If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Heirloom Pan-Seared Cube Steaks with Savory Onion Gravy Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender, well-seasoned cube steaks drenched in a deeply flavorful, silky onion gravy. This dish celebrates simple ingredients transformed into something truly special, making it a beloved favorite for any dinner occasion. Whether you’re new to cooking cube steaks or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will become your go-to for a soulful, satisfying feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building those rich layers of flavor and perfect texture. From the butter’s creamy richness to the paprika’s subtle warmth, these essentials are easy to find and combine beautifully to elevate this dish.
- 4 cube steaks: The star of the dish, tenderized for easy cooking and maximum juiciness.
- 1 onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and depth as the base for the savory gravy.
- 4 tbsp butter, divided: Adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce and perfectly browned steaks.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Offers a gentle heat and spice to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Enhances all other ingredients and seasons the meat thoroughly.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and beautiful color to the steaks.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic boost to the seasoning mix.
- 3 tbsp flour, gluten free or regular: Essential for thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- 2 cups broth, chicken or beef: The liquid base for the gravy, enriching the dish with savory umami.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, gluten free if needed: Adds a complex, tangy savoriness to the gravy.
How to Make Heirloom Pan-Seared Cube Steaks with Savory Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Onions
Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and cook them gently for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently. Your goal here is soft, golden-brown sweetness that will elevate every bite of the gravy later. Once perfectly caramelized, set the onions aside but keep all the flavorful butter in the pan.
Step 2: Tenderize and Season the Steaks
While those onions work their magic, prepare your cube steaks. Place a piece of plastic wrap over each one and gently pound them with a mallet until they’re about half an inch thick. This tenderizes the meat and ensures even cooking. Then, generously season both sides with black pepper, sea salt, paprika, and garlic powder—it’s the simple seasoning combo that makes all the difference.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
With your skillet still warm and buttery from the onions, carefully lay the cube steaks down. Sear for 2 minutes on each side until a gorgeous crust forms. This step locks in all those juices and flavors. Once done, remove the steaks and set them on a plate to rest.
Step 4: Make the Savory Onion Gravy
To that skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour in and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking nonstop to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil and watch as it thickens into a velvety gravy, rich with the taste of caramelized onions.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Turn off the heat, then return the steaks and their gorgeous onions back to the pan. Spoon the gravy over everything, making sure the steaks soak up all that incredible flavor. This final warm-through step ties the whole dish together beautifully, ensuring each bite is tender and saucy.
How to Serve Heirloom Pan-Seared Cube Steaks with Savory Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions over the top. These fresh pops of color and mild herbaceous notes cut through the richness and brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Heirloom Pan-Seared Cube Steaks with Savory Onion Gravy Recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, which soak up the gravy beautifully. For something lighter, steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad offer a refreshing complement and balance the hearty main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the steaks over a bed of creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles for a delightful twist. Alternatively, serve as an open-faced sandwich on toasted crusty bread for a casual and fun meal experience that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any cooked cube steaks with gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freeze the steaks and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for optimal texture. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw easily in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steaks and gravy in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Stir often to prevent the gravy from sticking or separating. Avoid microwaving, as slow reheating preserves the tenderness and flavors best.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of cube steaks?
Absolutely! While cube steaks are ideal for their tenderness and texture, thinly pounded sirloin or round steaks can work well too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, you can make the Heirloom Pan-Seared Cube Steaks with Savory Onion Gravy Recipe gluten free by using gluten-free flour and Worcestershire sauce. This ensures anyone with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this delicious meal.
Can I make the onion gravy ahead of time?
You can prepare the onion gravy a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently while cooking the steaks and combine when everything is hot and ready to serve.
What type of broth is best?
Both chicken and beef broth work nicely, but beef broth will add a deeper, heartier flavor. Choose according to your preference or what you have on hand.
How do I ensure the steaks stay tender and juicy?
The key is gentle pounding to tenderize and not overcooking during the sear. Also, resting the steaks with the gravy helps them absorb moisture and stay juicy for every bite.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, the Heirloom Pan-Seared Cube Steaks with Savory Onion Gravy Recipe is a rewarding, comforting dish that’s easy to master and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try—once you taste how tender the steaks are, surrounded by that delicious gravy, you’ll be making it again and again.
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Heirloom Pan-Seared Cube Steaks with Savory Onion Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Cube Steak recipe features tenderized beef steaks seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy. Cooked on the stovetop, the dish combines caramelized onions, flavorful seasoning, and a hearty homemade gravy made from butter, flour, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it serves four and comes together in just 20 minutes.
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 are soft and start to brown. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside on a plate, leaving any leftover butter in the pan.
- Tenderize and Season the Steaks: While the onions cook, cover the cube steaks with plastic wrap and gently pound them with a mallet to about 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with black pepper, sea salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Steaks: Place the seasoned steaks into the skillet over medium heat and sear each side for 2 minutes, allowing a nice brown crust to form. After searing, remove the steaks from the skillet and place on a plate.
- Make the Gravy: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Gradually pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- 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 evenly. Allow it to warm through briefly before serving.
- Serve: Serve the cube steaks hot with the onions and generous spoonfuls of gravy on top. Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal straight from the skillet.
Notes
- You can use either chicken or beef broth depending on your preference for the gravy’s flavor.
- For an extra thick gravy, you can increase the flour by 1 tablespoon.
- To make this recipe gluten free, ensure the flour and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten free.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery noodles to make it a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
