A Comforting Southern Classic

Tender, juicy steak simmered in a rich, flavorful onion and mushroom gravy—this Country-Style Smothered Steak is pure comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or anytime you crave a warm, hearty meal, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread.
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and creates a fork-tender steak smothered in a creamy, flavorful gravy. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: What cut of steak works best?
Use cube steak, round steak, or sirloin—these cuts become fall-apart tender when slow-cooked in the gravy.
Q: Can I make this without mushrooms?
Yes! Just increase the onions or add bell peppers for extra flavor.
Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for dredging and cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the steak first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
Q: What side dishes go best with smothered steak?
This dish is perfect with mashed potatoes, white rice, buttered noodles, cornbread, or roasted veggies.
What You Need to Make Country-Style Smothered Steak

For the Steak:
- 1 ½ lbs cube steak (or round steak, cut into portions)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy gravy)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Country-Style Smothered Steak

Step 1: Dredge & Brown the Steak
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Onions & Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions and mushrooms.
- Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat.
- Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper, then bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Smother the Steak
- Return the browned steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the steak is fork-tender.
- Stir in heavy cream (if using) for a richer gravy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread.
Tips for the Best Smothered Steak

✔ Brown the steak first – This locks in flavor and keeps the meat tender.
✔ Simmer low and slow – This ensures a fall-apart tender steak.
✔ For extra richness – Add a splash of cream or a pat of butter to the gravy before serving.
✔ Love spice? – Add a pinch of Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
✔ Make it extra hearty – Stir in cooked bacon or caramelized onions for added depth.
Reader Reviews

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “So tender and flavorful! The gravy was the perfect consistency. My family loved it!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Tasted just like my grandma’s! Served it with mashed potatoes, and it was a hit!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Loved how easy this was! I used sirloin steak, and it turned out perfect!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “The Worcestershire sauce added so much depth to the gravy. Definitely making this again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Pure comfort food. The slow-simmered steak was so tender, and the creamy gravy was amazing!”
Printable Recipe

Country-Style Smothered Steak
Ingredients
- For the Steak:
- 1 ½ lbs cube steak (or round steak, cut into portions)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy gravy)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Dredge & Brown the Steak
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Onions & Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions and mushrooms.
- Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat.
- Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper, then bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Smother the Steak
- Return the browned steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the steak is fork-tender.
- Stir in heavy cream (if using) for a richer gravy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Country-Style Smothered Steak, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves Southern comfort food. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try it!
