We bet that cube steak isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a hearty steak for dinner. On the other hand, you shouldn’t pass up this cut if you want a cheap one that tastes just as good as a sirloin or T-bone.
Cube steak is a cheap cut of steak that is usually made from the top or bottom round cut and is softened with a meat tenderizer. These changes make the steak thinner than other cuts and give it a pattern of “cube” shapes on the outside from being tenderized.
In the oven, in a skillet, or in a slow cooker are the three main ways to cook cube steak. In this guide, we’re showcasing the process of cooking cube steak in the oven.
Beef cube steak can be an affordable and satisfying meal when cooked properly in the oven. Often cube steak is overlooked as a low quality tough cut of meat, but with the right cooking method it can become fork-tender and full of flavor. The key is to use a gentle, moist heat method like baking to slowly break down the connective tissues in cube steak so it turns out juicy and delicious.
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have homemade baked cube steak with a savory gravy in about an hour. In this article, I’ll walk through how to season, sear, and bake cube steak to perfection. I’ll also share my easy method for making gravy along with some variations on seasonings and side dish pairings.
Benefits of Cooking Cube Steak in the Oven
Baking cube steak in the oven has a few advantages over other cooking methods
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The gradual, ambient heat of the oven gently breaks down tough connective tissues over time. This results in evenly cooked, fork-tender meat.
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Baking locks in moisture and flavor compared to high heat, fast cooking on the stovetop or grill.
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You don’t have to closely monitor and flip the meat frequently like with pan frying or grilling. Just pop it in the oven and bake away.
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Oven baking allows the meat to cook in its own juices, preventing it from drying out.
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It’s an easy hands-off cooking method, freeing you up to prepare side dishes or gravy.
Step-by-Step Guide for Oven Baked Cube Steak
Follow these simple steps for baked cube steak that turns out juicy, savory, and melt-in-your mouth tender every time.
Ingredients:
- Cube steak
- Oil for searing (canola, vegetable, avocado, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 cup beef broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderately low temperature will allow the meat to cook slowly and become very tender.
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. This size dish provides room for the steaks to lay flat.
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Season the steaks on both sides with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt. Be generous with the seasoning so the flavors really permeate the meat.
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Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a skillet with an oven-safe handle so you can go straight from stovetop to oven.
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Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan and steaming instead of searing.
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Transfer the seared steaks to the prepared baking dish. The high heat searing helps develop flavor while the oven baking tenderizes.
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Pour the beef broth over the steaks. The broth keeps the meat moist and will form the base of the gravy.
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Bake uncovered for 60 minutes, until fork tender. Check periodically and cover with foil if browning too quickly.
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Remove the steaks from the oven and transfer to a plate. Cover with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes which allows juices to redistribute.
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Make gravy while the steaks rest. Stir the flour into the broth and drippings in the baking dish. Whisk together over medium heat until thickened to your desired consistency.
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Serve steaks topped with gravy. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips for the Best Oven Baked Cube Steak
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Let the meat come nearly to room temperature before cooking for more even baking.
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Dry the steaks thoroughly before searing to help them brown beautifully.
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Use tongs instead of a fork to flip steaks to avoid piercing and losing juices.
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Make sure your baking dish is oven-safe if starting on the stovetop.
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Cut a few slits in the steaks before cooking to help sear seasoning penetrate deeper.
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Add mushrooms, onions, or other vegetables to the baking dish to roast in the flavorful juices.
Variations for Oven Baked Cube Steak
Change up the flavors or preparation method with these easy variations:
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Use Cajun seasoning or dry steak seasoning instead of the garlic and onion powders.
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Top with sliced onions and peppers before baking for fajita-style steak.
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Coat steaks with barbeque sauce in the last 10-15 minutes of baking for tender, saucy ribs.
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Cook steaks from frozen by baking covered at 325°F for about 75-90 minutes until fork tender.
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Broil for the last few minutes to give steaks a nice char. Keep a close eye to avoid over-broiling.
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Slow cook in a crockpot on low for 6-8 hours with seasoning and broth until fall-apart tender.
Side Dishes for Baked Cube Steak
Here are some excellent side dish options to serve alongside oven baked cube steaks:
- Mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
- Rice or pasta
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus
- Glazed carrots, peas, or side salad
- Buttery dinner rolls or cornbread
- Macaroni and cheese or scalloped potatoes
The easy preparation of baked cube steak means you can spend time making another side or two to round out the meal. The rich gravy also pairs nicely over the top of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Cube Steak in the Oven
The process of baking cube steak in the oven is pretty simple, but these tips can help you get the results you want:
- Don’t cook it too long. Some steak cuts may taste better cooked to medium or higher, but cube steak tastes best when cooked to medium-rare. Even though cube steak has been tenderized, cooking it longer than medium rare can make it pretty chewy.
- You might want to tenderize twice. Cube steak is already tenderized when you buy it, but there’s no reason not to do it again when you get home. This is so true that a second tenderizing step might make the texture even better.
- Do not skip the sear. You do not have to sear cube steaks before cooking them in the oven, but you may want to do so for extra flavor. Searing also keeps the juices in, which keeps the cube steak tender and keeps it from drying out too much in the oven.
Cube Steak Temperature Chart
We recommend cooking cube steak to medium-rare for the best results. However, we’re aware that everyone has their own preferences for steak. Use the chart below to find out when to take your cube steak out of the oven and what temperature it should be at when it’s done, based on your personal preferences.
| Doneness Level | Temperature to Remove Cube Steak from the Oven | Final Temperature After Resting for 5-10 Minutes |
| Rare | 110 degrees | 115-120 degrees |
| Medium-Rare | 120 degrees | 125-130 degrees |
| Medium | 130 degrees | 135-140 degrees |
| Medium-Well | 135 degrees | 140-145 degrees |
| Well-Done | 145 degrees | 150-155 degrees |
OVEN-BAKED SMOTHERED CUBED STEAKS! (RESA’S FAVORITE)
FAQ
What temperature should cube steak be cooked at?
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Doneness Level
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Temperature to Remove Cube Steak from the Oven
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Final Temperature After Resting for 5-10 Minutes
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Medium-Rare
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120 degrees
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125-130 degrees
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Medium
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130 degrees
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135-140 degrees
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Medium-Well
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135 degrees
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140-145 degrees
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Well-Done
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145 degrees
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150-155 degrees
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How do you cook a cube steak?
Transfer the cube steak to a glass dish and pour about one-fourth cup of water or beef broth into the dish. Cook the cube steak in an oven that’s been preheated to 350 F for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 F, as recommended by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
What temperature do you cook beef cube steak?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for cooking beef cube steak. This temperature ensures that the steak cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature. How long does it take to cook beef cube steak in the oven?
Should you sear beef cube steak before baking?
It is not necessary to sear the beef cube steak before baking it in the oven. However, if you prefer a crustier exterior, you may sear the steak in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side before transferring it to the oven.
Can you cook cube steak in a skillet?
Reduce the amount of salt and pepper called for in the recipe. If the gravy gets too thick you can dilute it with a low sodium beef broth or water. If your skillet isn’t oven-proof, you can transfer your steak and gravy mixture to a baking dish to bake. How do you cook cube steak so it’s not tough? Skillet. Oven. Slow Cooker.