If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cube Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Tenderized cube steaks seared to perfection are smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of buttery goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal to share, this classic dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels downright magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully, each playing a crucial role to balance the flavors and textures. From the sweetness of caramelized onions to the hearty broth and perfectly seasoned steaks, everything combines in harmony to create that unforgettable home-cooked taste.
- 4 cube steaks: The star of the dish, tenderized for quick cooking and absorbent of all the delicious gravy.
- 1 onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized, forming the base of the gravy.
- 4 tbsp butter, divided: Used for cooking onions and making a luscious roux for the gravy.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle kick of warmth and seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Enhances all flavors, a must for any well-balanced dish.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds smoky, subtle warmth that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Imparts a savory note that rounds out the spices.
- 3 tbsp flour, gluten free or regular: Essential for thickening the gravy into a silky sauce.
- 2 cups broth, chicken or beef: Provides a rich flavorful base for the onion gravy.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, gluten free if needed: Brings umami depth and a touch of tangy complexity.
How to Make Cube Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Onions
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and cook them, stirring frequently, for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and start to turn a lovely golden brown. These caramelized onions will add sweetness and depth to your gravy, so take your time to let them develop flavor. Once ready, set the onions aside on a plate but leave any melted butter in the pan—it’s the secret base for our gravy.
Step 2: Tenderize and Season the Steaks
While the onions are cooking, place plastic wrap over your cube steaks and gently pound them down to about half an inch thickness using a mallet. This process ensures the meat is tender and cooks evenly. Then, generously season both sides with black pepper, sea salt, paprika, and garlic powder—don’t be shy! These spices bring out the natural beefiness and create a savory crust when seared.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Next, place the seasoned cube steaks into your skillet over medium heat. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until they develop a rich brown crust. This quick sear locks in the juices and adds a beautiful color to the meat. Once cooked, transfer the steaks onto a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Now it’s time to turn that leftover butter in the pan into a rich onion gravy. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter back into the skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk thoroughly to create a roux—this will thicken your gravy perfectly. Gradually pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and after around 2 minutes, you’ll see it thicken into a smooth, luscious gravy.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Turn off the heat and return both the seared cube steaks and caramelized onions back into the skillet. Spoon the gravy generously over each steak to coat them evenly and let everything soak together for a minute or two. This final touch melds all the flavors into one irresistible dish that’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Cube Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a pop of green and a fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the rich onion gravy. For an extra touch of indulgence, a pat of herb butter melting over the steak goes a long way toward elevating every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes, which soak up the onion gravy like a dream. Roasted vegetables or buttery green beans also provide a fresh, crisp balance. If you want to keep things traditional, buttermilk biscuits or warm crusty bread for sopping up sauce are absolute winners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of rustic charm, serve your cube steak family-style on a large platter with piles of onions and gravy cascading over the steaks. Or get cozy and individual by plating each steak with a generous ladle of gravy and a mound of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a small pat of butter for that perfect melt moment. Either way, it’s a dish that invites everyone to dig in heartily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover cube steak with onion gravy stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious reheated. Make sure to cover it well to prevent your fridge from smelling like savory goodness all day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion the steaks and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cube steak and onion gravy in a skillet over low to medium heat until piping hot, spooning extra broth or water if the gravy thickens too much. You can also microwave it covered, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Cube steak is ideal here because it’s already tenderized and cooks quickly, but you can try this method with thinly sliced round steak or sirloin. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid toughness.
Is gluten-free flour necessary for the gravy?
Not at all! Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly, but if you need to keep it gluten-free, there are many great alternatives like rice flour or gluten-free blends that will thicken the gravy just as well.
What broth is best—chicken or beef?
Both work wonderfully, but beef broth enhances the meaty, savory flavor more intensely. Chicken broth offers a lighter taste but still makes a delicious gravy. Choose whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can slice the onions and even pound the steaks ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Cooking the onions beforehand and reheating them when making the gravy can save time after a busy day.
How thick should the gravy be?
Ideally, the onion gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a splash of broth; if too thin, cook it a little longer while whisking to reach the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Cube Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe is one of those timeless comfort foods that never fails to satisfy. Its amazing blend of tender meat, sweet onions, and rich gravy comes together quickly yet leaves a big impression. I can’t wait for you to try making it at home—once you do, it might just become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Cube Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic and comforting cube steak recipe featuring tenderized beef steaks seared to perfection and smothered in a rich onion gravy. This easy skillet dish combines savory seasonings and a creamy homemade gravy, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp flour, gluten free or regular
- 2 cups broth, chicken or beef
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, gluten free if needed
Instructions
- Cook the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the sliced onions. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions soften and begin to brown. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping any leftover butter in the pan.
- Tenderize and Season the Steaks: While the onions cook, place plastic wrap over the cube steaks and gently pound them with a mallet until they reach about 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with black pepper, sea salt, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Steaks: Place the seasoned steaks into the skillet over medium heat and sear for 2 minutes on each side to develop a nice crust. Once seared, remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a plate.
- Make the Gravy: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to combine, forming a roux. Gradually pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a boil, and after approximately 2 minutes, it will thicken to a smooth consistency.
- Combine and Heat Through: Turn off the heat. Return the steaks and cooked onions to the skillet with the gravy, spooning the sauce over the steaks to coat them evenly. Let the flavors meld for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve: Dish out the cube steaks hot, topped generously with onions and gravy. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!
Notes
- For extra tenderness, let the steaks rest in the gravy for a few minutes before serving.
- You can use either chicken or beef broth based on your preference; beef broth will provide a richer flavor.
- Gluten-free flour works just as well if you are avoiding gluten; just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten free.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- If cube steaks are unavailable, thinly sliced round steak can be a substitute, tenderized similarly.
