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Ultimate Smothered Steak Recipe

Ultimate Smothered Steak Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent steak smothered in rich, caramelized onion gravy creates a hearty dinner sensation that promises pure comfort. Juicy beef paired with velvety sauce delivers a classic Southern-style meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds steak (round or sirloin)

Seasonings and Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)

Liquid and Aromatic Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 2 medium onions, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly dry the steak with paper towels, then generously season with salt and pepper. Dust the entire surface with a light, even coating of flour.
  2. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the floured steak into the hot pan, searing each side for 4-5 minutes to develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
  3. Transfer the seared steak to a clean plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions, cooking until they become soft and translucent.
  4. Mince the garlic and add to the onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Allow the garlic to release its aromatic oils for about 30-45 seconds.
  5. Pour beef broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and fresh thyme.
  6. Gently return the seared steak to the skillet, nestling it into the savory liquid. Cover and reduce heat to low, allowing the meat to simmer slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours until exceptionally tender.
  7. Remove bay leaves before serving. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Tenderize tough cuts by using a meat mallet to break down muscle fibers before seasoning, ensuring a more tender result.
  • Boost flavor depth by using cast iron skillet, which helps develop a rich, caramelized crust and enhances the gravy’s complexity.
  • For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour when coating the steak, maintaining the crispy exterior.
  • Reduce cooking time by choosing more tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin, which require less braising to become melt-in-your-mouth soft.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg