Steak and Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients:

• 4 Beef cube steaks
• 1 cup Sliced mushrooms (button, cremini, or your favorite variety)
• 1 1/2 cups Beef broth
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 1 medium Onion (sliced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Steaks:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
   • Add the steaks to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove the steaks from the pan and set them aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.

3. Make the Gravy:

   • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the oil and form a roux.
   • Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (this adds great flavor to the gravy).
   • Add the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the gravy to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

4. Simmer the Steaks:

   • Return the browned cube steaks to the pan, nestling them into the mushroom gravy.
   • Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Serve:

   • Once the steaks are tender, serve them hot with the rich mushroom gravy spooned over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Tips:

• Tenderizing the Steaks: If you find the cube steaks are a little tough, you can tenderize them further by pounding them with a meat mallet before cooking.
• Mushroom Variations: Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms for extra depth of flavor (shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms are all great options).
• Serving Suggestion: Serve this dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious mushroom gravy!

This Steak and Mushroom Gravy is a comforting, hearty meal with tender steaks in a savory, umami-packed mushroom gravy. Perfect for any weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy!