Are you looking for a hearty and comforting meal that will satisfy your taste buds and fill your stomach? Look no further than this Smothered Cube Steak recipe. This classic dish combines tender cube steak with a savory, onion-laden gravy, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Read on to discover how to prepare this delicious dish and why it’s a must-try.
Ingredients for Smothered Cube Steak
To make this Smothered Cube Steak, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening the gravy)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cube Steaks
Start by tenderizing the cube steaks with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy knife. Season both sides of the steaks with salt and black pepper. Dredge each steak in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Brown the Steaks
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cube steaks and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to lightly brown.
4. Deglaze the Pan
Slowly pour in the beef broth, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce while stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits from the bottom. Add the dried thyme and paprika, and stir to combine.
5. Simmer the Steaks
Return the browned cube steaks to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and the gravy has thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure the steaks are evenly coated with the gravy.
6. Serve
Once the steaks are tender and the gravy is thick, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the Smothered Cube Steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
Tips for the Perfect Smothered Cube Steak
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for well-marbled cube steaks to ensure tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the gravy during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Smothered Cube Steak recipe is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of tender, flavorful meat with a rich, savory gravy makes it a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Serving and Storage Tips for Smothered Cube Steak
Serving Suggestions
- Accompaniments: Smothered Cube Steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. These sides help soak up the rich gravy, making for a satisfying and complete meal.
- Vegetable Sides: Complement your meal with steamed vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or peas. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach also make great additions.
- Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to help mop up any leftover gravy.
- Garnishing: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color and added freshness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also enhance the flavors.
Storage Tips
- Cooling: Allow the Smothered Cube Steak to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can affect the texture of the meat.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, Smothered Cube Steak will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the Smothered Cube Steak. Transfer the steak and gravy to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen Smothered Cube Steak in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent the gravy from splattering. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.
- Avoiding Overcooking: When reheating, avoid cooking the steak too long, as it can become tough and dry. Aim to heat it just until it reaches your desired temperature.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Smothered Cube Steak as a delicious and convenient meal throughout the week!
1. Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other cuts of beef if cube steak is not available. Options like round steak or sirloin steak can be used instead. Just be sure to tenderize the meat properly, as these cuts may be less tender than cube steak. Adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure the meat becomes tender.
2. How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, you can use a slurry made from cornstarch or flour. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the gravy during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Allow the gravy to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness. For a richer gravy, you can also use a roux (a mixture of flour and butter) at the beginning of the cooking process.
3. Can I make Smothered Cube Steak ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Smothered Cube Steak ahead of time. Cook the dish as directed, then allow it to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a bit of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.
4. What should I do if the steak is still tough after cooking?
If the steak remains tough after cooking, it may need more time to become tender. Simmer the steak in the gravy over low heat for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the meat reaches the desired tenderness. Make sure the heat is low and the pan is covered to prevent the gravy from evaporating too quickly. If needed, you can also add a bit more beef broth to the pan to help soften the meat.