Basic Smothered Steak And Onions Recipe

This classic smothered steak recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich, savory flavor. Perfectly seared steaks are simmered in a rich onion gravy, creating a comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Calories 520.5 kcal
Protein 107g
Rating 4.7 (6 Reviews)
Basic Smothered Steak And Onions

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basic Smothered Steak And Onions

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Top Round Steaks
  • Vegetable Oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh Thyme
  • 1/2 cup beer
  • 1 cup beef broth

How to Make Basic Smothered Steak And Onions

  1. In a shallow dish, combine 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Pat the flour mixture onto both sides of a 2-3 lb beef chuck steak, ensuring it's evenly coated.
  3. Cut the steak into 4-6 equal-sized pieces.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces in batches until nicely browned on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove the steaks and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 large onions, thinly sliced, to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown (about 8-10 minutes).
  6. If the pan is dry, add 2 tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Return the steaks to the skillet. Add 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 cup beer, and 1 cup beef broth.
  8. Cover the skillet tightly and reduce the heat to low.
  9. Simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the steaks are incredibly tender. Do not boil.
  10. Remove the bay leaves. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
  11. If the sauce is too thin, remove the steaks and increase the heat to medium-high. Boil the sauce until slightly thickened.
  12. Serve the smothered steak and onions over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

39 g

Sugar

19g

Fat

38g

Carbs

7g

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