Easy Tender Cube Steak Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Meal with Rich Pan Gravy

Slow-Simmered Country Style Cube Steak with Rich Pan Gravy

Cube steak transforms into an incredibly tender, flavorful meal with this easy slow-simmering method that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort food. This classic American dish brings all the nostalgic flavors of country cooking right to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Tenderized Cube Steak Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about a perfectly cooked cube steak dinner. The economical cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when prepared properly. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
• Set-it-and-forget-it cooking – Just 5 minutes of prep time!
• Budget-friendly – Transforms an inexpensive cut into something special
• Gravy included – The cooking method creates its own delicious sauce

What Is Cube Steak?

If you’re new to cooking with cube steak, it’s important to understand what makes this cut unique. Cube steak is typically a cut of top round or top sirloin that has been tenderized by a meat mallet or mechanical tenderizer, creating a distinctive pattern of indentations (or “cubes”) on the surface. This process breaks down tough muscle fibers, making it more tender when cooked.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Cube Steak

• 4 (4-ounce) cube steaks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 2 tablespoons cold water

How to Make Tender Cube Steak with Gravy

1. Season cube steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the cube steaks and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4. Remove steaks and set aside on a plate.
5. In the same pan, add sliced onions and cook until softened and starting to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
8. Add dried thyme and stir to combine.
9. Return the cube steaks to the pan, along with any accumulated juices.
10. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the steaks are fork-tender.
11. Remove steaks to a serving platter and keep warm.
12. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and cold water until smooth.
13. Increase heat to medium and slowly whisk the flour mixture into the pan juices.
14. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
15. Pour gravy over cube steaks or serve on the side.

Tips for the Most Tender Cube Steak

• Sear properly – Don’t skip browning the meat first for maximum flavor
• Low and slow – The gentle simmering is key to breaking down the tough fibers
• Check tenderness – The steak should easily pull apart with a fork when done
• Rest before serving – Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before cutting

Perfect Side Dishes for Cube Steak

This homestyle cube steak pairs beautifully with classic comfort food sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy
• Buttered egg noodles for a hearty base
• Steamed green beans or roasted carrots for color and nutrition
• Fresh dinner rolls or cornbread for mopping up every last bit of sauce

Storing and Reheating Leftover Cube Steak

This recipe makes excellent leftovers! Store any remaining cube steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating:

• Warm slowly in a covered skillet over medium-low heat
• Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much
• Alternatively, reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Cube Steak

Can I make this cube steak in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the steaks as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Why is my cube steak tough?

Cube steak needs either quick high-heat cooking (like for chicken fried steak) or long, slow cooking as in this recipe. If it’s tough, it likely hasn’t cooked long enough to break down the connective tissues.

Can I use a different cut of meat?

While this recipe is designed for cube steak, you could adapt it for round steak or chuck steak. You’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly for these cuts.

How do I know when cube steak is done?

Beyond reaching a safe internal temperature of 145°F, you want the meat to be fork-tender, meaning it pulls apart easily when tested with a fork.

Whether you’re cooking cube steak for a cozy family dinner or preparing a comforting meal for guests, this slow-simmered recipe delivers tender, flavorful results every time. The rich gravy makes it perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Recipe adapted from Berdean’s Cube Steak.