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Smothered Steak

This classic smothered steak is a comforting, high-protein dish that transforms budget-friendly cuts into a melt-in-the-mouth feast. By slow-cooking the beef in a rich, savoury onion gravy, the fibres break down beautifully, resulting in a deeply satisfying texture. The addition of crispy crumbled bacon provides a salty crunch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramelised onions, making it a wonderful choice for a hearty midweek dinner.

A perfect example of traditional home cooking, this recipe uses blade or chuck steaks which are ideal for braising. The flour coating not only helps to brown the meat but also naturally thickens the sauce as it simmers. Serve this alongside creamy mashed potatoes or steamed seasonal greens for a complete, nutritionally balanced meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients for Smothered Steak

  • 4 bacon slices

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

  • 675g chuck eye or blade steaks

  • 120ml plain flour

  • 475ml thinly sliced onion

  • 240ml water

How to make Smothered Steak

Cook bacon in 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, reserving fat in skillet, then crumble.

Meanwhile, pound steaks 1/4 inch thick between sheets of plastic wrap using flat side of a meat pounder. Snip through any gristle with kitchen shears (to prevent curling), then pat steaks dry.

Mix together flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper and dredge steaks on all sides, shaking off excess.

Heat reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then brown steaks on both sides in batches; transfer to a plate.

Add onion to skillet with remaining tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/8 teaspoons pepper and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently and scraping up brown bits, until softened and browned, about 10 minutes.

Add steaks with any meat juices and water and bring to a boil. Simmer, tightly covered, over low heat until meat is very tender, about 1 1/4 hours. If sauce is thin, transfer meat to a platter and boil until reduced to about 150g . Season steaks with salt and pepper. Serve with sauce and sprinkled with bacon.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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