Name: Smothered Country Style Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 45 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef bottom round trimmed of excess fat; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ cup bacon drippings or vegetable oil; 2 cups chicken stock; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons heavy cream for a richer gravy (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Country Style Steak is a delightful Southern comfort food that warms the soul. This smothered Southern country-style steak is slowly braised with caramelized onions in a rich homemade gravy, making it fork-tender and absolutely delicious. As it cooks, the aroma fills your kitchen, promising a hearty meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Country Style Steak

This Country Style Steak dish embodies the essence of Southern cooking. It’s packed with flavor and provides numerous benefits:

Fork-tender beef that melts in your mouth.
Rich onion gravy that elevates the meat.
Perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Easy to prepare, making it suitable for weeknights.
Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
A classic Southern recipe that never goes out of style.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy Country Fried Beef or even Country Fried Steak variations!

Ingredients for Country Style Steak

Gather these items:

2 pounds beef bottom round trimmed of excess fat
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ cup bacon drippings or vegetable oil
2 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons heavy cream for a richer gravy (optional)

How to Make Country Style Steak Step-by-Step

Step 1: Soak the steak – If your beef is thicker than one-half inch, cut it into half-inch slices, season, and soak in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Dredge and tenderize—Flour the steaks, tenderize them using a meat mallet or needle tool until they’re a quarter-inch thick, and then dredge again.
Step 3: Caramelize the onions – In bacon fat or oil, cook onions in a large skillet over medium-low heat until golden, sweet, and a light golden brown. This will take about 15 minutes. Remove the onions and set aside.
Step 4: Sear the steaks – Increase the heat to medium and brown the steaks in batches, 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Make the onion gravy – Add chicken stock, Worcestershire, and thyme into the pot. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Braise – Return steaks and onions to the pot, cover, and cook at 300ºF for 1 to 2 hours, until fork-tender.
Step 7: Optional: For a richer, silkier gravy, stir in cream just before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Country Style Steak

Keep these in mind:

Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a complete meal.
Using a meat tenderizer is crucial for achieving that perfect tenderness.
For a deeper flavor, let the steak soak in buttermilk overnight.
Cook low and slow for maximum tenderness; this is key in the braising method.

Best Ways to Serve Country Style Steak

This comforting dish is versatile and can be served in various ways:

Over creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the gravy to soak in.
On a bed of fluffy rice, perfect for sopping up the sauce.
With homemade biscuits, creating a classic Southern diner experience.

How to Store and Reheat Country Style Steak

To store, let your Country Style Steak cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This makes for a fantastic meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Country Style Steak

What’s the secret to perfect Country Style Steak?

The secret lies in the soaking process and the braising method. Soaking in buttermilk tenderizes the beef, while slow cooking creates rich flavors and a tender texture.

Can I make Country Style Steak ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just reheat gently when ready to serve, and it will taste just as delicious!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Country Style Steak?

To avoid mistakes, ensure not to rush the cooking process. Allowing ample time for braising is essential to achieve that fork-tender texture.

Variations of Country Style Steak You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

Use different cuts of Country Style Beef for unique flavors.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers to the onion gravy for extra depth.
For a spicy kick, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce into the mix.
Try a Southern Comfort Steak by adding a splash of bourbon to the gravy.

Smothered Country Style Steak with Rich Onion Gravy - Country Style Steak - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Southern Chicken Fried Steak for a classic twist!

Smothered Country Style Steak with Rich Onion Gravy - Country Style Steak - additional detail

For more tips on cooking techniques, you can explore Creamy Chicken Enchiladas or Thanksgiving Salad Ideas.