Smothered Cube Steak

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Smothered Cube Steak is a tender, pan-fried beef dish drenched in a flavorful onion gravy, often served with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread. The cube steak is typically a budget-friendly cut of beef that’s been mechanically tenderized, making it ideal for slow cooking or pan-frying. Smothered in savory gravy, this dish transforms a humble cut into a hearty, soul-warming meal.




🧾 What Is Cube Steak?

  • Cube steak is usually made from top round or top sirloin.

  • It’s been tenderized with a meat mallet or mechanical cuber, giving it its signature “cubed” texture.

  • It's relatively lean but benefits from slow cooking or simmering in gravy to become fork-tender.

🌍 Origins & Cultural Roots

  • Southern U.S. roots: Smothered cube steak is a staple in Southern and soul food cuisine.

  • Related to dishes like country-fried steak and Swiss steak, but with a richer gravy and often less breading.

  • The technique of “smothering” meats in gravy or sauce has been used in Creole, African-American, and Cajun cooking for centuries.

🧂 Key Ingredients

🥩 Cube Steaks

  • Lightly seasoned or dredged in flour before pan-frying.

🧅 Onions

  • Sliced and caramelized to create a sweet, savory base for the gravy.

🧄 Garlic

  • Adds depth and richness to the sauce.

🧈 Gravy

  • Typically a brown gravy made from pan drippings, flour, broth (beef or chicken), and sometimes heavy cream or Worcestershire sauce.

  • Sometimes includes mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

🌿 Seasonings

  • Black pepper, paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne (optional for spice).

🍽️ How It’s Made (Simple Steps)

  1. Dredge the cube steak in seasoned flour.

  2. Pan-fry the steak until browned (not fully cooked through).

  3. Sauté onions and garlic in the same pan.

  4. Make the gravy by whisking flour into the drippings, then slowly adding broth.

  5. Return the steaks to the skillet, smother in gravy and onions.

  6. Simmer covered on low heat until steaks are fork-tender (about 30–45 minutes).

  7. Serve hot with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or grits.

🥄 Popular Variations

  • With Mushrooms: Adds earthy richness to the gravy.

  • Creamy Style: Includes cream or sour cream in the gravy for extra decadence.

  • Smothered Pork Steak: Made with pork shoulder steak instead of beef.

  • Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Great for tenderizing and set-it-and-forget-it cooking.

  • Spicy Cajun Version: Uses Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and hot sauce.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

  • Mashed Potatoes (most traditional pairing)

  • Steamed Rice

  • Cornbread or Biscuits

  • Collard Greens, Green Beans, or Braised Cabbage

  • Macaroni and Cheese (for a full Southern meal)

🧾 Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 400–600

  • Protein: 25–35g

  • Fat: 20–30g

  • Carbs: 15–25g (depends on flour and sides)

  • Sodium: Can be high depending on broth—opt for low-sodium versions when possible.

⭐ Why It’s Loved

  • Budget-friendly: Makes a tougher, inexpensive cut delicious and tender.

  • Comforting: Rich, savory flavors make it the perfect soul food meal.

  • Easy to make: Simple ingredients and a one-pan method.

  • Family favorite: A crowd-pleaser that feels like home cooking at its best.

Would you like a printable recipe card, a healthier version (like low-carb or gluten-free), or suggestions for meal prepping this dish?

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