When it comes to budget-friendly, hearty, and versatile dinners, cube steak recipes are hard to beat. This underrated cut of beef is inexpensive, flavorful, and tender when cooked the right way. Whether you’re looking for classic Southern smothered cube steak, quick skillet meals, or family-friendly comfort food, cube steak can be turned into a variety of mouthwatering dishes.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what cube steak is, how to cook it perfectly, and share some of the best cube steak recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak, sometimes called minute steak, is a cut of beef (usually top round or top sirloin) that has been mechanically tenderized by a meat cuber. This process leaves distinctive cube-shaped indentations across the surface.
Because cube steak is lean, it benefits from being cooked low and slow with gravy—or quickly seared in a skillet for a fast weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love Cube Steak Recipes
- Budget-friendly: Cube steak is usually more affordable than ribeye or sirloin.
- Versatile: You can fry it, bake it, braise it, or simmer it in sauces.
- Comforting: Most cube steak recipes are classic comfort foods, perfect for cozy dinners.
- Quick or slow: Works for both 30-minute meals and slow-cooked recipes.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cube Steak
Before we get into the recipes, here are a few expert tips to make sure your cube steak turns out tender and delicious every time:
- Don’t overcook: Cube steak can get tough if cooked too long over high heat. Quick searing or slow braising works best.
- Use gravy or sauce: Cooking cube steak in liquid keeps it moist.
- Season generously: Since cube steak is lean, it benefits from flavorful seasoning blends.
- Rest before serving: Like all beef, let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
Classic Cube Steak Recipes
Let’s get into the heart of this article—the recipes! These tried-and-true dishes showcase the best ways to cook cube steak at home.
1. Southern Smothered Cube Steak with Gravy
One of the most beloved cube steak recipes is the Southern-style smothered steak. Tender beef is pan-fried, then simmered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy until it practically melts in your mouth.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup flour (for dredging)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge cube steaks.
- Fry steaks in oil until golden brown, then remove.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms. Add broth and cream, whisking to form a gravy.
- Return steaks to skillet, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.
This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice.
2. Crockpot Cube Steak and Gravy
For an easy slow cooker cube steak recipe, this version requires little prep but delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Place cube steaks in slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix soup, onion mix, broth, and Worcestershire.
- Pour mixture over steaks.
- Cook on low 6–8 hours until tender.
This is a fuss-free family favorite for busy weeknights.
3. Chicken Fried Cube Steak
Think of it as Southern comfort food at its finest—crispy, golden, and topped with creamy white gravy.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Soak cube steaks in buttermilk for 1 hour.
- Dredge in flour seasoned with cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Fry until golden and crispy.
- Serve with creamy gravy made from pan drippings.
This recipe is perfect with mashed potatoes and green beans.
4. Cube Steak with Onions and Peppers
A lighter and healthier take, this skillet cube steak is quick and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Sear steaks in olive oil until browned. Remove.
- Sauté onions and peppers.
- Add soy sauce, return steaks, and cook for 10 minutes.
This is a great option for serving over rice or noodles.
5. Baked Cube Steak and Potatoes
For a one-pan meal, baked cube steak with potatoes is hearty and filling.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- ½ cup milk
- Salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions:
- Layer steaks, potatoes, and onions in a baking dish.
- Mix soup and milk, pour over the top.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
6. Cube Steak Stir Fry
Want something a little different? Try cube steak in a quick stir fry.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cube steak, sliced into strips
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Stir-fry beef strips until browned. Remove.
- Cook vegetables in sesame oil.
- Return beef, add soy and hoisin sauce. Toss and serve.
This Asian-inspired dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
7. Cube Steak with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Another classic comfort dish, this one is restaurant-worthy but simple.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 2 cups mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- Garlic, thyme, salt, pepper
Instructions:
- Sear cube steaks and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms.
- Add broth, cream, garlic, and thyme.
- Return steaks to pan and simmer until tender.
Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Side Dishes That Pair Well with Cube Steak
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Roasted vegetables
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans
- Fresh dinner rolls
Storing and Reheating Cube Steak
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep moist.
Final Thoughts on Cube Steak Recipes
If you’re looking for hearty, affordable, and family-friendly meals, cube steak deserves a permanent place in your weekly meal plan. From classic Southern smothered steak to quick stir-fries and comforting baked dishes, there’s a recipe for every craving.
With these cube steak recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for turning this humble cut of beef into something truly delicious.