dive in — your new favorite comfort food awaits!
Print
Cube Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cube Steak Recipe is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender cube steaks smothered in a rich and savory gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
Cube Steaks:
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
Seasoned Flour:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Other:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cube Steaks: Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture, coating both sides.
- Cook the Cube Steaks: Brown the steaks in a skillet, then set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Cook the sliced onions until softened.
- Add Broth and Spices: Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then return the steaks to the skillet.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer until the meat is tender.
- Thicken (Optional): If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to complement the savory gravy.
- For richer flavor, use homemade or low-sodium beef broth and add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
