Country Fried Steak with Creamy Homemade Gravy

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When you’re craving something comforting, crispy, and absolutely loaded with flavor, country fried steak with creamy homemade gravy hits the spot every time. This Southern classic transforms humble cube steak into a crispy, golden brown masterpiece topped with a rich, peppery white gravy that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it up for Sunday supper or looking to bring a touch of down-home charm to a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers the perfect blend of crispy crust, juicy beef, and indulgent creamy gravy. Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or flaky biscuits, and you’ve got a plate that screams comfort food perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Country Fried Steak with Creamy Homemade Gravy

This recipe is everything you want in Southern comfort cooking: crispy fried beef, creamy gravy made from pan drippings, and a bold touch of black pepper in every bite. It uses easy-to-find ingredients and doesn’t require any special equipment. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, yet it tastes like something you’d spend all afternoon cooking. The crunchy coating stays crisp under the creamy gravy, making every bite texturally satisfying.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Country Fried Steak?

Cube steak is the classic choice, and it’s widely available at most grocery stores. This cut comes pre-tenderized, which is important because the pounding helps it fry evenly and stay tender. If you can’t find cube steak, you can tenderize a top round or bottom round steak yourself. Just make sure it’s well-pounded so that it’s nice and thin.

Ingredients for the Country Fried Steak with Creamy Homemade Gravy

To create the iconic crunch and luscious gravy, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving the dish’s traditional flavor and texture.

Cube steak: The star of the dish, cube steak is pre-tenderized and cooks quickly, making it perfect for frying.

Flour: All-purpose flour coats the steak and creates the base for the crispy crust and the creamy gravy.

Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the meat while ensuring the coating sticks well.

Eggs: Help bind the coating to the steak for a hearty crust.

Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for flavoring both the steak and the gravy.

Garlic powder and onion powder: These add depth of flavor to the flour mixture.

Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that’s perfect for frying and crisping the breading.

Milk: Used in the gravy to create that creamy, rich texture.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the gravy.

How To Make the Country Fried Steak with Creamy Homemade Gravy

Step 1: Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare two shallow bowls. In the first, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. In the second, mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Dredge and Bread

Dip each piece of cube steak into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk and egg, and back into the flour again. Press the flour onto the meat to create a thick coating.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Drain the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons of oil and bits. Add butter, then whisk in a few tablespoons of flour. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and a generous pinch of black pepper.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the steaks and spoon hot gravy over each one. Serve immediately for best crunch.

How to Serve and Store Country Fried Steak with Creamy Homemade Gravy

This hearty meal is best served hot and fresh, when the steak is still crispy and the gravy is warm and smooth. It feeds 4 hungry people comfortably, especially when paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes or steamed green beans. If you have leftovers, store the steak and gravy separately. Reheat the steak in the oven to maintain crispiness and warm the gravy on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

What to Serve With Country Fried Steak?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are practically made for soaking up that peppery gravy.

Southern Green Beans

Cooked low and slow with bacon, green beans add a savory sidekick to this dish.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky, buttery biscuits on the side? Yes, please. Perfect for mopping up extra gravy.

Coleslaw

A crunchy, tangy coleslaw brings a fresh contrast to the richness of the steak.

Macaroni and Cheese

If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort duo.

Fried Okra

For a Southern-inspired plate, you can’t go wrong with some crispy fried okra.

Cornbread

A sweet-and-savory option that pairs perfectly with the creamy flavors of the dish.

Pickled Jalapenos

If you like a kick, a few pickled jalapenos on the side add a punch of heat.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this crispy steak dinner, you’re in for a treat with these savory beef favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a creamy, cheesy comfort meal.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you’re after a quick, one-pan dinner.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a mash-up of Philly flavor and Italian comfort.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you crave a cozy pasta night.
• One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky richness and easy cleanup.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it whenever the craving hits.

And don’t forget to come back and share your thoughts. Did you go extra peppery on the gravy? Maybe added some cayenne? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and hearty meal ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite comfort food.

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