Cube Steak and Gravy

Cube Steak and Gravy is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This dish features tender meat smothered in a rich, savory gravy that enhances its natural flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes needed from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
• Budget-Friendly: Using cube steaks makes this dish affordable without compromising on taste or quality.
• Family Favorite: The comforting flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal that suits any palate.
• Delicious Leftovers: Enjoy the rich flavors even more the next day as leftovers!

Tools and Preparation

To create this mouthwatering Cube Steak and Gravy, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that streamline the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Cast-iron skillet: Retains heat well, ensuring even cooking and browning of meat.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps combine liquids smoothly for a lump-free 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 over them, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Brown the Steaks

• Heat your cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. Cook each steak for about 4-5 minutes on both sides until they are nicely browned. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy Mixture

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, beef broth, and water until smooth. Set aside to use later.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

• In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add about 2 tablespoons of butter or oil. Then add sliced mushrooms, onions, minced thyme, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole seasoning. Sauté for about 6 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

• Pour the prepared gravy mixture into the skillet with sautéed vegetables and bring it to a boil. Return the browned steaks along with any drippings back into the skillet. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 6: Simmer

• Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer for about 8-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. If you prefer a thicker gravy, adjust by adding more stock or water as necessary.

Enjoy your delicious Cube Steak and Gravy served over your favorite sides!

How to Serve Cube Steak and Gravy

Serving cube steak and gravy is all about enhancing the meal with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish that your family will love.

Classic Comfort

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes absorb the rich gravy, making every bite a comforting experience.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds a light texture that pairs wonderfully with the hearty steak and gravy.

Fresh Accompaniments

• Steamed Vegetables: Freshly steamed broccoli or green beans provide a bright, crunchy contrast to the tender meat.
• Side Salad: A crisp side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.

Hearty Additions

• Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits make for great vessels to scoop up gravy and add a buttery flavor.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is another perfect pairing, offering a delightful contrast to savory flavors.

Flavorful Enhancements

• Pickles or Relish: A small serving of pickles or relish can add an unexpected zing that complements the dish beautifully.
• Sautéed Greens: Sautéed spinach or kale seasoned with garlic provides a nutritious and flavorful side.

How to Perfect Cube Steak and Gravy

Perfecting cube steak and gravy involves mastering cooking techniques and ingredients. Follow these tips for an outstanding meal.

• Choose Quality Meat: Selecting fresh cube steaks ensures tenderness and flavor in your dish.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they are essential for bringing out the meat’s natural flavors.
• Brown Properly: Make sure to brown the steaks well before adding other ingredients; this creates depth in flavor.
• Control Heat: Keep an eye on your skillet’s heat; too hot may burn ingredients while too low can result in undercooked steak.
• Adjust Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, simmer longer or whisk in more flour; for thinner gravy, add extra broth or water.
• Let It Rest: Allowing cooked steak to rest briefly before serving helps retain its juices for maximum tenderness.

Best Side Dishes for Cube Steak and Gravy

Pairing side dishes with cube steak and gravy enhances your meal experience significantly. Here are some great ideas to complement your main course.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic elevate the comfort level of your meal.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts add a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the savory gravy.
3. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of baked sweet potatoes offers a pleasant balance against hearty steak.
4. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that enhance each bite of meat.
5. Creamed Spinach: Velvety creamed spinach adds richness, making it an indulgent side option.
6. Vegetable Medley: A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables brings freshness and vibrancy to your plate.
7. Homemade Fries: Crispy fries are always a favorite, especially when dipped into delicious gravy!
8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with veggies can be a healthy accompaniment, adding texture without overpowering the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cube Steak and Gravy, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes that can affect your dish’s outcome.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the cube steaks properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper before cooking for a flavor boost.
• Overcooking the steaks: Cooking the cube steaks too long can make them tough. Aim for 4-5 minutes per side for tender results.
• Neglecting to whisk the gravy: Failing to whisk the flour into the broth mixture can cause lumps. Make sure to mix thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
• Not sautéing enough: If you don’t sauté the mushrooms and onions long enough, they won’t develop full flavor. Cook them until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
• Ignoring thickness adjustments: Not adjusting the gravy’s thickness may yield a watery or overly thick sauce. Add more broth or water as needed for your desired consistency.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cube Steak and Gravy in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Cube Steak and Gravy

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• It’s best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Cube Steak and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil, heating until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container. Heat on medium power in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cube Steak and Gravy?

Cube Steak and Gravy is a simple dish featuring tender cube steaks served with a rich beefy mushroom onion gravy. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

How do I make Cube Steak tender?

To ensure tenderness, cook cube steaks quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking them. This helps retain their juiciness.

Can I use different mushrooms?

Yes! You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as cremini or portobello, to add unique flavors to your gravy.

What sides pair well with Cube Steak and Gravy?

Great side options include mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. They complement the savory gravy nicely!

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences. You can also include vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.

Conclusion

Cube Steak and Gravy is not only an easy weeknight meal but also versatile! Its rich flavors can be customized with various herbs and vegetables, making it a family favorite. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!