BEST ONION GRAVY SMOTHERED STEAK

Is there anything more comforting than tender steak, cooked just right, swimming in a pool of deeply savory, caramelized onion gravy? This Onion Gravy Smothered Steak isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a symphony of savory flavors that will make your taste buds sing, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak:

• 1.5 lbs steak (such as sirloin, round, or chuck), about 1/2 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Onion Gravy:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for added depth)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Onion Gravy Smothered Steak Perfection

Preparing the Steak:

1. Season the Steak: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Generously season both sides of the steak with this mixture. Don’t be shy – this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!
2. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the steak.
3. Cook to Perfection: Sear the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. A meat thermometer is your best friend here! Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
4. Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Don’t skip this step – it makes a HUGE difference!

Making the Onion Gravy:

1. Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – those browned bits are flavor gold!), add olive oil and butter. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized. This takes patience, but trust me, it’s worth it. The key is low and slow! If they start to stick, add a tablespoon of water or beef broth and scrape up the browned bits.
2. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated and slightly browned. This step is crucial for thickening the gravy.
3. Add the Liquid: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. If you’re using balsamic vinegar, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
4. Smother the Steak: Slice the rested steak against the grain and arrange the slices on a serving platter. Generously smother the steak with the onion gravy. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Selecting the Right Steak: Your Guide to Deliciousness

Choosing the right cut of steak can make or break this recipe. While you can use more expensive cuts like ribeye or New York strip, this recipe shines with more budget-friendly options. Here’s a breakdown:

• Sirloin: A great all-around choice that’s relatively lean and flavorful.
• Round Steak: A tougher cut that benefits from a good sear and a flavorful gravy to tenderize it.
• Chuck Steak: Another budget-friendly option that’s rich in flavor but can be a bit tougher. Marinating it before cooking can help tenderize it.

No matter which cut you choose, make sure it’s about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.

Tips & Tricks for the BEST Onion Gravy Ever!

• Patience is Key: Caramelizing the onions takes time, but it’s the foundation of a great onion gravy. Don’t rush the process!
• Deglaze the Pan: Scraping up those browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet adds incredible flavor to the gravy.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the gravy as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking.
• Thicken to Perfection: If your gravy is too thin, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: A pinch of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup can enhance the caramelization of the onions and add a delightful sweetness to the gravy.
• Make it Ahead: The onion gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated. In fact, the flavors often meld together even more beautifully when it’s made in advance!

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Onion Gravy Smothered Steak is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! The creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vessel for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Green Beans: A simple side of steamed or sautéed green beans provides a nice contrast to the richness of the steak and gravy.
• Egg Noodles: Toss buttered egg noodles with the onion gravy for a comforting and satisfying dish.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of gravy.

Variations: Put Your Own Spin on It

• Mushroom Onion Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions for a richer, earthier flavor.
• Red Wine Onion Gravy: Add 1/2 cup of red wine to the skillet after the onions are caramelized and let it reduce slightly before adding the beef broth.
• Spicy Onion Gravy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the onions for a touch of heat.
• Creamy Onion Gravy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier gravy.
• Try Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano for a unique flavor profile.

Other Steak Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Onion Gravy Smothered Steak, here are a few other steak recipes you might want to try:

• Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A fresh and flavorful option perfect for a light and healthy meal.
• Chinese Beef And Broccoli: A classic takeout favorite made at home.
• Pepper Steak Recipe: Tender steak with colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce.
• For another gravy option, check out this Salisbury Steak Recipe
• Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups: A fun and easy appetizer or snack.
• Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a comforting pasta dish.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Onions are burning: Reduce the heat to low and stir the onions more frequently. Add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to the skillet to prevent sticking.
• Gravy is too thin: Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
• Gravy is too thick: Add a little more beef broth to thin it out.
• Steak is tough: Make sure you’re using a tender cut of steak or marinating it before cooking. Don’t overcook the steak, and remember to let it rest before slicing.

Enjoy Your Delicious Onion Gravy Smothered Steak!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Onion Gravy Smothered Steak that’s guaranteed to impress! With a little patience and these helpful tips, you’ll be serving up a restaurant-quality meal in no time. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. You’ve got this!

Best Onion Gravy Smothered Steak

Indulge in tender steak smothered in a rich and savory caramelized onion gravy. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right at home, with deeply satisfying flavors that are surprisingly easy to achieve. Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet impressive dish!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs steak sirloin, round, or chuck
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for steak
• 1 tablespoon butter for steak
• 1 teaspoon salt for steak
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for steak
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for steak
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder for steak
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for gravy
• 2 tablespoons butter for gravy
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt for gravy
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for gravy
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar optional, for gravy

Equipment

• large skillet
• small bowl
• whisk
• spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Meat Thermometer
• Plate
• aluminum foil
• Serving platter
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Generously season both sides of the steak with the spice mixture.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on desired doneness.
5. Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a plate.
6. Tent the steak loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes.
7. In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter.
8. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized.
9. Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated and slightly browned.
10. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
11. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
12. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to desired consistency.
13. If using balsamic vinegar, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
14. Slice the rested steak against the grain.
15. Arrange the slices on a serving platter.
16. Generously smother the steak with the onion gravy.
17. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer gravy, add sliced mushrooms with the onions. A pinch of brown sugar can enhance caramelization. The gravy can be made ahead of time. If the gravy is too thin, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.