Cubed Steak with Gravy

Name: Cubed Steak with Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs cubed steak; seasoned salt, to taste; onion powder, to taste; garlic powder, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp butter or oil; 1 packet beefy onion soup mix; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 2 cups beef broth; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium onion, sliced; 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Cubed steak with gravy is a Southern comfort dish where thin, pounded beef steaks are seared and then braised in a savory mushroom and beef gravy until fork-tender. The long, slow cooking transforms budget-friendly cubed steak into melt-in-your-mouth meat.

🌍American 🏷️Cubed steak 🏷️Smothered steak 🏷️Beef 🏷️Gravy Comfort food

🏷️

🏷️Southern

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TikTok

Total

6h 15m

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1.5 lbs cubed steak
seasoned salt, to taste
onion powder, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp butter or oil
1 packet beefy onion soup mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups beef broth
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 cup sliced mushroomsoptional

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Instructions

1
Season the cubed steak on both sides with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2
Dredge the seasoned steak in all-purpose flour, coating completely.
3
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter or heat oil. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beefy onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth until smooth to create the gravy.
5
Place the seared cubed steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker.
6
Pour the gravy mixture over the steaks.
7
Top with the sliced bell peppers and onions (and optional mushrooms). Stir gently to distribute.
8
Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the steak is fork-tender.
9
Serve hot over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Sear the floured cubed steaks in hot butter or oil for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a brown crust before braising—this builds flavor and seals in juices.
Don't skip the seasoning step: season the flour mixture generously with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper before dredging for even, flavorful coating.
Keep the braising liquid at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent the meat from becoming tough; cover the pot to trap steam and maintain tenderness.
Thicken the gravy during the last 10 minutes by removing the lid and increasing heat slightly, or stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water.

Substitutions

cream of mushroom soup → cream of chicken soup (lighter flavor, works well)
beefy onion soup mix → French onion soup mix (more caramelized onion notes)
beef broth → chicken broth (milder; use equal parts)
butter or oil → bacon grease (adds smoky depth)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

Equipment

Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid · shallow dish or plate for dredging flour · slow cooker (optional, for hands-off cooking)

Common Questions

What is cubed steak and why does it need tenderizing?

Cubed steak is beef round steak that has been pre-tenderized by a butcher using a mechanical blade. The name comes from the cube-shaped indentations. Despite pre-tenderizing, slow braising in gravy further softens the meat and infuses flavor.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sear the seasoned and floured steaks in a skillet, then transfer to a slow cooker with the soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onions, and peppers. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How do I know when the cubed steak is done?

The meat is done when it's very tender and easily pierces with a fork, and the gravy has thickened slightly. This typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, or 3-4 hours on low in a slow cooker.

What should I serve with cubed steak and gravy?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice are classic pairings that soak up the rich gravy. Steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots complement the dish well.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble all ingredients (except oil for searing) in a freezer bag up to 2 months ahead. Thaw overnight, then sear the steaks and simmer as directed. The finished dish also reheats well in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.