Minute steak recipes with gravy are the bomb. Otherwise known as cube steak they are thin cuts that become tender and delicious cooked in a gravy or sauce of your choice. We not only share from fresh but also how to cook frozen minute steak too.
We have a few minute steak recipe ideas for you here. Whether you want to cook it inside a rich gravy, teriyaki style, in a pan fried or in a slow cooker we have options for you. A fast way to cook steak to tender with a ton of flavor is here. (affiliate links present)
Cube Steak Recipes with Gravy
When it comes to preparing a delicious meal in a hurry, minute steak (otherwise known as cube steaks) are a go-to option for many home cooks. These thin cuts of beef are not only convenient and budget friendly but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a busy parent with limited time, or simply someone who craves a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen you’ll love these.
Easy minute steak recipes are here to save the day. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of delectable ways to cook this such as minute steak in slow cooker, to in the air fryer and pressure cooking as well. All guaranteed to please your taste buds and fit into your busy schedule.
Table of contents
What is minute steak good for?
A minute steak, also known as a cube steak or minute cube steak, is a thinly cut and tenderized piece of beef typically derived from the top round or top sirloin. The name suggests it is great for a cheap dinner that cooks quickly, making it a convenient choice for fast and easy meals.
To enhance tenderness, thin slices of Chuck Steak or other cuts of beef are mechanically tenderized. This process involves piercing the meat with small blades or needles, breaking down some of the muscle fibers and connective tissues. This makes the steak more tender and easier to chew.
Place each steak between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy skillet, gently pound the steaks to an even thickness, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This tenderizes it and creates cubed steak or minute steak as some call it.
Once prepped they are versatile and can be prepared in various ways. From pan-fried, grilled, or broiled and are often used in recipes like air fryer chicken-fried steak pieces, steak sandwiches, or as a base for dishes with sauces and toppings. Follow all of our blue links to get other ideas throughout this roundup post.
How do you tenderize?
You can make it cubed, as they call it, with different proteins as well. We show that in our Venison Cube Steak Recipe and pork cube steak where the pieces are sliced thin and tenderized right at home. Of course at the butcher is better as their large machines are much more powerful than a meat mallet but an alternative if your meat counter doesn’t have that option.
Once ready the flavor profile is up to you, and there are tons to choose from. Gravy is the old fashioned way of smothering the top but Mexican minute steak has bold flavors and spices too if you want to go all the way with YUM.
I would suggest a thick sauce to cook this in. Not only does it add a lot of flavor but added moisture as well along the way. For a fast yet powerful way to do this I would follow our Instant Pot Cube Steak and Gravy steps. OH so good and under high pressure takes no time at all.
You could follow our Crockpot Steak and Potatoes with this cut too. Will take less time overall but the end result will be just as delicious, and simple.
How Long do You Cook Minute Steak on the Stove?
Heat cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add a few tbsp of olive oil. Heat. On a plate mix some flour and seasonings of your choice. (or use our Best Steak Dry Rub) Dip both sides of beef to coat. Transfer to skillet with warmed oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip steaks and cook on the other side until lightly golden browned for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Only a few minutes on each side is it, any longer and you will make it chewy and not pleasant to eat it. Marinating beforehand will help keep it tender too. We explain it in more detail here with our how long to cook cube steak in a frying pan instructions.
in Slow Cooker
Below we will explain how to make tender cube steak low and slow. A longer cook time but worth it as the best meat tenderizer of all time. For this style of comfort food served over mashed potatoes you will need;
It’s a good idea to tenderize it with a meat mallet. Place the steak between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper and lightly pound it. This helps to break down some of the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender. If you have time, marinating for 30 minutes to a few hours helps, as well as cooking for only 1-2 minutes on each side.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. minute steak
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 10 oz. each
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 1/4 c beef broth
- 1 c mushrooms baby bellas, optional
- 2-3 tbsp cornstarch
How to Cook Minute Steak with Gravy
- In slow cooker whisk together cans of cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix and 1 cup of your beef broth.
- Sprinkle meat with seasonings and place inside and gently submerge inside, then add onions on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until tender to your liking. In a bowl combine 1/4 c remaining broth with cornstarch until smooth.
- 30 minutes before serving lift lid and pour this into slow cooker for an additional 30 minutes or until gravy thickens
For any of these methods the ideal internal temperature should be 145 degrees F. Beef Steak Pot Pie is a great way to use up leftovers too if you have any. Just dice up next day, add your veggies and pour it into a crust to bake up together or make Steak and Potato Soup.
Minute Steak Recipes
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. minute steak
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup, 10 oz. each
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 1/4 c beef broth
- 1 c mushrooms, baby bellas, optional
- 2-3 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In slow cooker whisk together cans of cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix and 1 cup of your beef broth. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper and place cubed steak inside and gently submerge inside, then add onions on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until tender to your liking. In a bowl combine 1/4 c remaining broth with cornstarch until smooth. 30 minutes before serving lift lid and pour this into slow cooker for an additional 30 minutes or until gravy thickens to your liking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
