How To Cook Cube Steak In Oven

ByLily

Baking cube steak in the oven works best when you add moisture to compensate for the dry heat. If you want to know how to cook cube steak in oven without ending up with a tough, chewy piece of meat, the trick is simple: low heat, a covered pan, and a little liquid. This guide walks you through the whole process step by step.

Cube steak is already tenderized by the butcher, so it cooks fast. But fast cooking in a hot oven can dry it out. That is why we slow it down a bit and keep it covered.

What Is Cube Steak And Why Oven Cooking Works

Cube steak comes from round or sirloin beef that has been run through a mechanical tenderizer. That machine leaves those little dimples or “cubes” on the surface. Because of this, the meat is thinner and softer than a regular steak.

Oven cooking works well for cube steak because you can control the heat and add moisture. A skillet alone can scorch the outside before the inside is done. The oven gives you even heat from all sides.

  • Cube steak is usually about 1/2 inch thick
  • It is affordable and cooks in under 30 minutes
  • It takes on marinades and gravies very well
  • It can dry out quickly if you skip the liquid

How To Cook Cube Steak In Oven

Follow these steps for a tender, flavorful result every time. This method serves four people.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • 4 cube steaks (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small onion, sliced thin

Step 1: Preheat And Prepare

Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Dry meat browns better.

Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each steak in the flour mix and shake off the extra.

Step 2: Sear The Steaks

Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each steak for about 2 minutes per side. You want a golden brown crust, not a fully cooked center.

Work in batches if needed. Crowding the pan steams the meat instead of browning it.

Step 3: Add The Liquid And Onions

Turn off the burner. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce around the steaks, not on top of them. Scatter the sliced onions over everything.

The liquid is the key step. Without it, the dry oven air will toughen the meat.

Step 4: Cover And Bake

Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Do not open the oven during this time.

If you use a baking dish instead of a skillet, transfer the seared steaks into it first, then add the liquid.

Step 5: Check For Doneness

Cube steak is safe to eat at 145 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature. But for tenderness, many cooks prefer 160 degrees. Use a meat thermometer to check.

Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside the meat.

Tips For Tender Cube Steak Every Time

  • Never skip the searing step. It adds flavor and texture.
  • Keep the pan covered. Steam is your friend here.
  • Do not overbake. Ten extra minutes can ruin the texture.
  • Slice against the grain if you serve it whole.
  • Let the meat rest before cutting into it.

Best Liquids To Use

Beef broth is the standard choice, but you have options. Try these:

  • Cream of mushroom soup mixed with water
  • Beef gravy from a jar or packet
  • Crushed tomatoes with a splash of water
  • Dry red wine mixed with broth

Common Mistakes To Avoid

One big mistake is baking at a high temperature. Anything above 400 degrees will dry out the meat fast. Stick with 350 degrees.

Another mistake is using no cover. An open pan lets moisture escape, and cube steak has very little fat to keep it moist on its own.

Also, dont skip the rest time. Cutting into the steak right away lets the juices run out onto the plate instead of staying in the meat.

Serving Ideas For Oven Baked Cube Steak

This dish goes great with classic comfort sides. Here are a few pairings that work well:

  • Mashed potatoes and green beans
  • White rice with the pan gravy spooned over
  • Egg noodles with butter and parsley
  • Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

You can also slice the steak into strips and serve it over a salad for a lighter meal.

Storing And Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover cube steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it covered in its juices so it stays moist.

To reheat, place it in a covered pan with a splash of broth. Warm it at 300 degrees for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it tends to make the meat rubbery.

Can You Freeze Cooked Cube Steak

Yes, you can. Wrap each piece tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Cooking cube steak in the oven is one of the easiest ways to get a tender, home cooked meal on the table. The formula is simple: season, sear, add liquid, cover, and bake at a moderate heat.

Once you try this method, you can adjust the seasonings and liquids to match whatever you have in the pantry. It is a flexible recipe that works for busy weeknights and Sunday dinners alike.

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