Smothered Steak and Gravy

Hearty, delicious Smothered Steak and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that will warm your heart and fill your belly. This dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. What makes this recipe stand out is its rich flavor profile, enhanced with a savory gravy that pairs beautifully with buttery rice or creamy mashed potatoes. With just a few simple steps, you can create a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of herbs and grape juice creates a mouthwatering gravy that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even alongside fresh green beans.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe fits right in.
• Fork-Tender Steak: The slow braising process ensures your steak is incredibly tender and flavorful.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Cast iron skillet or Dutch oven
• Meat mallet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Large bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Cast iron skillet or Dutch oven: These provide even heat distribution for perfect browning and simmering.
• Meat mallet: Tenderizes the steak, ensuring it absorbs all the delicious flavors during cooking.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for a lump-free gravy.

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 2-2.5 lbs. steak (sirloin, strip or round steak)
• 1-2 tablespoons beef seasoning (like Montreal steak seasoning, Longhorn’s Prairie Dust, Kinder’s Prime Steak)
• 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided

For the Gravy

• 1 large white onion (thinly sliced)
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2.5 cups beef stock
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 chicken bouillon cube (crumbled)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp dried sage
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 drops Kitchen Bouquet browning sauce (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry grape juice (red or white both work; select a dry grape juice that’s good enough to drink.)

For Thickening

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour

To Serve

• Optionally serve with: buttered rice or mashed potatoes, green beans, or salad, etc.

How to Make Smothered Steak and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Mixture

In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine the beef broth with Worcestershire sauce, crumbled chicken bouillon, garlic powder, mustard powder, thyme, sage, pepper, and Kitchen Bouquet if using.

Step 2: Tenderize and Season Your Steak

Use a meat mallet to tenderize your steak. Drizzle two tablespoons of avocado oil over both sides of the steaks and rub it in evenly. Season generously with your preferred beef seasoning or simply use salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoons of avocado oil. Sear the steaks for about 2 minutes per side until they develop a dark golden brown crust. Remove from heat and set aside on a plate tented with foil.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Reduce heat to low. Add 1/2 cup of grape juice to deglaze the pan. Allow it to cook for about 2–3 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.

Step 5: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add butter into the pan over medium-low heat until melted. Add sliced onions and minced garlic; sauté for about 2 minutes while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle flour over this mixture and cook for an additional minute while tossing it with the onions.

Step 6: Combine Broth Mixture

Pour in your prepared broth mixture while whisking it into the flour-onion mixture until combined thoroughly. Bring to a simmer before returning the steaks back into the pan so they are mostly submerged in liquid.

Step 7: Slow Cook

Turn down to simmer or lowest setting. Cover with a lid (or use a baking sheet if you don’t have one). Simmer for about 2.5–3 hours until your steak is fork-tender.

Step 8: Remove Excess Fat

Before serving, place a paper towel over the surface of the gravy to absorb excess fat floating on top. You may need to repeat this step with fresh paper towels until most fat is removed.

Step 9: Serve Your Dish

Serve your tender steak over buttery rice or creamy mashed potatoes before drizzling it generously with savory gravy on top! Enjoy your Smothered Steak and Gravy!

How to Serve Smothered Steak and Gravy

Serving Smothered Steak and Gravy is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a comforting meal experience. Here are some delicious ways to present and enjoy this hearty dish.

With Buttery Rice

• Fluffy White Rice: Prepare rice using butter for a rich flavor that complements the savory gravy.
• Herbed Rice: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme while cooking for an aromatic twist.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Infuse your mash with roasted garlic for extra depth of flavor.

Accompanied by Green Beans

• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steam green beans with a sprinkle of salt to retain their vibrant color and crunch.
• Garlic Sautéed Green Beans: Sauté green beans in olive oil with minced garlic for a tasty side that pairs beautifully.

With a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly can refresh the palate alongside the rich steak.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing adds a contrasting texture that enhances the overall meal.

How to Perfect Smothered Steak and Gravy

Perfecting Smothered Steak and Gravy requires attention to detail in both technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold Seasoning: Use a variety of seasonings on your steak before cooking to build layers of flavor.
• Patience in Cooking: Allow the steak to simmer until fork-tender; this is key for achieving melt-in-your-mouth meat.
• Deglaze Properly: Make sure to scrape up all browned bits when deglazing; they add incredible depth to your gravy.
• Thicken Wisely: Adjust flour based on desired gravy thickness, ensuring it’s smooth without lumps.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your gravy before serving; adjust seasoning if needed for optimal flavor balance.
• Rest Your Meat: Let the steak rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy and enhances overall tenderness.

Best Side Dishes for Smothered Steak and Gravy

Pairing side dishes with Smothered Steak and Gravy can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent choices that complement the richness of this dish.

1. Buttered Corn: Sweet corn seasoned with butter brings a pop of sweetness to balance the savory gravy.
2. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with butter or sour cream offer another hearty option.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese provides comfort that pairs perfectly with steak.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the richness, adding brightness to each bite.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies provides a healthy alternative that still feels indulgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Smothered Steak and Gravy, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning your steak can lead to bland flavor. Make sure to rub your steak with seasoning on both sides before cooking.
• Overcooking the meat – Cooking the steak for too long can make it tough. Pay attention to the simmering time to ensure your steak remains tender.
• Not deglazing properly – Failing to deglaze the pan can result in a less flavorful gravy. Use grape juice or broth to scrape up all the delicious bits stuck to the pan.
• Ignoring gravy consistency – If your gravy is too thick or thin, adjust by adding more broth or flour as needed. Aim for a smooth consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
• Forgetting the resting period – Cutting into your steak right after cooking can cause juices to run out. Letting it rest allows for better flavor and texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Smothered Steak and Gravy in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Smothered Steak and Gravy

• Freeze in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months but may lose some texture upon thawing.

Reheating Smothered Steak and Gravy

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until warm.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smothered Steak and Gravy?

Smothered Steak and Gravy is a comforting dish featuring seasoned steak braised in a rich, flavorful gravy made with onions and grape juice.

How do I store leftovers of Smothered Steak and Gravy?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use chicken, turkey, or lamb if you prefer different flavors while keeping the essence of smothered goodness.

What should I serve with Smothered Steak and Gravy?

It pairs wonderfully with buttery rice or mashed potatoes, alongside green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Smothered Steak and Gravy is a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Its cozy flavors make it versatile enough to adapt with different meats or sides. Give this recipe a try, and don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!

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