CUBE STEAK WITH ONION GRAVY

Cube steak with onion gravy is a comforting, classic dish that brings hearty flavors to your table. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients to create a savory and satisfying meal. Perfectly cooked cubed steak smothered in a rich onion gravy is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes for a complete and delicious dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds cubed steak
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 (14-ounce) can beef broth
• 1 package dry onion soup mix

Directions:

1. Prepare the Flour Mixture

Combine flour, garlic salt, and black pepper in a pie plate or shallow dish. Dredge both sides of cubed steak in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

2. Cook the Steak

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the steak to the skillet, cooking in two batches if necessary. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

3. Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

To thicken the gravy, add a few teaspoons of the leftover flour from dredging the steak to the drippings in the pan. Stir well to combine.

4. Prepare the Onion Gravy

Add the sliced onion, beef broth, and dry onion soup mix to the drippings in the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the onions are soft and the gravy has thickened.

5. Combine and Serve

Return the cooked steak to the pan to warm through. Serve the cube steak with the onion gravy over mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Pair with Sides: Serve Cube Steak with Onion Gravy alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttered noodles.
2. Garnish: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
3. Accompany with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep the gravy from drying out.
3. Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the cube steak and gravy to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Meal Prep: Cube steak with onion gravy can be made ahead and portioned into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Variations:

1. Mushroom Gravy Cube Steak:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions.
   • Details: The mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the gravy. Simply sauté the mushrooms with the onions until they are tender before adding the beef broth and onion soup mix.
2. Spicy Cube Steak:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture.
   • Details: This variation adds a spicy kick to the dish. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
3. Herbed Cube Steak:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary to the flour mixture.
   • Details: The addition of herbs gives the dish a fragrant and savory flavor. This is perfect for those who enjoy a more aromatic profile in their meals.
4. Garlic Lover’s Cube Steak:
   • Ingredients: Add 4 minced garlic cloves along with the onions.
   • Details: Garlic lovers will appreciate the added depth of flavor. Sauté the garlic with the onions until fragrant before adding the broth and soup mix.
5. Cube Steak with Creamy Onion Gravy:
   • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the gravy.
   • Details: For a richer, creamier gravy, stir in the heavy cream just before returning the steak to the pan. Simmer until heated through.
6. Vegetable-Packed Cube Steak:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of diced carrots and 1 cup of peas along with the onions.
   • Details: This variation adds more vegetables to the dish, making it a complete meal. Sauté the carrots and peas with the onions until tender before adding the broth and soup mix.
7. Cube Steak with Wine Sauce:
   • Ingredients: Replace 1/2 cup of beef broth with red wine.
   • Details: The red wine adds a deep, complex flavor to the gravy. Simmer the wine with the onions until reduced by half before adding the remaining broth and soup mix.
8. Cube Steak Stroganoff:
   • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of sour cream to the gravy.
   • Details: Stir in the sour cream just before serving for a creamy, tangy twist on the classic recipe. Serve over egg noodles for a complete meal.
9. Cube Steak with Bell Peppers:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers along with the onions.
   • Details: The bell peppers add a sweet and slightly crunchy texture to the dish. Sauté with the onions until tender before adding the broth and soup mix.
10. Cube Steak with Balsamic Onion Gravy:
    • Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the gravy.
    • Details: The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness to the gravy. Stir in the vinegar just before returning the steak to the pan and simmer until heated through.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as round steak or sirloin, but cooking times may vary to ensure the meat is tender.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the steak and ensure your beef broth and onion soup mix are gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the steak and gravy in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
4. Can I use fresh onions instead of dry onion soup mix?
   • Yes, you can use 1 finely chopped fresh onion and season with additional garlic powder and beef bouillon for a similar flavor.
5. How can I make the gravy thicker?
   • To thicken the gravy, add a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it into the gravy and simmer until it thickens to your liking.
6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
   • Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the onions before adding the broth and soup mix.
7. Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?
   • No, you can use any large skillet, but a cast-iron skillet retains heat well and helps to brown the steak more evenly.
8. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
   • Yes, after browning the steak, transfer it to a slow cooker along with the onions, broth, and soup mix. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.
9. What sides pair well with Cube Steak with Onion Gravy?
   • This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
10. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
    • Yes, you can use chicken broth, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Beef broth is recommended for a richer, more traditional taste.