Smothered Steak

This Easy Smothered Steak recipe is made using sirloin or strip steaks drizzled in a homemade onion and green pepper gravy. This is the perfect comfort food meal!

What Does “Smothered” Mean?

Smothering is a technique used in Southern cuisine and usually within Creole and Cajun dishes. It involves searing and/or browning meat, vegetables, or seafood in a pan, deglazing the pan with broth or stock, and then using the flavors from the pan to make gravy to “smother” the meal.

Popular dishes include Smothered Chicken Wings, Smothered Pork Chops, Smothered Chicken, Smothered Potatoes and Onions, Smothered Turkey Wings, Smothered Turkey Necks, Smothered Okra, potatoes, and corn.

What Type of Steak to Use

This recipe will work with any cut of steak. I prefer to use NY strip steaks or sirloin. You can use ribeyes, filet mignon, etc. For some people smothered steak means cube steak or hamburger steak using tenderized beef. Feel free to use that if you wish!

How to Season the Steak

I like to keep it simple when seasoning the steak because the gravy will provide a lot of flavor as well. I recommend smoked paprika (regular works fine), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Room Temperature Steak

You should never sear cold meat or seafood straight from the fridge. Allow the steak to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes) prior to cooking. This will allow the steak to cook at an even and consistent temperature. If you add it to a hot pan while cold, the muscle fibers will tense up and result in tough steak.

Pan Seared Steak

Cast iron and stainless steel pans work best for searing because they are made to withstand high heat temperatures and produce a crust/outer layer on food. A non-stick pan isn’t made for high-heat cooking, it will likely damage it.

Sear the steak on both sides for 3-4 minutes on medium-high heat. Be sure to sear both edges of each steak as well.

Air Fryer Steak

Air fry the steaks on 370 degrees for 7-10 minutes.

How to Make Smothered Steak

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Allow the steak to come to room temperature prior to cooking.
2. Season the steak with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Pan sear, grill, or air fry.
4. Reserve the steak drippings that remain in the pan.
5. Add sliced onions and green peppers to the pan. Saute until the vegetables are soft. Set aside.
6. Add butter and olive oil to the skillet on medium heat.
7. When melted, add in flour.
8. Add in broth, heavy cream or half and half, and garlic powder. Stir until the gravy/sauce thickens. Return the steaks, green peppers, and onions to the pan with the gravy.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

Overall, cook time will vary based on the size of your steaks and your preferred doneness.

According to the USDA, you should cook all raw beef to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F (62.8 °C) as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. 145 degrees is longer than some people like to cook their steaks. Use your judgment.

You will need to use a meat thermometer and cook to 125° F for rare, 135° F for medium-rare, 145° F for medium, 155° F for medium-well, and 160° F for well done.

How to Substitute Heavy Cream

You can use any milk in the recipe, keep in mind the flavor of the milk you use will be present in the flavor of the gravy. Heavy whipping cream is recommended because it’s great at thickening. If you use milk with less fat or something like almond milk, your gravy won’t be as thick.

You can also omit the cream. It’s added for flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

This reheats great in the microwave or on the stove if you have plenty of gravy leftover.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftovers tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Pair With These Sides

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Southern Green Beans
Southern Collard Greens
Baked Corn on the Cob
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Check out our list of The Best Side Dishes for Steak, Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones, and
Southern Pork Neck Bones.

More Steak and Main Dish Recipes

Lemon Pepper Steak
Steak Stir Fry
Air Fryer Steak
Homemade Steak Seasoning and Rub
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtails
Tender Juicy Oxtail recipe
Nobu Miso Black Cod Recipe
Poke Bowls with Spicy Mayo Sauce
Pan Seared Cod with Lemon Butter