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

1. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Brown the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Onions & Mushrooms

5. In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions and mushrooms.
6. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
7. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

8. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat.
9. Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
10. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper, then bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Smother the Steak

11. Return the browned steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
12. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the steak is fork-tender.
13. Stir in heavy cream (if using) for a richer gravy.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

14. 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

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

This Country-Style Smothered Steak is slow-cooked in a rich, onion-mushroom gravy until fall-apart tender—a classic comfort food that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice!

Print

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

1. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Brown the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Onions & Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions and mushrooms.
2. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat.
2. Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper, then bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Smother the Steak

1. Return the browned steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the steak is fork-tender.
3. Stir in heavy cream (if using) for a richer gravy.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. 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!