Country Fried Steak with Creamy Homemade Gravy

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Country Fried Steak with Creamy Homemade Gravy is the kind of soul-satisfying comfort food that never goes out of style. This Southern classic brings together tenderized cube steak, seasoned and pan-fried to a crisp, then smothered in a velvety, rich gravy made from the pan drippings. It’s a dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into a hearty, home-cooked celebration.

The beauty of this dish is in the simplicity of the ingredients and the power of technique. You don’t need fancy cuts of meat or rare spices to make something utterly crave-worthy. Whether you grew up eating country fried steak or you’re diving in for the first time, it delivers a nostalgic and deeply satisfying experience.

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

• It’s crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside.
• The creamy gravy is savory, peppery, and perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes too.
• It feels indulgent without being complicated to make.
• It feeds a family or hungry crowd with ease.
• Pairs with many side dishes you already love.

What Cut of Meat Is Best for Country Fried Steak?

Cube steak is the most common choice for country fried steak because it’s already tenderized and affordable. But you can also use round steak or any lean cut that you tenderize yourself. The key is to pound it thin and coat it well before frying to lock in that crispy goodness.

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Ingredients for the Country Fried Steak with Creamy Homemade Gravy

Every ingredient in this recipe has a specific role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor:

• Cube Steak: Tenderized beef cuts that cook quickly and absorb seasoning beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for dredging and forming a golden, crispy crust.
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the steak further.
• Eggs: Binds the flour coating to the steak.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For deep, aromatic flavor in both steak and gravy.
• Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color.
• Oil (vegetable or canola): Ideal for frying due to high smoke point.
• Butter: Creates richness and depth in the gravy.
• All-Purpose Flour (again): Used for thickening the homemade gravy.
• Milk: The base of the creamy gravy, bringing smoothness and balance.

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How To Make the Country Fried Steak with Creamy Homemade Gravy

Step 1: Prep the Coating

In one shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. In another bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Dredge the Steak

Dip each cube steak into the buttermilk-egg mixture, then dredge in seasoned flour. Repeat the process for a thicker crust.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Steak

Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Fry steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Pour off most of the oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Add butter, then stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, scraping the pan to incorporate bits. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Place steaks on a plate and generously ladle the creamy gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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

This dish is best served immediately while the steak is crispy and the gravy is hot. It feeds 4 to 6 people generously. If you have leftovers, store the steak and gravy separately in airtight containers. Reheat the steak in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness, and warm the gravy gently on the stovetop.

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What to Serve With Country Fried Steak?

Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy mashed potatoes are the perfect canvas for all that creamy gravy.

Southern-Style Green Beans

Simmered with bacon and onions, they add a savory veggie touch.

Buttery Cornbread

Sweet and crumbly, a classic Southern pairing.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Add a pop of green and a little crunch to balance the richness.

Creamy Mac and Cheese

For when you’re going all-in on comfort food.

Coleslaw

Crisp and tangy to lighten the meal.

Biscuits

Perfect for mopping up every last drop of gravy.

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Want More Southern Dinner Ideas?

If this crispy, comforting Country Fried Steak hit the spot, you might also enjoy these other hearty dinner favorites:

• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs – bite-sized, cheesy meat-packed puffs.
• Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – baked comfort in one dish.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta – velvety pasta with satisfying beefy flavor.
• Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce – fast, easy, and oh-so-delicious.
• Ground Beef Stroganoff – classic dinner made simple and flavorful.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you spice it up with cayenne? Serve it with biscuits or mac and cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and better.

Explore more beautifully curated hearty meals and Southern favorites on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and find your next family favorite!

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