Cube Steak with Onion Gravy: A Comforting Family Favorite
Walking into a kitchen filled with the rich aroma of slow-cooked onions and savory beef is like getting a warm hug on a chilly day. This is the magical moment when you know that something extraordinary is happening — it’s the essence of home cooking. Today, I’m excited to share with you a treasure from my family’s recipe box: Cube Steak with Onion Gravy. A dish that’s simple yet fulfilling, it promises warmth, joy, and memories with each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to family meals, Cube Steak with Onion Gravy stands out for more reasons than one:
- Time-Saving: Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The deep, savory gravy coats the tender steaks, creating a delightful experience.
- Family Bonding: It brings everyone together around the table, sparking conversation and connection.
- Nostalgic Comfort: Reminds you of grandma’s kitchen when life felt simpler and more savory.
- Customizable: Easy to make healthier or modify based on seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients with Notes
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s prepare our shopping list. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the savory allure of this dish:
- Cube Steak (1 lb): Choose well-marbled cuts for extra tenderness.
- Onions (2 large, sliced): Sweet or yellow onions work beautifully for the gravy.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth — fresh is always best.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): Homemade if you have it; otherwise, store-bought works.
- Flour (1/4 cup): For thickening the gravy. Use whole wheat for a healthier option.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) and Butter (2 tbsp): Essential for sautéing and rich flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. Freshly cracked pepper elevates the dish.
- Optional Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish adds a pop of freshness.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This dish is not only quick but rewarding. The moment the steaks hit the pan, your kitchen transforms into a cozy haven that beckons loved ones to gather around.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to create this masterpiece? Follow these easy steps to make Cube Steak with Onion Gravy:
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Sear the Steaks: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once hot, season the cube steaks with salt and pepper, and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned. You’re looking for a nice caramelization.
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Sauté the Onions: Remove the steaks and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and just starting to brown. The smell will start to evoke memories of cozy family dinners!
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Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing it to infuse the onions with a lovely aroma.
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Create the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring to coat. This step thickens our gravy and gives it that luxurious texture. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking to eliminate any lumps.
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Return the Steaks: Gently place your cube steaks back into the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and the gravy is thickened. Notice how this is the moment where your kitchen smells incredible!
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the gravy and season more if needed. This is your creation — make it perfect for your palate!
Tips and Variations
Elevate your dish with these simple tips and variations:
- Healthy Swaps: Use low-sodium broth and swap half of the beef with mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Seasonal Twists: Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers during the sauté phase for more depth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour for cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to thicken the gravy.
Serving Ideas
Cube Steak with Onion Gravy is best enjoyed with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp side salad or steamed veggies can balance the richness of the dish. Picture this as a Sunday dinner with friends, a cozy weeknight meal, or a festive gathering where stories and laughter fill the air.
Storage and Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, don’t worry! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the gravy and steaks separately for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Rest Your Meat: Let the cube steaks rest for a minute after cooking to retain juiciness when served.
- Thicken Gradually: If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Fresh Herbs at the End: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
FAQs
- Can I substitute cube steak? Yes! Round steak or flank steak can work as alternatives.
- Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Absolutely — it stores well and flavors deepen when reheated.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Simply substitute the butter for a plant-based option.
Conclusion
As you gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary journey, remember that Cube Steak with Onion Gravy is more than just a meal — it’s an expression of love, togetherness, and nostalgia. I encourage you to dive into this recipe, savor each step, and share it with those you cherish. Trust me, each bite will wrap around you like a warm blanket, reminding you of the simple joys found at the family table. Enjoy!
Contents
Cube Steak with Onion Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Cube Steak Choose well-marbled cuts for extra tenderness.
- 2 large Onions, sliced Sweet or yellow onions work beautifully for the gravy.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Adds depth — fresh is always best.
- 2 cups Beef Broth Homemade if you have it; otherwise, store-bought works.
- 1/4 cup Flour For thickening the gravy. Use whole wheat for a healthier option.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Essential for sautéing and rich flavor.
- 2 tbsp Butter Essential for sautéing and rich flavor.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Freshly cracked pepper elevates the dish.
- optional Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley) For garnish, adds a pop of freshness.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once hot, season the cube steaks with salt and pepper, and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned.
- Remove the steaks and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and just starting to brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing it to infuse the onions with a lovely aroma.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring to coat. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking to eliminate any lumps.
- Gently place your cube steaks back into the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and the gravy is thickened.
- Taste the gravy and season more if needed.