If you’ve been craving a hearty, comforting meal that wraps you up in warmth and flavor, look no further than this delightful Cube Steak with Rich Onion Gravy Recipe. It’s the perfect dance of tender, thinly pounded cube steaks smothered with deeply savory, slowly cooked onions in a luscious gravy that clings to every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this classic dish satisfies the soul with each forkful, proving once again that simple ingredients and a little patience can create magic in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Cube Steak with Rich Onion Gravy Recipe is delightfully straightforward thanks to a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Each item works in harmony to build layers of flavor, tender texture, and a rich, golden hue that will make your mouth water even before you take the first bite.
- 4 cube steaks: The star of the dish, cube steaks are tenderized cuts ideal for quick cooking and soaking up gravy.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Adds a light coating that helps develop a crisp crust and thickens the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the steaks with a perfect golden finish while adding richness.
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (separated): Used in stages, butter enriches the gravy and softens the onions.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances the savory notes and boosts the caramelization of onions.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the steak and the gravy.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides an earthy, aromatic boost without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor throughout the gravy and seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Introduces a gentle warmth and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret to a gravy that’s perfectly thick and silky smooth.
- 1 cup chicken broth & 1 cup beef broth: A flavorful liquid base combining light and rich meaty nuances.
- 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon): Amplifies the meaty essence of the gravy.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Introduces tangy umami that rounds out the gravy beautifully.
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced into ½ inch strings): The luscious heart of the gravy, slow-cooked to deep caramelized perfection.
How to Make Cube Steak with Rich Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Seasoning Ready
Start by mixing together all the seasonings for your cube steaks in a bowl — this blend sets the foundation of flavor. Combining salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, chili powder, paprika, and brown sugar creates a balance of savory warmth with a touch of sweetness that complements the meat beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk Together Your Gravy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the chicken and beef broth until smooth and lump-free. Then stir in the beef bouillon cube, extra onion and garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. This preparation will become the rich, velvety gravy that elevates the steaks to new savory heights.
Step 3: Tenderize and Season the Cube Steaks
Place a piece of saran wrap over each steak and pound them gently with the rough side of a meat tenderizer until they’re about half an inch thick. This extra step makes the meat even more tender and ensures the perfect texture. Once tenderized, pat the steaks completely dry, then rub the seasoning mixture all over each side. Finish with a light dusting of flour, tapping off any excess to keep the coating light but effective.
Step 4: Sear the Steaks to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steaks in batches, about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and deliciously crusted. Don’t worry if some meat bits stick to the pan; leave these ‘fond’ flecks behind — they hold incredible flavor that will make your gravy sing.
Step 5: Cook the Onions Slowly
After removing the steaks from the pan, add butter and onions to the skillet. Toss the onions in the butter to coat and then let them cook slowly for 15-25 minutes. Stir often until they turn a golden, soft, and almost caramelized texture. This step develops the rich sweetness that blends perfectly into the gravy, transforming the dish into something truly special.
Step 6: Bring It All Together with the Gravy
Pour your prepared gravy base into the pan, scraping the bottom to release any stuck bits of flavor. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Nestle the steaks and any resting juices back into the skillet, spooning gravy over the meat. Cover partially and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. The gravy will thicken, and the steaks will soak up the sumptuous sauce.
Step 7: Finish with a Velvety Touch
For the final flourish, stir in the remaining cold butter just before serving. This technique, known as monter au beurre, gives the gravy a silky, luxurious sheen and smooth texture that feels like a big hug for your palate.
How to Serve Cube Steak with Rich Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a bright pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich gravy and tender meat. If you like a bit of zing, a few dashes of freshly cracked black pepper on top can wake up the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up every last drop of gravy. Buttermilk biscuits are another classic companion, providing a soft, buttery bite that complements the savory nature of the steak. For a lighter contrast, try roasted carrots or green beans — their natural sweetness and crispness balance the richness flawlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style dinner, serve the steak and gravy in the skillet right at the table, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, arrange the steaks atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes on each individual plate, drizzling the rich onion gravy over generously. You can even stack a few roasted vegetables on the side for a colorful and inviting presentation that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Cube Steak with Rich Onion Gravy Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes just as comforting when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, freeze the leftover steak and gravy in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to revive the sauce and warm the meat evenly. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the gravy if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating helps preserve the tender texture of the cube steak and the lush consistency of the gravy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of cube steak?
While cube steak is ideal because it’s already tenderized and cooks quickly, you could substitute with thin-cut round steak or top sirloin. Just be sure to tenderize properly, or the dish may not have the same soft, comforting texture.
How do I know when the onions are done?
The onions are ready when they’re soft, deeply golden, and almost caramelized. They should have lost their raw pungency and become sweet and silky, which usually takes about 15 to 25 minutes of gentle cooking.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can brown the steaks before adding them to the slow cooker along with the seasoning and gravy ingredients. Cook on low for around 4-6 hours until the meat is tender and the onions have softened into a thick gravy.
Is it necessary to use both chicken and beef broth?
Using both broths layers the flavor, balancing the lightness of chicken broth with the deep richness of beef broth. However, you can use just one if needed—beef broth will make the gravy more robust, while chicken broth keeps it lighter.
What sides go best with Cube Steak with Rich Onion Gravy Recipe?
Classic mashed potatoes are the top choice since they soak up the gravy beautifully. Biscuits, roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans, and even a simple green salad can round out the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cube Steak with Rich Onion Gravy Recipe a whirl because it’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s wonderfully straightforward to prepare, deeply satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends or family around the dinner table. Once you taste that rich onion gravy paired with tender cube steak, I promise you’ll be hooked — and likely to make it a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Cube Steak with Rich Onion Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Entree
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Cube Steak recipe delivers tenderized beef seared to perfection and served in a rich, flavorful gravy made from a blend of broths, seasonings, and caramelized onions. With a velvety finish from a butter monter au beurre technique, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a comforting, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 4 cube steaks
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Cooking Fats
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons cold unsalted butter (separated into 2 tbsp and 1 tbsp for later use)
Gravy Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced into ½ inch strings)
Instructions
- Slow Cooker Option: Refer to notes for slow cooker preparation if preferred.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: Combine brown sugar, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika in a bowl and set aside.
- Make Gravy Base: In a medium bowl, whisk cornstarch with chicken and beef broth until smooth. Add the beef bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
- Tenderize the Meat: Place saran wrap over each cube steak and pound gently with the rough end of a meat tenderizer to about ½ inch thickness for improved texture.
- Season the Steaks: Pat steaks dry and rub the seasoning mix evenly on both sides. Dredge the steaks in flour, tapping off any excess.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear two steaks at a time for approximately 3 minutes per side until browned. Adjust heat and add more oil if needed. Remove and rest steaks on a plate.
- Prepare the Pan: Leave browned bits (fond) in the skillet for flavor. Remove any burnt pieces gently with a damp paper towel.
- Cook the Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet over medium heat. Using a silicone spatula, scrape the bottom to mix fond with butter. Add sliced onions and cook for 15-25 minutes, stirring often, until onions are soft and nearly caramelized.
- Make the Gravy: Pour the prepared broth mixture into the skillet with onions. Scrape the pan bottom and sides to lift all flavorful bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Combine Steaks and Gravy: Return the steaks and any collected juices to the skillet. Spoon gravy over the steaks. Partially cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until gravy thickens and meat is cooked to desired doneness.
- Finish with Butter: Optionally remove from heat and stir in remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter to enrich the gravy and add a smooth, velvety finish (monter au beurre).
- Serve: Plate the steaks with the gravy alongside mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and roasted carrots or green beans for a classic, wholesome meal.
Notes
- For a slow cooker method, brown the steaks first as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker along with the onions and gravy ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until steak is tender.
- Using a meat tenderizer enhances the cube steak’s texture though it is pre-tenderized.
- Be sure to cook onions low and slow for best caramelization and flavor development.
- Scraping the pan (deglazing) incorporates the fond into the gravy, enriching its taste.
- Monter au beurre (whisking cold butter at the end) creates a luxurious gravy without additional cream.
- This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides for a comforting meal.
