Smothered Steak and Rice

Smothered Steak and Rice is a beloved Southern-style comfort dish where tender cuts of steak are seared, slow-cooked, and smothered in a deeply flavorful gravy, then served over warm, fluffy rice. This hearty meal brings together robust seasoning, tender meat, and a soul-satisfying finish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special Sunday supper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, rich flavor from slow-simmered steak and homemade gravy
• Incredibly tender steak that melts in your mouth
• Versatile serving options — rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles
• Uses common pantry ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep or large family gatherings
• A one-pot meal with minimal cleanup
• Nostalgic comfort food with Southern roots
• Budget-friendly cut of meat elevated into a gourmet dish
• Great for leftovers — even better the next day
• Easy to customize with vegetables or spice levels

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 to 2.5 lbs steak (such as sirloin, round, or chuck)
• 1–2 tablespoons steak seasoning (e.g., Montreal)
• 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2.5 cups beef stock
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ chicken bouillon cube, crumbled
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried sage
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 drops Kitchen Bouquet browning sauce (optional)
• ½ cup dry red or white wine
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl or measuring cup, combine beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon, garlic powder, mustard powder, sage, thyme, pepper, and Kitchen Bouquet. Set aside.
2. Tenderize the steak using a meat mallet. Rub with avocado oil and steak seasoning.
3. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Sear the steak for 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to low and deglaze the pan with wine, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in onions and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute to form a roux.
6. Slowly whisk in the prepared gravy mixture. Bring to a simmer.
7. Return steak to the pan, submerging it in the gravy. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours until steak is fork-tender.
8. Serve over cooked white rice with plenty of gravy ladled on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Creamy Option: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a silky texture.
• Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers or peas to the gravy.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze in portions with rice or separately. Lasts up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

How do I make the steak tender?

Use a meat mallet to tenderize the steak and cook it low and slow in the gravy for best results.

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, round steak, chuck steak, or even cube steak all work well.

Is the wine necessary?

No, but it adds depth. You can substitute with more broth if preferred.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Sear the meat and prepare the gravy, then cook on low for 6–8 hours in the slow cooker.

What’s the best rice to serve it with?

Long-grain white rice is classic, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice work too.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

How do I thicken the gravy?

The flour in the roux thickens it, but you can simmer it uncovered to reduce further if needed.

What sides go well with smothered steak?

Green beans, cornbread, or a crisp salad pair perfectly.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can spice it up with hot sauce or cayenne.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, though fresh garlic offers the best flavor, jarred minced garlic is a convenient substitute.

Conclusion

Smothered Steak and Rice is a soul-satisfying dish that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a comforting meal for the week, this recipe is a winner. With its tender steak, rich homemade gravy, and versatile presentation, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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