Howdy, y’all! I’m Paula, a mom of six who knows the real secret to a happy family: a table full of hearty, homemade meals. Today, I’m sharing a fuss-free recipe for Cube Steak and Gravy, a dish that’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. So, grab your apron and let’s whip up some soulful goodness in the kitchen!
What Are Cube Steaks?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s unravel the mystery of cube steaks. Cube steak is typically a cut from the round section of the beef, mechanically tenderized to break down tough muscle fibers. The distinctive cube-shaped indentations on the surface not only give it its name but also contribute to a more tender bite. This budget-friendly cut is a versatile choice, perfect for a variety of hearty dishes.
Directions:
1. Preheat and Season:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and sprinkle a little love salt and pepper on each side of those cube steaks.
2. Seasoned Flour Mix:
Mix the flour, salt, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Use this seasoned flour to give your cube steaks a flavorful hug.
3. Sear and Brown:
Heat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour, then brown them on each side—about 4-5 minutes per side. Once golden, transfer them to a 13×9 baking dish.
4. Buttery Flour Bliss:
In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Whisk in the reserved flour until smooth. Let the flour and [butter](#) dance together for about 2 minutes, ensuring that flour gets cooked through.
5. Gravy Galore:
Whisk in the beef broth and stir until it starts to thicken. Add the [beef bouillon](#) for that extra punch of flavor.
6. Assemble and Bake:
Pour this velvety gravy over your waiting steaks. Now, for a touch of sweetness, add a layer of sliced onions on top. Cover it all with foil, tuck it into the oven, and let the magic happen for 2 hours.
7. Serve with Love:
When that timer dings, unveil your masterpiece. The aroma alone will have your family gathered around, eager to dig into this Southern-style comfort dish.
FAQ: Cube Steak Wisdom
How do you cook cubed steak so it’s not tough?
For tender cube steak, a buttermilk soak and a flavorful dredge in seasoned flour before cooking can work wonders. The slow baking process in this recipe also ensures a melt-in-your-mouth result.
Is cube steak the same as Salisbury steak?
No, they’re not the same. [Check out my Salisbury steak recipe](#) for a deliciously distinct take on ground beef patties with savory mushroom gravy.
Why do you soak cube steak in milk?
Soaking cube steak in milk helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle richness to the flavor. It’s a Southern trick for achieving that perfect bite.
How to cook cube steak in the oven?
Follow the simple steps in this recipe, and the oven will do the rest. The slow bake allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a fork-tender dish.
What temperature do you bake cubed steak at?
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature ensures a slow, even cook that lets the flavors develop to Southern perfection.
Why Cube Steak? A Budget-Friendly Option
Cube steak isn’t just delicious; it’s also a wallet-friendly option for families looking to make every dollar count. This cut, taken from the more economical sections of beef, offers excellent value without compromising on flavor. So, when you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that won’t break the bank, cube steak is your go-to choice.
Cube steak is a versatile and budget-friendly meat option in your kitchen. Whether pan-fried, baked, or grilled, cube steak delivers a delightful combination of flavor and affordability, making it an excellent choice for families on a budget without compromising on taste.
Soulful Accompaniments:
Pair this comfort classic with some soulful sides for a complete Southern feast. Here are a few ideas:
– Southern Green Beans: Cooked low and slow with a bit of smoky bacon for that authentic flavor.
– Cornbread: A golden, crumbly companion that’s perfect for soaking up that rich gravy.
– Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Creamy, cheesy goodness that’s a staple on any Southern table.
Product Recommendations:
Enhance your cooking experience with these recommended products:
– Ceramic Skillet: For the perfect sear on those cube steaks.
– Deep Baking Dish: Great for long, slow baking without spillover in the oven.
How to Make Cube Steaks Tender:
Achieving that perfect tenderness in cube steaks is an art. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your cube steaks are melt-in-your-mouth tender:
Buttermilk Soak: Before cooking, soak your cube steaks in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight. The acidity in buttermilk helps break down tough fibers, resulting in a more tender texture. Although my recipe doesn’t use buttermilk due to convenience, it’s a great tool for this dish.
Proper Seasoning: Use a flavorful blend of seasonings in your dredging flour. The combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika not only adds taste but also enhances the overall tenderness of the meat.
Slow Baking: The secret to tender cube steaks lies in patience. Slow-bake your steaks in a rich gravy at 350°F for 2 hours. This low and slow cooking method allows the meat to absorb all the flavors and become fork-tender.
Conclusion: Savoring the Soulful Journey
In just a few steps, you’ve created a soulful feast that’ll transport your family to the heart of the South. As the tantalizing aroma fills your kitchen and your loved ones gather around the table, remember the joy that comes from sharing good food with those you hold dear.
Tender Cube Steak and Gravy
Ingredients
- * 2 tablespoons oil
- * 1 cup flour (3/4 cup for seasoned flour reserve 1/4 cup for gravy
- * 1 tsp salt
- * 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- * 1/2 tsp pepper
- * 1/2 tsp onion powder
- * 1 teaspoon paprika
- * 1lb or 4 cubed steaks
- * 4 tablespoons butter
- * 4 cups beef broth
- * 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
- * 1 large yellow onion sliced
Instructions
- * Preheat oven to 350F
- * Season steaks with salt and pepper on each sides
- * Mix all remaining seasonings in flour. Reserve 1/4 cup for gravy.
- * Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- * Dredge cube steaks in the seasoned flour and brown on each side--about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove to a 13x9 baking dish.
- * To the same pan, add the butter and let it melt. Whisk in the reserved flour until smooth. Cook the flour and butter cook for 2 minutes or so to ensure the flour cooks through.
- * Whisk in the beef broth and stir until it begins to thicken.
- * Add beef bouillon and mix.
- * Pour the gravy over the steaks. Then add layer of sliced onions on top.
- * Cover with foil and bake for 2 hours.