There is something deeply comforting about a plate of smothered steak. This onion gravy smothered steak is one of those timeless, cozy dinners that feels like a warm hug at the table. Juicy sirloin steaks are seared until golden, then tucked into a creamy onion gravy that tastes rich, savory, and completely irresistible.
I make this recipe when I want a classic, no-fuss dinner that still feels special. It comes together quickly, fills the kitchen with the best smells, and always gets quiet praise around the table after the first bite.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Classic Southern-style comfort food
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Juicy steaks with rich onion gravy
- Simple ingredients, big flavor
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday supper
Ingredients
- 4 sirloin steaks, 1-inch thick and 4 to 6 ounces each, at room temperature
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half and half
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sirloin steaks are my favorite for this smothered steak recipe. They are lean, tender, and cook quickly without drying out. Bringing them to room temperature before cooking really helps them sear evenly.
Yellow onions soften beautifully and become sweet as they cook. Take your time here. Those caramelized onions are the heart of the gravy.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, half and half works well in place of heavy cream. The gravy will still be creamy, just a little less rich.
Instructions
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with garlic salt and cracked black pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet, cover loosely, and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until soft and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Whisk in the heavy cream and cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Return the steaks to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes, spooning gravy over the top, until the steaks are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always pat steaks dry before seasoning for the best sear
- Do not rush the onions. Slow cooking brings out their sweetness
- Use a cast iron skillet if possible for even heat and flavor
- Spoon gravy over the steaks right before serving
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover smothered steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Make Ahead and Freezing
You can slice the onions and mince the garlic ahead of time to make dinner faster. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy gravy can change texture once thawed.
Tips and Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra depth
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles
- Use ribeye for a richer version
- Add a pinch of thyme for a subtle herb note
- Finish with cracked black pepper at the table
FAQs
Sirloin is ideal, but round steak or ribeye also work well.
Yes. Use extra broth and simmer a little longer for a lighter gravy.
An instant-read thermometer is helpful. Medium-rare is about 130 to 135°F.
📖 Recipe
Onion Gravy Smothered Steak
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Onion Gravy Smothered Steak is a traditional Southern favorite! Juicy sirloin steaks are pan-seared to perfection, then topped with a rich, creamy caramelized onion gravy. It's easy, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 sirloin steaks (1-inch thick, 4 to 6 oz each, at room temperature)
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 yellow onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup low sodium beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half and half
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Season with garlic salt and cracked black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, working in batches if needed. Remove and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until caramelized.
- Add garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up brown bits with a wooden spoon and bring to a boil.
- Whisk in heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Return steaks to skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 2 more minutes until warmed through and sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Bring steaks to room temperature before cooking for best results.
- Use a cast iron skillet if possible for optimal searing.
- Check steak doneness with an instant-read meat thermometer.
- This recipe works well with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 363
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 216mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 113mg
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this smothered steak recipe with creamy mashed potatoes so the onion gravy has somewhere to settle. It is also wonderful with rice or buttered noodles. Add a simple green vegetable on the side, and dinner feels complete and comforting.
Nutrition and Notes
Serves 4
Calories per serving: approximately 363
This recipe has been tested several times to get the steaks juicy and the gravy smooth and balanced.
Reader Reviews
"This tasted just like my grandmother used to make."
"The onion gravy was incredible. We scraped the pan clean."
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