Cube Steak with Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and satisfying. The tender steak is cooked to perfection, smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy made from beef broth, onions, and a few key seasonings. Served alongside mashed potatoes or rice, this dish is perfect for a family meal or any occasion when you need a fulfilling, flavorful dinner.
This dish is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or when you have guests over. The gravy adds a deliciously smooth and savory touch, making each bite of the tender steak even more irresistible. Whether you serve it with potatoes, rice, or veggies, this Cube Steak with Gravy will surely become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
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4 cube steaks
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
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Season the cube steaks with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly dredge each steak in flour, shaking off the excess.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cube steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove steaks from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and thyme to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
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Return the steaks to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the steaks are tender.
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Stir in the butter to thicken the gravy slightly, and serve the steak with the gravy poured on top.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
History and Origin
Cube steak, often referred to as “minute steak,” is made from a tough cut of beef that has been tenderized by a meat mallet or machine. The term “cube steak” comes from the small indentations left in the meat after it’s tenderized, which resemble tiny cubes. While it’s a relatively simple dish, cube steak with gravy has deep roots in American Southern cooking, where it was originally created to make tougher cuts of beef more palatable.
The concept of tenderizing beef for stews or frying dates back centuries, with similar methods appearing in many global cuisines. In the U.S., particularly in the South, cube steak became a way to stretch a modest cut of meat into a hearty meal, often served with gravy to boost flavor and moisture. Gravy, especially brown gravy, has been a popular pairing with beef for centuries. It’s likely that this pairing evolved naturally, as many families sought to create dishes that were both affordable and satisfying.
As with many comfort foods, the dish has become a beloved classic across the U.S. Its simplicity is part of its charm—cube steak is often the go-to dish for a quick yet hearty dinner. Over time, it’s become a staple in family homes, as well as on restaurant menus, especially in diners and steakhouses, where it’s often served with mashed potatoes or fries.
Variations and Adaptations
While the core concept of cube steak with gravy remains largely unchanged, different regions and cultures have put their unique spin on the dish. In some areas, the gravy might be enriched with ingredients like mushrooms, onions, or even red wine, making the sauce more complex and robust. For example, in some Southern kitchens, the gravy might be seasoned with a little cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to add a kick of spice and depth of flavor.
Some variations of cube steak with gravy include adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans into the gravy to create a more complete one-pot meal. Additionally, in the Midwest, this dish might be served with a side of corn or cornbread, embracing the homestyle cooking traditions of the region.
For those looking to cut down on calories or make the dish more health-conscious, cube steak can be cooked with a lighter version of gravy made with low-fat beef broth, a dash of cream instead of butter, or even plant-based alternatives. Some home cooks also prefer to use leaner cuts of beef, such as round steak, instead of traditional cube steak, to reduce the fat content.
One interesting variation is the “Swiss Steak,” which is another name for cube steak when it’s cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and onions. This dish, common in both the U.S. and Canada, replaces the classic brown gravy with a tomato-based sauce, offering a tangy contrast to the beef.
Nutritional Information
Cube steak with gravy is a rich, flavorful dish, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Here’s a closer look at the nutritional breakdown of the meal:
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Protein: Cube steak is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. A single serving of cube steak (approximately 4-6 ounces) provides about 25-30 grams of protein, which makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to meet their daily protein needs.
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Fat: Since cube steak comes from a tougher cut of meat, it can be slightly higher in fat, particularly saturated fat. However, the fat content can be reduced by using leaner cuts of beef or trimming off any visible fat. The gravy adds a bit of fat, especially if butter or heavy cream is used, but there are lighter alternatives available for those who prefer a lower-fat version.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Cube steak is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Iron is particularly important for transporting oxygen in the blood, and the high protein content supports various bodily functions, from enzyme production to immune system health.
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Calories: A typical serving of cube steak with gravy (including potatoes or rice) can range from 350 to 500 calories, depending on portion size and any added ingredients like butter or cream in the gravy. For a more calorie-conscious version, opt for a lighter gravy and serve with a side of steamed vegetables instead of heavier carbs.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Cube steak with gravy is a hearty, satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Traditional pairings include mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious gravy, or rice, which serves as a neutral base to complement the rich flavors of the steak.
For a healthier twist, consider serving cube steak with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. The crispness of fresh greens provides a lovely contrast to the savory richness of the beef and gravy. If you’re looking to add some carbs without going the traditional route, a piece of warm, buttery cornbread or a few slices of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the gravy.
In terms of drink pairings, this dish pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, such as a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which enhances the flavors of the beef. For a non-alcoholic option, a hearty iced tea or a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon can balance out the richness of the dish.
Tips and Tricks for Success
To ensure your cube steak with gravy turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
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Tenderizing: Cube steak is naturally a tougher cut of meat, so it’s important to tenderize it properly before cooking. Use a meat mallet to pound the steak to an even thickness, which will help it cook more evenly and make it more tender.
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Gravy Thickness: If your gravy turns out too thin, you can easily thicken it by simmering it longer or adding a small slurry of flour and water. For a smoother gravy, consider straining it before serving.
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Don’t Overcook: Cube steak cooks quickly, so be sure to monitor it closely while cooking. Overcooking will lead to a dry, tough steak, which you want to avoid.
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Enhance the Flavor: Don’t be afraid to play with the seasoning! A little Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or garlic powder in the gravy can deepen the flavor and add richness. If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy.
Potential Health Benefits
Cube steak with gravy can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and tissue repair. Iron, found in abundance in beef, supports healthy blood circulation and can help prevent iron deficiency anemia.
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Additionally, beef contains zinc, which plays a crucial role in immune function and skin health. Depending on the gravy’s ingredients, the dish can also be a source of healthy fats, particularly if made with olive oil or light butter.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that cube steak with gravy is a calorie-dense dish, so it’s best to enjoy it as part of a well-rounded meal with plenty of vegetables and whole grains to balance it out.
Conclusion
Cube Steak with Gravy is a timeless comfort food that continues to bring joy to dinner tables across the country. Its rich flavors and tender meat make it an ideal dish for anyone craving a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is sure to please. With its simple ingredients and satisfying flavors, it’s a meal that brings warmth and happiness to every bite. So, why not try making Cube Steak with Gravy today? It’s a dish that never goes out of style!