5 Easy Cube Steak Recipes for Family Dinners

Welcome to a savory adventure into the world of cube steak! This versatile cut of beef, tenderized by mechanical means, offers endless possibilities for creating delicious, satisfying meals that your family will love. In this blog post, we'll explore five easy-to-follow recipes that cater to various palates, from comfort food classics to innovative dinners. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these recipes will inspire your next family dinner.

1. Classic Chicken-Fried Steak

Chicken-Fried Steak, often shortened to CFS, is a beloved dish in Southern cuisine. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cube steaks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. In another dish, whisk together milk and egg.
  3. Dredge each steak in flour, then dip in the milk mixture, and coat again in flour.
  4. Fry the steaks until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  5. Drain on paper towels before serving.

🍽️ Note: Serve with white gravy made from the leftover seasoned flour for an authentic experience.

2. Swiss Steak with Tomato Gravy

This dish combines the tenderness of cube steak with the rich flavors of tomato gravy. Here’s the recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cube steaks
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • ¹⁄₂ cup beef broth
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Season steaks with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, and brown in hot oil.
  3. Add onions to the skillet, cook until soft, then add garlic.
  4. Stir in tomatoes with juice and beef broth, bring to a boil.
  5. Return steaks to the skillet, cover, and bake for 1.5 hours or until tender.

3. Cube Steak Parmesan

Give your cube steaks an Italian flair with this flavorful recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cube steaks
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg
  • ¹⁄₂ cup milk
  • Marinara sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
  2. Beat egg with milk in a separate dish.
  3. Dip each steak in the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Arrange in a baking dish, cover with marinara, and top with mozzarella.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

🧀 Note: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta or a fresh green salad.

4. Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy

For a hearty, comforting meal, this recipe adds a rich, savory gravy:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cube steaks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream
• Instructions:
  1. Brown steaks in hot oil, then set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter, add mushrooms, and cook until browned.
  3. Sprinkle with flour, stir, and cook briefly.
  4. Add broth, bring to a simmer, then stir in cream to thicken.
  5. Return steaks to skillet, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.

5. Spicy Cube Steak Skillet

Infuse some heat into your dinner with this spicy skillet recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cube steaks
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp chili powder
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sliced jalapeños
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Instructions:
  1. Mix spices and season steaks.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet, brown steaks on both sides.
  3. Add jalapeños, cook until softened, then add tomatoes.
  4. Cook until steaks are done, adjusting heat for desired spice level.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level.

In the end, cube steak proves to be an incredibly versatile ingredient. From the comforting classics like Chicken-Fried Steak to the zesty Spicy Cube Steak Skillet, there's something for every palate and skill level. These dishes not only promise to tantalize your taste buds but also offer an opportunity to gather your family around a home-cooked meal. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply provide a hearty meal after a long day, these recipes are sure to become family favorites, showcasing the humble cube steak in all its delicious glory.

What are the best side dishes to serve with cube steak?

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Potatoes in any form (mashed, roasted, or baked), green beans, garlic bread, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad are great accompaniments.

Can cube steak be made in advance?

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Yes, dishes like Swiss Steak or Parmesan Cube Steak can be prepared in advance, reheated gently, and will often taste even better the next day.

Are there healthy variations of these cube steak recipes?

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Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for breading, bake instead of fry, use low-fat dairy options, and include more vegetables to make these recipes healthier.