There’s something special about a comforting, home-cooked meal that warms the heart and fills the belly. For me, that meal is often a tender cube steak recipe smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. This dish has become a staple in my household, and I’m excited to share it with you.
I’ve discovered that with a few simple steps, an economical cut of beef can be transformed into a delicious family meal. This mouth-watering cube steak recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Whether you prefer cooking on the stovetop or using a slow cooker, this recipe is versatile and easy to follow.
Key Takeaways
- Transform an economical cut of beef into a delicious family meal.
- Learn a simple and flavorful cube steak recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Discover the versatility of this dish with stovetop and slow cooker preparation methods.
- Understand how to create tender cube steaks smothered in rich, flavorful gravy.
- Find out how this recipe pairs perfectly with various side dishes for a comforting meal.
What is Cube Steak?
If you’re wondering what cube steak is, it’s a cut of beef, typically top round steak, that’s been tenderized using a mechanical tenderizer. This process makes it a budget-friendly option for meals.
Understanding This Budget-Friendly Cut
Cubed steak, also known as minute steak or Swiss steak, is a cost-effective cut that has been tenderized. Although it’s tenderized, it can still be quite tough if not cooked properly. The tenderization process involves using a mechanical tenderizer to make the cube steak more palatable.
Why Cube Steak Makes a Great Weeknight Dinner
Cube steak is ideal for busy weeknights due to its quick cooking time. It’s also versatile and can be incorporated into various recipes. The steak absorbs flavors well, making it adaptable to different seasoning profiles. It’s a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters, when prepared correctly. Moreover, its affordability makes it a practical choice for regular family dinners.
My Favorite Cube Steak Recipe
I’m excited to share my go-to cube steak recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. This dish is a great way to change things up and is a bit easier than my Chicken Fried Steak recipe because there’s no breading involved.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds due to its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The seasoning blend is particularly noteworthy, elevating the dish to a whole new level. Here are some key aspects that make this recipe stand out:
- A straightforward cooking process that yields consistent results
- Minimal preparation time, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner
- Accessible ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets
Recipe Overview
This cube steak recipe is designed to be easy to follow, requiring approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for novice cooks and can be scaled up or down depending on your needs. The result is a tender, flavorful steak that’s sure to please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a mouth-watering cube steak dish, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients. The right combination of these ingredients will elevate the flavor and texture of your cube steak.
For the Cube Steak
The star of the dish is, of course, the cube steak. You’ll need 4 cube steaks for this recipe. Additionally, have 3 Tablespoons of flour and 2 Tablespoons of olive oil ready.
For the Seasoning Mix
The seasoning mix adds a depth of flavor to your cube steak. You’ll need 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1½ teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce to create this mix.
For the Gravy
The gravy is a crucial component that complements the cube steak. To make it, you’ll need 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of beef broth, 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon), and 3 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter, separated. You’ll also need 1 large yellow onion, sliced into ½ inch strings. The combination of beef broth and chicken broth adds a rich flavor, while the onion contributes to the savory profile of the gravy.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Cooking cube steak requires some fundamental kitchen tools that make the process easier. Having the right equipment not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the quality of the final dish.
Recommended Cookware
A cast iron skillet is highly recommended for cooking cube steak as it gives the steaks a nice crusty sear. This type of cookware is ideal for achieving a perfect sear, which is crucial for locking in the flavors.
Helpful Utensils
For cooking cube steak efficiently, you’ll need a few helpful utensils. These include tongs or a spatula for flipping and handling the steaks, a whisk for stirring the gravy, and a measuring cup for accurate ingredient portions. Additionally, a spatula is essential for scraping the flavorful fond from the bottom of the pan.
Preparing Your Cube Steak
To make the most out of your cube steak, proper preparation is key. This involves tenderizing the meat to an appropriate thickness and then seasoning it effectively.
Tenderizing Techniques
Tenderizing your cube steak is essential for achieving a tender final product. To tenderize, pound the meat until it reaches about 1/2 inch in thickness. This step ensures that your steak cooks evenly and is pleasant to bite into.
Seasoning the Meat
Once your cube steak is tenderized, it’s time to add some flavor. Start by rubbing the steak with a mix of salt and pepper to enhance its natural taste. Then, coat the steak evenly with flour, making sure it’s fully covered. For an extra crispy crust, you can also create a seasoned flour mixture by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the flour before coating.
Stovetop Cooking Method
The stovetop method is my preferred way to cook cube steak, as it allows for a nice sear and a rich, onion gravy. This method involves a few key steps to achieve tender and flavorful results.
Searing the Steaks
To begin, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear 2 steaks at a time for about 3 minutes per side. This initial sear is crucial for locking in the juices.
Making the Onion Gravy
After searing the steaks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and use a silicone spatula to ‘clean’ the bottom of the pan. Add the onions and toss to coat. Cook the onions for 15-25 minutes, until they reach your desired consistency.
Simmering to Perfection
The simmering stage is where the cube steaks become truly tender. Ensure the liquid level in the skillet is adequate to cover the steaks. The simmering time will depend on the thickness of your steaks. Test for doneness without cutting into the meat by checking for firmness. The final minutes of cooking allow the flavors of the meat and gravy to integrate beautifully.
Slow Cooker Method
For those who prefer a hands-off approach to cooking, the slow cooker method is an excellent alternative for preparing delicious cube steak. This method allows for tender and flavorful results with minimal effort.
Preparing for the Crock Pot
To make cube steak in the crock pot, follow the same initial steps as before, but instead of finishing the dish on the stovetop, transfer the sautéed onions to the slow cooker. Add cream of mushroom soup and beef broth, mixing well before submerging the steaks in the gravy.
Slow Cooking Times and Tips
Cook the cube steak on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. To achieve the perfect gravy consistency, you can adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model. It’s also essential to test for doneness to ensure the steak is tender.
Troubleshooting Your Cube Steak Recipe
Even with a simple cube steak recipe, issues can arise, but with some troubleshooting, you’ll achieve a perfect dish. Common problems can range from steak toughness to gravy consistency.
Common Issues and Solutions
Some common issues you might encounter include overcooking the steak or having a gravy that’s too thin. To avoid overcooking, ensure you don’t cook the steak beyond its recommended internal temperature. For gravy that’s too thin, you can use a thickening agent.
Thickening the Gravy
To thicken the gravy, you can use flour or other alternatives like Xanthan gum or arrowroot starch. Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the gravy and bring to a boil. For Xanthan gum, add ½ to 1 teaspoon to the gravy and stir well. These methods will help you achieve the perfect consistency for your gravy.
Perfect Side Dishes for Cube Steak
The key to a well-rounded meal is pairing your cube steak with complementary side dishes. Traditional pairings and low-carb alternatives can both enhance your dining experience.
Traditional Pairings
Classic combinations like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables are timeless for a reason. Serving cube steak over mashed potatoes or alongside roasted green beans or carrots creates a satisfying meal.
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Noodles
Low-Carb Alternatives
For those watching their carb intake, cauliflower mashed potatoes are a great substitute for traditional potatoes. You can also explore other vegetable-based sides.
- Cauliflower mashed potatoes
- Roasted broccoli
- Zucchini noodles
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Proper storage is key to enjoying your cube steaks and gravy at a later time. To keep your leftovers fresh, it’s crucial to follow the right storage and reheating procedures.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store your leftover cube steaks and gravy in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When reheating, make sure the beef is heated through in a few minutes.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, you can freeze your cube steaks and gravy. Place them in airtight containers or freezer bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat within a few minutes. Note that the fat content in your gravy, whether it’s from beef or chicken, may affect the texture after thawing.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this cube steak recipe proves that a great meal doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Throughout this guide, we’ve covered the essentials of preparing a delicious steak recipe that’s perfect for any dinner. The versatility of this cube steak preparation allows you to adapt it to your preferences, making it a valuable addition to your recipes collection. I encourage you to experiment with this recipe and make it your own. With its perfect blend of flavor and convenience, this steak dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
