Introduction
Imagine a plate filled with tender beef cube steak, slathered in a rich, savory brown gravy, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant green beans. This Savory Beef Cube Steak with Rich Brown Gravy is the quintessential comfort food that warms your heart and satisfies your hunger. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings and is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes this dish a favorite year-round!
Overview of the Recipe
When you prepare this dish, expect a delightful combination of succulent beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and crisp green beans. The beef cube steaks are seasoned to perfection, while the gravy adds that irresistible touch of umami flavor. The smooth mashed potatoes provide a wonderful contrast against the hearty beef, creating a satisfying meal that is easy to make yet feels gourmet. Although it has a few steps, the preparation is straightforward and the results incredibly rewarding.
History and Origin
Cube steaks have a heritage rooted in American Southern cuisine, where simple, hearty meals are a staple. Originally made from tougher cuts of beef, the cube steak is tenderized through a process called cubing, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and easy to chew. Traditionally served with gravy and potatoes, this dish has evolved over the years, making its way into family kitchens across the nation, as it continues to be a choice comfort meal that invokes warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
To prepare this Savory Beef Cube Steak with Rich Brown Gravy, you’ll need:
– 4 beef cube steaks
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
– 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved
– 1/2 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons butter
– Salt to taste (for mashed potatoes)
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef: Season each beef cube steak generously with salt and black pepper. Dredge the steaks in flour, ensuring they are coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cube steaks and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer.
4. Thicken the Gravy: Reduce the heat to low, adding the cornstarch slurry to the simmering mixture and stirring continuously until the gravy thickens, about 2 minutes. Return the cube steaks to the skillet, spoon the gravy over the top, and let them warm through for about 5 minutes.
5. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the beef is cooking, place the peeled and halved Yukon Gold potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
6. Mash the Potatoes: Add the milk, butter, and salt to taste to the potatoes. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.
7. Cook the Green Beans: In a separate saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and boil for about 4-5 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve: Arrange the beef cube steaks on plates, generously ladle the brown gravy over each steak. Serve alongside a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes and tender green beans. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
To enhance your dining experience, consider pairing this dish with a chilled glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the rich flavors of the steak and gravy. For a side salad, a simple mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette can offer a refreshing balance alongside your hearty meal.
Variations of the Recipe
If you’re looking to accommodate different dietary needs or just want to switch things up:
– Substitute beef cube steaks with chicken or tofu for a lighter option.
– Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
– For those seeking a lower-carb dish, replace mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash.
Health Benefits and Notes
This recipe, while comfort food indulgent, provides nutrients from a variety of ingredients. Beef is a good source of protein, iron, and various vitamins. The addition of green beans offers dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. To make this dish healthier, consider using less oil for cooking or swapping butter with olive oil when making mashed potatoes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the beef and gravy ahead of time, refrigerate them, and reheat before serving.
Q: What can I do if my gravy is too thick?
A: If your gravy becomes too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth or water and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Q: How do I know when the beef is cooked through?
A: Ensure the cube steaks reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to be considered safe to eat.
Conclusion
This Savory Beef Cube Steak with Rich Brown Gravy is an excellent choice for anyone seeking comfort and flavor in a single dish. It’s not only a nostalgic meal hoping to gather friends and family around the dinner table, but it also has the potential for variations and adaptations. Don’t hesitate to experiment, and we’d love to hear how your version of this dish turned out! Happy cooking!