Cube Steak Recipe

This Tender Cube Steak is smothered in a delicious brown gravy with onions and pan fried on the stove top or in the Slow Cooker! Serve this over mashed potatoes with cornbread, roasted green beans or carrots!

I had to laugh when I sent my husband to the store for some ground beef and he came home with cube steak. Not exactly the same thing, but it was definitely a happy accident. Although I love making hamburger steaks, sometimes it’s more fun to switch things up.

This recipe 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. (Although the seasoning on this steak is going to WOW you!)

Cube Steak Recipe

This Tender Cube Steak is smothered in a delicious brown gravy with onions and pan fried on the stove top or in the Slow Cooker! Serve this over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, with roasted green beans or carrots!

Ingredients

• 4 cube steaks
• 3 Tablespoons flour
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, separated

Meat Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Gravy

• ¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 beef bouillon cube, or tsp better than bouillon
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into ½ inch strings

Instructions

• See notes section below for Slow Cooker instructions.
• Seasoning Prep: Combine the meat seasoning mix and set aside.
• Gravy Prep: Combine the cornstarch and cold water in a medium bowl and whisk until incorporated and smooth. Add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup beef broth, 1 beef bouillon, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder and 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine and set aside.
• Meat Prep: Place saran wrap over each cube steak and use the rough end of a meat tenderizer to pound it thin, about ½ inch thick or so. This really makes a nice difference in the consistency of the meat even though cube steak has already been tenderized.
• Rub seasoning mix on each side of the steak, then rub with flour.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear 2 steaks at a time for about 3 minutes per side. (Add a splash more olive oil if needed and adjust heat up or down slightly as needed as the steaks cook.) Set steaks on a plate to rest.
• Leave the meat flecks in the pan, this is called “fond” and it will add flavor to the gravy. If you have any black/burnt areas, use a damp paper towel to carefully clean that out.
• Melt 2 tablespoons 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 desired consistency is obtained. I like mine very soft and reduced, almost caramelized. Be sure to stir them often as they cook.
• Add the liquid gravy mixture and use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the pan once again. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Add the steaks and any juices back to the pan and spoon some gravy on the top of each steak. Simmer with the lid partially covered for 5 minutes or so, until the gravy is thickened and the meat is cooked to your liking.
• Optional: Remove from heat and melt 2 Tablespoons cold butter at the end for a silky, velvety finish. This is a technique that chefs use called “monter au beurre”.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and roasted carrots or green beans.

Notes

Pro Tips:

• Aim for an internal temperature of 125° or so for tender results. It will increase an additional 5° or so after it’s removed from the heat.
• The gravy recipe uses a combination of beef and chicken broth for depth of flavor, but all beef broth may be used.
• Onions can be omitted if preferred, or mushrooms can be used instead.
• A cast iron skillet will give your steaks a nice crusty sear.
• Cornbread makes a great side dish with this meal.

Slow Cooker Method:

• Tenderize and season the steaks as outlined.
• Sear for 2-3 minutes per side instead of 4-5 and set aside.
• Prepare gravy as outlined, then transfer to the Slow Cooker along with the steaks.
• PRO TIP: The above steps can be done the night before and cooked in the Slow Cooker the next day.
• Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4.

Nutrition

Calories: 538kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 38g, Fat: 35g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 145mg, Sodium: 1102mg, Potassium: 750mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 464IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 4mg