10 Easy and Hearty Cube Steak Recipes for Dinner

Cube steak transforms into amazing comfort food when you know the right cooking techniques. These budget-friendly cuts become incredibly tender and flavorful with proper preparation.

From classic country-style preparations to creative twists, these recipes turn inexpensive cube steak into satisfying family dinners everyone will love.

01. Southern Country-Style Cube Steak

Seasoned cube steaks slow-baked in rich beef broth until fork-tender. This classic preparation creates the most comforting dinner with incredible homemade gravy.

Ingredients: 6 cube steaks, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 3 cups beef broth, ½ cup vegetable oil, salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Southern Country-Style Cube Steak

1. Season cube steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a shallow dish, creating a flavorful coating mixture.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Dredge each steak in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.

3. Transfer browned steaks to a baking dish and pour beef broth over them. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes until steaks are incredibly tender and easily pierced with a fork.

02. Oven-Baked Chicken-Fried Steak with Mushrooms

Golden-brown cube steaks baked with savory mushroom gravy and tender onions. This healthier take on chicken-fried steak delivers all the comfort without the extra oil.

Ingredients: 4 cube steaks, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 large onion diced, 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons butter, salt and pepper.

How To Make Oven-Baked Chicken-Fried Steak with Mushrooms

1. Beat eggs in one shallow dish and season flour with salt and pepper in another. Dredge each cube steak in flour, then egg, then flour again for extra crispy coating.

2. Heat butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown steaks on both sides until golden, about 2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside on a plate.

3. Add diced onions and mushrooms to the same skillet, cooking until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Whisk in cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

4. Return steaks to skillet, spooning gravy over top. Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until steaks are tender and gravy is bubbly throughout.

03. Quick and Easy Swiss Steak

Tender cube steaks simmered with mushrooms, onions, and stewed tomatoes in rich brown gravy. This one-skillet wonder works perfectly on the stovetop or slow cooker.

Ingredients: 4 cube steaks, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 large onion sliced, 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 1 can stewed tomatoes, 1 packet brown gravy mix, 2 cups beef broth, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil.

How To Make Quick and Easy Swiss Steak

1. Pound cube steaks lightly with a meat mallet to tenderize further. Coat each steak in flour, shaking off excess, ensuring even coverage for better browning and flavor.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown floured steaks on both sides until golden, about 3 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.

3. Add sliced onions and mushrooms to the same skillet, cooking until softened and lightly browned, about 6 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

4. Whisk brown gravy mix with beef broth until smooth, then pour into skillet with vegetables. Add stewed tomatoes and return steaks to pan.

5. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 30 minutes until steaks are fork-tender and gravy has thickened beautifully.

04. Pan-Fried Cube Steaks with Herb Pan Sauce

Quick-seared cube steaks finished with a flavorful herb pan sauce. This restaurant-style technique creates an elegant dinner in just minutes using simple ingredients.

Ingredients: 4 cube steaks, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic minced, ½ cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.

How To Make Pan-Fried Cube Steaks with Herb Pan Sauce

1. Season cube steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer and smoke lightly.

2. Add steaks to hot oil and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned. Flip and cook another 3 minutes until golden brown on second side.

3. Remove steaks to a warm plate and tent with foil. Add butter and minced garlic to the same pan, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until sauce reduces by half, about 2 minutes, then pour over steaks immediately.

05. Easy Salisbury-Style Cube Steaks

Cube steaks smothered in rich mushroom and onion gravy for a quicker Salisbury steak experience. This family-friendly dinner pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Ingredients: 6 cube steaks, 1 large onion sliced, 8 oz baby bella mushrooms sliced, 2 packets onion soup mix, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons butter.

How To Make Easy Salisbury-Style Cube Steaks

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season cube steaks with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.

2. Remove steaks and add butter to the same pan. Cook sliced onions and mushrooms until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Whisk cornstarch with ½ cup cold beef broth until smooth. Add remaining broth and onion soup mix to the skillet, then whisk in cornstarch mixture.

4. Return steaks to pan, spooning gravy over top. Simmer covered for 15 minutes until steaks are tender and gravy has thickened to perfect consistency.

06. Cube Steak and Pepper Cloud Dinner

Tender cube steak chunks with bell peppers and onions served over fluffy mashed potato clouds. This comfort food masterpiece combines everything delicious in one satisfying dish.

Ingredients: 4 cube steaks cut into chunks, 2 green bell peppers chopped, 1 large onion chopped, 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, salt and pepper.

How To Make Cube Steak and Pepper Cloud Dinner

1. Cut cube steaks into bite-sized chunks and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

2. Add steak chunks to hot oil and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total, creating nice caramelization for deeper flavor throughout the dish.

3. Add chopped bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are softened and lightly browned around the edges.

4. Pour beef broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until steak is fork-tender.

5. Serve the steak and vegetable mixture over mounds of fluffy mashed potatoes, creating delicious “clouds” that soak up all the savory juices perfectly.

07. Cube Steak Parmesan with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Crispy herb-crusted cube steaks topped with melted mozzarella and fresh tomato basil sauce. This creative twist on chicken parmesan brings Italian flavors to affordable beef.

Ingredients: 4 cube steaks, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 cup mozzarella cheese sliced, 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes, ¼ cup fresh basil, 3 cloves garlic minced, olive oil.

How To Make Cube Steak Parmesan with Fresh Tomato Sauce

1. Mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish. Press each cube steak firmly into the mixture, coating both sides completely for maximum crispiness.

2. Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry breaded steaks until golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.

3. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, then add diced tomatoes and fresh basil, simmering 10 minutes.

4. Top each fried steak with mozzarella slices and broil 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Serve immediately with the warm fresh tomato sauce spooned over top.

08. Tender Braised Cube Steaks

Cube steaks braised low and slow until incredibly tender and flavorful. This foolproof method guarantees perfect results every time with minimal effort required.

Ingredients: 6 cube steaks, 2 cups beef broth, 1 packet onion soup mix, 1 large onion sliced, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme sprigs.

How To Make Tender Braised Cube Steaks

1. Heat oil and butter in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season cube steaks with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

2. Remove steaks and add sliced onions to the same pot. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.

3. Whisk beef broth with onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Return steaks to pot and pour broth mixture over them, adding fresh thyme sprigs.

4. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise for 1 hour and 30 minutes until steaks are fork-tender and falling apart.

09. Cajun-Style Creamy Cube Steaks

Spice-rubbed cube steaks baked in creamy mushroom and onion gravy with bold Cajun flavors. This warming dish brings Southern comfort to your dinner table.

Ingredients: 4 cube steaks, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 large onion sliced, 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon black pepper.

How To Make Cajun-Style Creamy Cube Steaks

1. Rub cube steaks with Cajun seasoning and black pepper, pressing spices into the meat. Let stand 10 minutes to absorb flavors while preparing other ingredients.

2. Melt butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown seasoned steaks on both sides until golden and spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes per side.

3. Remove steaks and add sliced onions and mushrooms to the same skillet. Cook until vegetables are softened and golden brown, about 6 minutes total.

4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with heavy cream until smooth, then pour over vegetables in skillet. Return steaks to pan, spooning creamy mixture over top.

5. Cover and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until steaks are tender and sauce is bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving over rice or mashed potatoes.

10. Classic Cube Steak with Peppery Gravy

Flour-coated cube steaks pan-fried until golden and served with rich, peppery pan gravy. This nostalgic recipe brings back memories of home-cooked comfort food.

Ingredients: 4 cube steaks, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon white pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt to taste.

How To Make Classic Cube Steak with Peppery Gravy

1. Place flour in a shallow dish and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pound cube steaks lightly with a meat mallet to work flour into the surface.

2. Coat each steak thoroughly in seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure flour adheres well. This creates the foundation for both browning and thickening the gravy.

3. Melt butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add floured steaks and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4 minutes per side.

4. Remove steaks to a warm platter. Add remaining seasoned flour to the pan drippings, whisking constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux base.

5. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until gravy thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes. Season with additional black pepper and white pepper, then pour over steaks immediately.

Final Thoughts

These cube steak recipes prove that budget-friendly cuts can create incredibly satisfying meals. Each method transforms tough meat into tender, flavorful dinners your family will request again.

Whether you prefer classic preparations or creative twists, these recipes make cube steak the star of memorable comfort food experiences.