Cubed Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe
Cubed steak with onion gravy is a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and flavorful. The tender cubed steaks are cooked to perfection and smothered in a savory onion gravy that’s perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice. Here’s how to make this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 4 cubed steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer gravy)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a richer gravy)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak:
- Season the cubed steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Dredge each steak in flour, shaking off any excess. This will help create a nice crust and thicken the gravy later.
- Brown the Steaks:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed steaks to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until well-browned. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Onions:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Gravy:
- Sprinkle a little more flour (about 1 tablespoon) over the onions and stir to combine. This will help thicken the gravy.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the milk (or heavy cream), Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, and any additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly. If you want a richer gravy, stir in the butter at this stage.
- Combine Steak and Gravy:
- Return the browned cubed steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and cooked through, and the gravy has thickened to your liking.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the cubed steak with onion gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Tips for Perfect Cubed Steak with Onion Gravy:
- Tenderize the Steak: If your cubed steaks are not pre-tenderized, you can pound them with a meat mallet to make them more tender.
- Caramelize the Onions: Take your time caramelizing the onions for the best flavor. Don’t rush this step as it adds depth to the gravy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little more beef broth or milk.
Variations:
- Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the onions for a rich mushroom gravy variation.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the gravy for some heat.
- Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy this classic cubed steak with onion gravy as a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!