Smothered Steak and Onions is a comfort food must have recipe. I mean sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the simplest ones. Smothered steak and onions is the definition of down-home cooking that delivers incredible flavor and satisfaction with minimal effort. Serving it with a side of rice or potatoes make it even better. The rich, savory gravy melds with the tender steak and sweet caramelized onions for a meal that’ll warm you down to the soul. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but feels special enough for a weekend treat.
In this blog post, I will dive into why thin-cut ribeye is the perfect choice for this recipe, walk you through the step-by-step process, and share some tips for taking your smothered steak game to the next level.
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How to Make Smothered Steak and Onions
The secret to making great tasting smothered steak and onion is all in the cut of the meat. I use thin cut ribeye steak. Why thin cut ribeye? Ribeye steals the show for its outstanding flavor and rich marbling. However, a thick ribeye steak is not ideal for smothered dishes since it requires longer cooking times. This is where thin-cut ribeye steaks come in handy! Thin cut ribeye cooks up tender and juicy in a fraction of the time compared to traditional thicker cuts. They also provide the perfect ratio of meat to gravy, ensuring every bite is infused with that irresistible, savory flavor. And lastly ribeye options are often more budget-friendly, making this dish approachable and accessible.
After you have selected the perfect cut of beef the steps to great steak and onion are simple. First season your steaks with your choice of seasonings that will enhance the natural flavor of the beef. After you have seasoned the meat, sear them in a skillet then set them aside. Next, add the butter and cook the onions and garlic until the onions begin to caramelize releasing it’s sweetness. Add the flour to create a roux for the delicious gravy then pour in the wine and beef broth. Return the steaks to the skillet then allow the flavors to meld, creating the best steak and gravy you will ever have.
Watch Video Tutorial for Smothered Steak and Onions
Ingredients
- Ribeye Steak (thin cut)-Ribeye is a classic choice for smothered steak because of its incredible marbling. This means it has plenty of fat dispersed throughout, resulting in a juicy, tender steak that holds up well to the simmering process.
- Beef Broth – Adds rich, savory beef flavor that complements the steak and builds the foundation of the gravy.
- Canola Oil -a high smoke point oil great for searing the steaks.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the gravy and adds a slight richness to the sauce.
- Red Wine -Provides depth, complexity, and acidity to the gravy. The acidity helps tenderize the meat and cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Onion and Garlic – These aromatics are the staples of many savory dishes, providing a flavor base that enhances the overall dish.
- Onion Powder and Garlic Powder – These dried spices offer an extra boost of flavor, further enhancing the garlic and onion.
- Paprika – Adds warmth, mild sweetness, and a subtle hint of smokiness to the dish.
- Black Pepper and Salt – Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors.
What You Will Need
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Steaks
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika. Mix until well combined. Rub the seasoning mixture on your ribeye steak and season each steak on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Steaks
Add the canola oil to your skillet and using medium heat bring the skillet to temperature. Sear your steaks on both sides then remove them from the skillet and set them aside until later.
Step 3: Saute the Onions
Toss in the butter and allow it to melt. Add the onions and saute for 5 minutes allowing them to begin to caramelize. Next add the garlic and continue to saute for another minute.
Step 4: Making the Gravy
Sprinkle in the flour and mix until the flour begins to brown.
Next pour in the wine and beef broth, then mix bring the liquid to a light simmer.
Step 5: Return the Steaks
Return the steaks to your skillet, cover and allow it to cook on medium low for 2 hours.
What to Eat With Smothered Steak and Onion
Smothered steak and onions is a hearty and delicious meal, and there are loads of tasty sides to serve with it! For classic comfort food, mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles work perfectly since they all soak up the yummy gravy. If you want vegetables, roasted carrots or broccoli, simple steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad would be great. And if you’re feeling extra hungry, why not add some warm buttermilk biscuits or a piece of cornbread on the side?
What to Do With Leftovers
If you are so lucky to have a few pieces of leftover smothered steak and gravy you can definitely store them for another day. Make sure the meat has cooled down and pop it in an airtight container in the fridge; it’ll keep for 3-4 days. If you have a lot leftover or you don’t plan t eat your steaks in the next 3 days, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Smothered steak and onions is good in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you are ready to eat the steaks. it, the best way is to reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, whether you thawed it in the fridge or are heating it straight from frozen.
Other Great Recipes
- Easy Pepper Steak Recipe – this Asian inspired recipe is quick, easy and delicious.
- Chicken Fried Steak Recipe – a comfort food staple that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
- Smothered Chicken – a soul food staple that is both satisfying and delicious.
- Smothered Chicken Wings – cooked until perfectly tender and it’s full of flavor.
- Easy Garlic Butter Pork Chops – an unusual twist on the dinner staple that will have your family wanting more.
Smothered Steak and Onions Recipe
4
servings10
minutes2
hoursIngredients
1.5 lbs Ribeye Steak (thin cut)
3 Cups Beef Broth
1.5 Tbsps Canola Oil
3 Tbsps All-Purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Red Wine
3 Cloves Garlic
1 small Onion
2 tsps Onion Powder
2 tsps Garlic Powder
1 tsp Paprika
2 tsps Black Pepper
2 tsps Salt
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika.
- Mix until well combined. Rub the seasoning mixture on your ribeye steak and season each steak on both sides.
- Add the canola oil to your skillet and using medium heat bring the skillet to temperature.
- Sear your steaks on both sides then remove them from the skillet and set them aside until later.
- Toss in the butter and allow it to melt. Add the onions and saute for 5 minutes allowing them to begin to caramelize.
- Next add the garlic and continue to saute for another minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and mix until the flour begins to brown.
- Next pour in the wine and beef broth, then mix and bring the liquid to a light simmer.
- Return the steaks to your skillet, cover and allow it to cook on medium low for 2 hours.
