The Best Cube Steak Recipes You Need To Try

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Faster, easier take on a classic favorite that the whole family will love.

Tired of making the same old dinners? Do you want a quick meal? Cube steak recipes is the answer. It’s a great choice for busy home cooks. This cut comes from the round or sirloin. It’s been tenderized for maximum flavor. This process makes it cook fast. It gets the nickname “minute steak.”

A close-up of a sizzling, pan-seared cube steak with a rich, savory gravy.
Delicious cube steak is pan-seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory gravy.

Cube steak is a budget-friendly option. It’s cheaper than ribeye. It still provides great nutrition. You get 20–25g of protein per serving. It also has iron and B vitamins. Its texture is incredibly tender. This makes it perfect for many dishes.

For example, you can make a classic country-fried steak. You can also simmer it in gravy. Or you can use it in a slow cooker. The best cube steak recipes are simple. They save you time and money. It’s easy to put a satisfying dinner on the table.

1. Mastering Tenderness: Techniques and Tips

  • Pound cube steak with a meat mallet.
  • For example, marinate in buttermilk 30–60 minutes.
  • Therefore, acidic marinades soften tough fibers.
  • Season boldly with paprika or garlic powder. Sear 2–3 minutes per side for flavor.
  • Plus, avoid overcooking to prevent toughness. Rest meat 5 minutes after cooking.
  • Moreover, low, slow cooking ensures tenderness. Don’t under-season; use salt and pepper.
  • Consequently, these tips answer “tender cube steak.”

2. Slow Cooker & Crock Pot Recipes

Creamy cube steak with mushroom soup served on a white plate, garnished with fresh parsley, accompanied by mashed potatoes and green beans.
Delicious creamy cube steak smothered in rich mushroom soup, paired with fluffy mashed potatoes and vibrant green beans.

Creamy Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 6–8 hours

Serving: 4

  • Season cube steaks with salt, pepper.
  • Place steaks, potatoes, carrots in slow cooker.
  • For example, whisk mushroom soup, broth, rosemary.
  • Pour sauce over steaks and vegetables.
  • Therefore, cook on low 6–8 hours.
  • Thicken sauce with cornstarch if needed.
  • Plus, serve over mashed potatoes.
  • Nutrition: ~300 calories, 25g protein (USDA).
  • Consequently, it’s cozy for busy nights.
Close-up of smothered cube steak with caramelized onions, served on a white plate with a savory brown gravy.
Delicious smothered cube steak with onions, drenched in rich gravy, ready to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Smothered Cube Steak with Onions

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 6–8 hours

Serving: 4

  • Sear cube steaks 2–3 minutes per side.
  • Sauté onions, mushrooms in butter 6–8 minutes.
  • For instance, add flour, broth, Worcestershire sauce.
  • Pour sauce over steaks in slow cooker.
  • Therefore, cook on low 6–8 hours.
  • Thicken gravy with cornstarch slurry.
  • Plus, serve over rice or noodles.
  • Nutrition: ~280 calories, 24g protein (USDA).
  • Moreover, it’s savory for cozy evenings.

4. Pan-Frying Recipes

Golden-brown fried cube steak on a plate with mashed potatoes and green beans, crispy coating, savory meal.
Crispy Golden-Brown Fried Cube Steak, perfectly cooked and served with classic sides.

Golden-Brown Fried Cube Steak

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes

Serving: 4

  • Season steaks with paprika, salt, pepper.
  • Dredge in flour, egg, then flour.
  • For example, fry in 350°F oil 3–4 minutes.
  • Drain steaks on paper towels.
  • Therefore, rest 5 minutes for juiciness.
  • Serve with roasted zucchini or coleslaw.
  • Plus, nutrition: ~350 calories, 25g protein.
  • Consequently, it’s crispy for quick dinners.
Golden-brown country fried steak smothered in creamy white gravy, served with mashed potatoes and green beans on a white plate.
Delicious country fried steak with rich gravy, paired with classic Southern sides.

Country-Fried Steak with Gravy

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serving: 4

  • Season steaks with salt, paprika, pepper.
  • Dredge in flour, egg, then flour.
  • For instance, fry in 350°F oil 3–4 minutes.
  • Make gravy with butter, flour, milk.
  • Therefore, pour gravy over crispy steaks.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans.
  • Plus, nutrition: ~400 calories, 25g protein.
  • Moreover, it’s a Southern comfort classic.

3. Oven-Baked Recipes

Plate of oven-baked cube steak smothered in rich onion gravy, served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Savor the comfort of oven-baked cube steak topped with savory onion gravy, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.

Oven-Baked Cube Steak with Onion Gravy

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 1.5–2 hours

Serving: 4

  • Season cube steaks with salt, pepper.
  • Dredge steaks in flour, brown 2–3 minutes.
  • For example, sauté onions, mushrooms, garlic 5–6 minutes.
  • Mix broth, gravy mix; pour over steaks.
  • Therefore, bake at 350°F 1.5–2 hours.
  • Add potatoes, carrots for one-dish meal.
  • Plus, nutrition: ~280 calories, 24g protein (USDA).
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans.
  • Moreover, see FAQs for more tips.
Delicious Cube Steak Parmesan topped with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce, served with a side of spaghetti on a white plate.
Savor the flavors of this hearty Cube Steak Parmesan, perfectly breaded and smothered in rich marinara and melted cheese.

Cube Steak Parmesan

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes

Serving: 4

  • Season steaks with salt, Italian seasoning.
  • Coat in egg, then Parmesan-breadcrumb mix.
  • For instance, bake at 375°F 20 minutes.
  • Top with marinara, mozzarella; bake 5–7 minutes.
  • Therefore, serve with spaghetti or zucchini noodles.
  • Nutrition: ~350 calories, 28g protein (USDA).
  • Plus, it’s cheesy for Italian flair.
  • Consequently, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner.

6. Quick and Modern Recipes

Close-up of golden-brown air fryer cube steak on a plate with fresh parsley garnish, served with roasted vegetables.
Crispy and tender air fryer cube steak, perfectly cooked in minutes for a healthy, delicious meal.

Air Fryer Cube Steak

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 8–12 minutes

Serving: 4

  • Season steaks with paprika, garlic powder.
  • Coat in egg, then almond flour.
  • For example, air fry at 400°F 8–12 minutes.
  • Flip steaks halfway for even crispiness.
  • Therefore, serve with cauliflower mash.
  • Nutrition: ~250 calories, 25g protein (USDA).
  • Plus, it’s keto-friendly for health-conscious cooks.
  • Consequently, it’s quick for busy nights.

    Tender Instant Pot cube steak served with creamy mashed potatoes and savory mushroom gravy on a white plate.
    Delicious Instant Pot cube steak with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy, ready in under 30 minutes.

Instant Pot Cube Steak

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Serving: 4

  • Season steaks with salt, pepper.
  • Sear steaks in Instant Pot 2–3 minutes.
  • For instance, add broth, onion soup mix.
  • Pressure cook on high 15 minutes.
  • Therefore, thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry.
  • Serve with steamed broccoli or peas.
  • Plus, nutrition: ~260 calories, 24g protein (USDA).
  • Moreover, it’s fast for weeknights.

4. Health-Conscious Options

  • Bake or grill cube steak for low-fat.
  • For example, trim visible fat before cooking.
  • Use almond flour for keto-friendly breading.
  • Therefore, pair with cauliflower mash, greens.
  • Substitute flour with gluten-free cornstarch.
  • Plus, ensure sauces are gluten-free certified.
  • Nutrition: Baked steak ~200 calories, 25g protein.
  • Consequently, it suits dietary needs easily.

8. Where to Buy & Save

  • Find cube steak at Walmart, Costco.
  • For instance, prices range $4–7 per pound.
  • Buy in bulk for bigger savings.
  • Therefore, check grocery apps for sales.
  • Choose top round or sirloin cuts.
  • Plus, avoid pre-breaded for better value.
  • Compare prices at local butchers, supermarkets.
  • Consequently, save money on quality meat.

5. Beyond Beef: Additional Recipes

Chicken cube steak with a thick, shiny BBQ glaze, garnished with fresh chopped chives on a wooden board.
Tender, juicy chicken cube steaks smothered in a sweet and smoky BBQ glaze. The perfect weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor!

Chicken Cube Steak with BBQ Glaze

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes

Serving: 4

  • Season chicken cube steaks with paprika.
  • Marinate in BBQ sauce, vinegar 10 minutes.
  • For example, bake at 375°F 15–20 minutes.
  • Brush with BBQ sauce last 5 minutes.
  • Therefore, serve with coleslaw, sweet potatoes.
  • Nutrition: ~230 calories, 25g protein (USDA).
  • Plus, it’s zesty for lighter meals.
  • Consequently, it’s a crowd-pleasing twist.
A close-up of a tender, savory classic Swiss steak simmered in a rich tomato and onion gravy, served over mashed potatoes.
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a classic Swiss steak simmering on the stove.

Classic Swiss Steak

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 1.5–2 hours

Serving: 4

  • Sear cube steaks 2–3 minutes per side.
  • Sauté onions, peppers, garlic 5–6 minutes.
  • For instance, add tomatoes, broth, oregano.
  • Bake at 325°F 1.5–2 hours.
  • Therefore, serve over polenta, Brussels sprouts.
  • Nutrition: ~250 calories, 24g protein (USDA).
  • Plus, it’s nostalgic for hearty dinners.
  • Moreover, it’s rich in flavor.
Cube steak tacos with fresh chimichurri and a lime wedge on a wooden cutting board.
A simple, fresh sauce that transforms humble cube steak into a gourmet-level meal.

Cube Steak Tacos with Chimichurri

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serving: 4 people

  • 4 cube steaks (4–6 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • ½ cup chimichurri sauce (store-bought or homemade: parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar)
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ½ cup salsa
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Preparation Steps

  1. Season Steaks: Pat cube steaks dry, season with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Slice: Let steaks rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  4. Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, add sliced steak, top with chimichurri, avocado, and salsa.
  5. Serve: Pair with a lime wedge for extra zest.

Cooking Tips

  • Crispy Option: Air fry steaks at 400°F for 8 minutes for a crisp texture.
  • Flavor Boost: Make homemade chimichurri with fresh parsley and red wine vinegar for vibrant flavor.

Nutritional Note: A 4-oz serving with toppings is ~300 calories, 25g protein (USDA).

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of Mexican street corn or a cucumber-tomato salad. This recipe tackles “cube steak taco recipes” with bold, fresh flavors.

A vibrant, close-up shot of a sizzling Asian-inspired cube steak stir-fry with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and colorful bell peppers on a bed of steamed rice, ready to eat.
Craving a weeknight dinner that’s both fast and flavorful? This Asian-inspired cube steak stir-fry is the answer!

Asian-Inspired Cube Steak Stir-Fry

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serving: 4 people

  • 4 cube steaks (4–6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

  1. Marinate Steaks: Pat steaks dry, season with salt and pepper, and marinate in soy sauce for 30 minutes.
  2. Slice: Thinly slice steaks against the grain.
  3. Stir-Fry: Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add ginger and garlic, cook 30 seconds. And then add steak slices, stir-fry 4–5 minutes.
  4. Add Vegetables: Toss in bell pepper and broccoli, stir-fry 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

  • Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice to keep carbs low.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a splash of rice vinegar or chili oil for extra zing.

Nutritional Note: A 4-oz serving is ~270 calories, 24g protein (USDA).

Serving Suggestions
Serve over cauliflower rice or jasmine rice with a side of steamed edamame. This recipe answers “cube steak stir-fry recipes” with Asian-inspired flair.

A close-up of a tender, savory classic Swiss steak simmered in a rich tomato and onion gravy, served over mashed potatoes.

Meal-Prep Cube Steak Bowls

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Serving: 4 people

  • 4 cube steaks (4–6 oz each)
  • 1 cup quinoa, cooked
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed and roasted
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • ¼ cup balsamic glaze
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

  1. Season Steaks: Pat steaks dry, season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Grill or Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook steaks 3–4 minutes per side until 160°F internally.
  3. Rest and Slice: Let steaks rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  4. Assemble Bowls: Divide quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and kale into 4 containers. Top with sliced steak and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  5. Store: Seal in airtight containers; refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Cooking Tips

  • Meal-Prep Hack: Roast sweet potatoes in advance (400°F for 20 minutes) to save time.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of feta or pumpkin seeds for texture.

Nutritional Note: A 4-oz serving is ~320 calories, 26g protein (USDA).

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a side of fresh berries or a yogurt dip for a balanced meal. This recipe tackles “cube steak meal prep ideas” with healthy, portable convenience.

Side Dish Ideas

Side Dish Calories Prep Time Pairs With
Mashed Potatoes ~150 20 min Creamy Cube Steak
Green Beans ~50 10 min All recipes
Coleslaw ~100 15 min Chicken Cube Steak
Roasted Asparagus ~80 15 min Smothered Cube Steak

6. FAQs About Cube Steak

  • Is Cube Steak Good for Weight Loss?

    • Yes, unbreaded cube steak is lean (180 calories, 25g protein per 4oz, USDA). Grill or bake to keep it low-fat, ideal for weight-loss diets.

  • Can Cube Steak Be Used in Sous-Vide?

    • Absolutely! Sous-vide at 135°F for 2–3 hours for tender results, then sear for flavor. Perfect for precise cooking.

  • What’s the Best Cube Steak for Keto Diets?

    • Use almond flour breading and pair with high-fat sauces like garlic butter. Air fryer method keeps carbs low (~250 calories, 25g protein).

  • How to Make Cube Steak Kid-Friendly?

    • Slice into bite-sized pieces, lightly season, and serve with mild ketchup-based sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes for appeal.

  • Can Cube Steak Be Grilled?

    • Yes, marinate 30 minutes, grill 3–4 minutes per side at 400°F. Rest 5 minutes for juiciness.

11. Conclusion

  • Cube steak is versatile, budget-friendly, and delicious.
  • For example, try creamy or air fryer recipes.
  • Therefore, elevate dinners with these tender dishes.
  • Share your favorite cube steak recipe below!

Do you really think that cube steak recipe is just a tough? As well as, cheap cut of beef that’s hard to make delicious? Think again! Cube steak, with its tenderized texture and budget-friendly price, is a versatile star in the kitchen.

Top 15 Websites for Easy and Delicious Cube Steak Recipes

Looking for new ways to cook cube steak? These 15 credible and active websites offer a wide range of recipes, from classic country-fried steak to creative slow-cooker meals, to help you make a delicious and budget-friendly dinner.

Allrecipes https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/777/main-dish/beef/steak/cube-steak/

Food Network https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/cube-steak-recipes

The Pioneer Woman https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/chicken-fried-steak/

Taste of Home https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cube-steak/

The Cozy Cook https://thecozycook.com/cube-steak-recipe/

My Homemade Roots https://myhomemaderoots.com/smothered-swiss-steak/

Grillseeker https://grillseeker.com/best-cube-steak-recipe/

Dinner in 321 https://dinnerin321.com/crockpot-cube-steak/

Parade https://parade.com/843882/andreagleeson/cube-steak-recipes-dinner/

The Weary Chef https://wearychef.com/recipe/cube-steak-and-gravy-over-rice/

Twisted V Market https://twistedvmarket.com/the-best-cube-steak-recipes-for-quick-easy-dinners/

The Wellness Blog by Grassland Beef https://discover.grasslandbeef.com/blog/cube-steak-recipes/

Southern Plate https://southernplate.com/

Simply Recipes https://www.simplyrecipes.com/

Smokin’ & Grillin’ wit AB (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTiTdpetwh4

Maryam Qureshi, MS, RDN, Certified Nutritionist

Dr. Maryam Qureshi, is a distinguished health expert with a deep passion for nutrition, wellness, and preventive healthcare. With advanced degrees from renowned institutions, she combines evidence-based research with practical guidance to promote optimal health. Maryam crafts insightful articles on dietetics, clinical nutrition, and public health, empowering individuals to make informed lifestyle choices. Her expertise extends beyond theory, offering real-world strategies for achieving long-term wellness.