12+ Cubed Steak Recipes Comforting And Classic

There’s something about coming home after a long day, knowing you have a pack of cubed steak waiting in the fridge. In my family, that always meant something hearty, simple, and delicious was about to hit the table. Whether it was my grandma’s smothered steak simmering away or a Sunday night skillet dinner to mop up with warm bread, these comforting and classic 12+ cubed steak recipes have saved many a weeknight (and made leftovers to fight over, too). If you’re looking for ways to transform that humble steak into real-deal comfort food, you’re in good company.

1. Country-Style Smothered Cubed Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for days when you want to serve something cozy and satisfying without a lot of fuss. The creamy onion gravy clings to every bite, making this a hit with anyone who loves good old-fashioned comfort food. It’s also a great option if you have picky eaters—everyone seems to love gravy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cubed steaks (about 1.5 lbs total)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge cubed steaks in the seasoned flour.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
5. Add any leftover flour mixture, stirring for 1–2 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Add cream and Worcestershire sauce.
7. Return steaks to the pan, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes on low.
8. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of sherry or white wine to the gravy for a deeper flavor.

2. Cubed Steak and Mushroom Gravy

Why You’ll Love It:

This one-pot wonder is for mushroom lovers and anyone craving fuss-free comfort. It’s rich and homey with plenty of savory flavor, making it perfect for a chilly night or when you want something to pile over buttered noodles.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

How to Make It:

1. Season cubed steak with salt and pepper, dredge lightly in flour.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown steaks on both sides. Remove.
3. Add mushrooms and onions to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minutes.
5. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire, scraping the skillet.
6. Return steaks to the pan, add thyme, and simmer covered for 15–20 minutes.
7. Serve over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Meal Prep Tip: The gravy thickens as it sits, so leftovers make fantastic sandwich fillings the next day.

3. Southern Chicken Fried Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This is pure comfort—the kind of dinner that always disappears fast. Crisp on the outside, tender inside, and smothered in peppered white gravy, it’s a classic you’ll crave after a long week.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cubed steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
• 1½ cups whole milk
• More salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Dip steaks in buttermilk, then dredge in flour, salt, pepper, and paprika mixture.
2. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Fry steaks until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes per side.
3. Remove steaks and keep warm. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons oil.
4. Add butter to pan, then stir in 2 tablespoons flour for 1 minutes.
5. Whisk in milk, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
6. Pour gravy over steaks to serve.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the skillet—fry in batches to keep the coating crisp.

4. Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe is a set-it-and-forget-it dream. The cubed steak becomes meltingly tender in a tomato-onion gravy, making it the ultimate family dinner on a busy day.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lbs cubed steak
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika

How to Make It:

1. Season steaks with salt and pepper, dredge in flour.
2. Brown in hot oil, 2–3 minutes per side, then layer in the slow cooker.
3. Top with onions and bell peppers.
4. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and paprika over the top.
5. Cover and cook on low 6 hours, or until steak is tender.
6. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers freeze well in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

5. Oven-Baked Cubed Steak with Gravy

Why You’ll Love It:

Great for those who want to skip the frying and clean-up but still crave juicy steak and rich gravy. It bakes up tender in one pan for a weeknight win.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour and pepper. Dredge steaks to coat.
3. Heat oil in a skillet and brown steaks, 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Place steaks in a greased baking dish.
5. Mix together soup, onion soup mix, and broth, then pour over the steaks.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Uncover, bake 5 minutes more, garnish, and serve.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use generic brands of soup and stock for the same great taste at a lower cost.

6. Skillet Cubed Steak with Peppers and Onions

Why You’ll Love It:

A quick stovetop meal that’s colorful, flavorful, and full of sweet-savory charm. It’s a lighter option, and makes a great sandwich filling or topping for rice.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak, sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
2. Brown steak strips, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté peppers, onions, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add steak back in with paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss to coat and heat through. Serve warm.

Swap This With That: Substitute poblano peppers for bell peppers for a mild kick.

7. Cubed Steak Stroganoff

Why You’ll Love It:

A homey twist on classic stroganoff, perfect for anyone who loves creamy sauces and comforting noodles. This recipe is always a hit for family dinners and reheats beautifully.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Toss cubed steak with flour and set aside.
2. Melt butter in large skillet. Sauté onions and mushrooms for 5 minutes.
3. Add steak pieces and brown on all sides.
4. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minutes.
5. Add beef broth and simmer until steak is tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Stir in sour cream and Dijon, heat through but do not boil.
7. Serve over cooked noodles, garnished with parsley.

Best Pairings: Steamed green beans, a simple salad, or crusty bread.

8. Cajun Cubed Steak with Creole Gravy

Why You’ll Love It:

If you’re craving bold flavors and just the right amount of heat, this southern-inspired dish delivers. The spicy tomato gravy brings new life to classic cubed steak.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

How to Make It:

1. Pat steaks dry and season with Cajun seasoning.
2. Dredge in flour and brown in hot oil, 2–3 minutes per side.
3. Remove steaks; sauté onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic, tomatoes, broth, and Worcestershire, scraping browned bits.
5. Return steaks; simmer 20 minutes covered.
6. Serve over rice, top with green onions.

Flavor Boost: Stir ½ teaspoon smoked paprika into the gravy for extra depth.

9. Instant Pot Cubed Steak and Potatoes

Why You’ll Love It:

Great for busy nights—this all-in-one pressure cooker meal is filling and family-approved. It cooks quickly but tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak, cut into chunks
• 1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté and heat oil. Brown steak on all sides.
2. Add potatoes, onion soup mix, beef broth, and pepper; stir to combine.
3. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Quick release. Optional: Thicken gravy by stirring in cornstarch slurry.
5. Serve hot, garnish with parsley.

Serving Idea: Pairs well with a quick green salad or steamed broccoli.

10. Cubed Steak Parmesan

Why You’ll Love It:

A fun, comforting spin for anyone who loves classic chicken parmesan. Think crispy steak smothered with marinara and cheese—it’s hard not to love.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cubed steaks (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Dip steaks in beaten eggs, then dredge in mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan, and salt.
3. Brown in oil in a skillet, about 2 minutes per side.
4. Arrange in a baking dish. Top each steak with marinara, then mozzarella.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese bubbles.
6. Garnish with basil before serving.

Swap This With That: Substitute provolone or fontina if you want a more mild/melty cheese.

11. Classic Steak Sandwiches with Onions & Cheese

Why You’ll Love It:

Fast, fuss-free, and sure to please—this makes a great casual dinner or game-day lunch. It’s also fun to let everyone build their own sandwich at the table.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak, sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in skillet, sauté onions until caramelized, remove and set aside.
2. In same pan, cook steak strips 4 minutes, season with salt and pepper.
3. Pile steak and onions into hoagie rolls. Top with cheese.
4. Place under broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt cheese.
5. Optional: Spread rolls with mayonnaise before adding fillings.

Best Pairings: Potato chips, pickles, and a cold iced tea.

12. Salisbury Steak-Style Cubed Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

It brings retro vibes and stays budget-friendly. Tender steaks and rich brown gravy with mushrooms make this the definition of “stick to your ribs” satisfaction.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Dredge steaks in flour with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in skillet and brown steaks on both sides; set aside.
3. Sauté onions and mushrooms; add beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire, and thyme.
4. Return steaks and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Serve hot with mashed potatoes.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of red wine to the gravy while simmering for adult depth.

13. Grilled Cubed Steak Kabobs

Why You’ll Love It:

A summer favorite for backyard grilling nights. Skewering cubed steak with veggies gets everyone involved and keeps the meal light and festive.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped in chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced thick
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate steak and veggies for at least 15 minutes.
3. Thread steak and veggies onto soaked wooden skewers.
4. Grill over medium-high, turning, for about 10–12 minutes.
5. Serve with favorite dips or over rice.

Serving Idea: Serve with warm pita bread, and a bowl of chilled cucumber salad.

14. Hearty Cubed Steak & Vegetable Soup

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s a comforting and nourishing way to stretch a few steaks into a meal for a crowd. This soup is simple, full of good-for-you veggies, and cozy for cooler months.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours

Total Time: 1 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and brown steak pieces. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Return steak, add potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in broth.
4. Simmer for 45 minutes, adding peas in last 5 minutes.
5. Remove bay leaf, season to taste, and serve hot.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers reheat well for lunch and taste even better the second day.

15. Crispy Cubed Steak Fingers

Why You’ll Love It:

These are just plain fun. Kids and adults love dunking the crunchy steak strips into sauce—perfect for sharing or finger-food nights.

Serving size: Serves 4–6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

How to Make It:

1. Cut cubed steak into 1-inch strips. Marinate in buttermilk 10 minutes.
2. Combine flour, seasoned salt, and paprika in a shallow dish.
3. Dip strips in eggs, coat in flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in skillet and fry strips 3–4 minutes per side until crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve with preferred dip.

Best Pairings: Honey mustard, ranch dip, and a side of fries or coleslaw.

16. Homestyle Cubed Steak with Brown Onion Gravy

Why You’ll Love It:

A back-to-basics dish that tastes just like grandma’s kitchen. Savory brown gravy and soft, flavorful onions bring out the best in cubed steak—ideal for those chilly nights.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs cubed steak
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Dust steak with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Brown in a large skillet with butter on medium-high heat. Remove and reserve.
3. Add onions and cook until caramelized.
4. Deglaze pan with broth and Worcestershire, scraping bits.
5. Return steak, add thyme, simmer 20 minutes.
6. Serve with mashed potatoes, spooning gravy over top.

Personal Note: My mom used to serve this after raking leaves—it’s the definition of comfort.

FAQ

What is cubed steak, and where do I find it?

Cubed steak is usually top round or sirloin that’s been tenderized with a meat mallet, leaving signature “cube” marks. You’ll find it in most grocery stores by the beef cuts, often labeled as “minute steak.”

Why does my cubed steak come out tough?

Cubed steak can get tough if overcooked or cooked too quickly without enough liquid. Simmering gently in gravy or sauce makes it fork-tender.

Can I use cube steak for meal prep or freezing?

Absolutely. Most cubed steak recipes, especially those with sauces or gravies, freeze well for up to 2–3 months. Reheat slowly to keep them tender.

What sides go best with comforting cubed steak recipes?

Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed green beans, or even fluffy rice are all classic sides that pair perfectly with cubed steak recipes.

Conclusion

Good food doesn’t have to be complicated, and these 12+ cubed steak recipes prove it. Whether you’re after something crispy and golden, gently simmered, or bubbling with melty cheese, you’ve got the makings of a nourishing meal right at your fingertips. The best part? Cubed steak gives you plenty of wiggle room to experiment—swap out sauces, toss in extra veggies, or change up the starch. So next time you spot that familiar pack at the store, you’ll know just what to do for a comforting and classic dinner everyone will remember. Happy cooking.