Cube Steak and Gravy

Cube Steak and Gravy is a delightful dish that brings comfort food to your dinner table in no time. This meal features tender, flavorful steaks drenched in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. With minimal preparation, you can create a hearty dish that everyone will rave about. Enjoy this versatile recipe that pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of mushrooms, onions, and spices creates a savory gravy that elevates the taste of the cube steaks.
• Budget-Friendly: Cube steaks are an economical choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.
• Versatile Meal: Serve this dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal that pleases everyone at the table.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in one skillet means less mess and easier cleanup after enjoying your delicious dinner.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started, gather the necessary kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Cast-iron skillet
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Cast-iron skillet: Provides excellent heat distribution and retention for perfectly seared steaks.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking together ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of liquids and prevents lumps in your gravy.

Ingredients

This fuss-free weeknight dinner features budget-friendly, tender, meaty steaks bathed in a tasty beefy mushroom onion gravy. It takes very little time, yet it delivers an outstanding meal. Your family will absolutely love this!

For the Steak

• 1-1½ pound cube steaks (about 4 steaks)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons flour

For the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• 1-1½ cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced, about 1½ cups)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (minced)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning

How to Make Cube Steak and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks

Season the cube steaks generously with salt and pepper. Lightly sprinkle flour on both sides of the steaks, then shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks

Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned cube steaks to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, beef broth, and water until well combined. This mixture will form the base of your flavorful gravy.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add about 2 tablespoons of butter or oil. Once heated, add sliced mushrooms, thinly sliced onions, minced thyme, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole seasoning. Sauté this mixture for about 6 minutes or until everything is tender and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Steaks with Gravy Mixture

Pour your prepared gravy mixture into the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Bring it to a boil before returning the seared cube steaks along with any drippings back into the skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Cover your skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. If you prefer a thinner gravy consistency, feel free to add more beef stock or water until you reach your desired thickness.

How to Serve Cube Steak and Gravy

Serving cube steak and gravy is all about enhancing the flavors of this hearty dish. The rich gravy pairs beautifully with various sides, making a delightful and satisfying meal that your family will love.

Classic Comfort Food Pairings

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, mashed potatoes soak up the savory gravy perfectly.
• Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice provides a simple base for the flavorful gravy.
• Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles offer a delightful texture that complements the dish.

Fresh Vegetable Options

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
• Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans bring freshness and a nice crunch to your plate.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots add a lovely contrast to the savory flavors.

Flavorful Bread Choices

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the delicious gravy.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are great for sopping up every last drop of sauce.

How to Perfect Cube Steak and Gravy

Creating the best cube steak and gravy requires some simple techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out tender and flavorful.

• Choose Quality Meat: Selecting fresh, good-quality cube steaks will greatly enhance the flavor and tenderness of your dish.
• Use Proper Seasoning: Season generously with salt, pepper, and other spices to elevate the taste of both the steaks and gravy.
• Cook on High Heat: Searing the steaks in a hot skillet will create a nice crust while keeping them juicy inside.
• Simmer Gently: Allow the steak to simmer slowly in the gravy to absorb flavors and maintain tenderness.
• Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, gradually add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the steak to rest briefly after cooking helps retain its juices when sliced.

Best Side Dishes for Cube Steak and Gravy

Pairing side dishes with cube steak and gravy can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this hearty main course.

1. Creamed Spinach: A rich and creamy side that balances well with the savory flavors of steak.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a tangy contrast to the warm, meaty dish.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with butter or sour cream for an extra indulgent touch.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob provides a burst of flavor that pairs nicely with beef dishes.
5. Cauliflower Mash: A lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that’s creamy and delicious alongside steak.
6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a light crunch that balances out the richness of the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cube Steak and Gravy, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Over-seasoning the meat: Adding too much salt or pepper can overwhelm the dish. Start with a little, then adjust to taste.
• Not browning the steak properly: Skipping the browning step can lead to less flavor. Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the steaks.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can diminish the overall taste of your gravy. Always opt for a good beef broth for the best results.
• Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking can cause juices to run out. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Ignoring gravy thickness: If your gravy is too thin, it won’t cling to the steak. Adjust with more flour or let it simmer longer to thicken.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cube Steak and Gravy in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Cube Steak and Gravy

• You can freeze Cube Steak and Gravy for up to 2-3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to protect against freezer burn.

Reheating Cube Steak and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe container and heat on medium power in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cube Steak and Gravy?

Cube Steak and Gravy is a tender cut of meat cooked in a flavorful mushroom onion gravy. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

How do I make my gravy thicker?

To thicken your gravy, you can add more flour or let it simmer longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! While cube steak is traditional, you can also use chicken or turkey for this recipe.

How long does Cube Steak and Gravy take to cook?

The total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

Conclusion

This Cube Steak and Gravy recipe offers a deliciously comforting meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. Its simplicity makes it easy to customize; feel free to add vegetables or spices that suit your family’s tastes. Give it a try, and enjoy cozy dinners together!

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