Tender Italian Braised Cube Steak with Zucchini
Experience the comfort of tender, flavorful Italian braised cube steak paired with fresh zucchini. A budget-friendly and deeply satisfying dish, perfect for warming up your chilly fall nights. The aroma will fill your home, creating an inviting atmosphere, while the dish's rich tomato base melds beautifully with Italian herbs. Served best over buttery egg noodles or fluffy rice, with a crisp green salad on the side to round out your meal. Dive into this meal, crafted to create memories and smiles around the table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef cube steaks
2 lbs (uncut)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
salt
1 teaspoon (mixed with flour)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (mixed with flour)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for browning)
canned diced tomatoes
14.5 ounces (undrained)
canned tomato sauce
15 ounces (unsweetened)
large onion
1 (thinly sliced)
italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (mixed with sauce)
small zucchini
5 (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
Instructions
1
Place the cube steak, flour, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake it to ensure the steak is evenly coated.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cube steaks and cook until they are browned on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
3
Reduce the heat to low. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sliced onion to the skillet. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top.
4
Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to simmer gently for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to deepen the flavors.
5
Uncover the skillet and add the zucchini slices. Stir to coat the zucchini with the tomato sauce.
6
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until the zucchini are tender and the sauce has reduced slightly.
7
Serve the tender Italian braised cube steak and sauce generously over egg noodles or rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Braised Cube Steak with Zucchini?
It is a budget-friendly, comforting dish featuring tender beef cube steak in a rich tomato and herb sauce with fresh zucchini.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the meat coating?
The coating consists of 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
How much beef cube steak is required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of beef cube steaks.
What is the first step in preparing the meat?
Place the cube steak, flour, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag and shake it to ensure the steak is evenly coated.
How much olive oil is needed for browning?
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil for browning the steaks.
How long should I brown the cube steaks?
Cook the steaks over medium heat for approximately 4-5 minutes per side until they are browned.
What type of canned tomatoes are used?
One 14.5-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes is used.
What kind of tomato sauce should I buy?
The recipe requires 15 ounces of unsweetened canned tomato sauce.
How should the onion be prepared?
The large onion should be thinly sliced before adding it to the skillet.
What seasoning is used for the Italian flavor?
One teaspoon of Italian seasoning is sprinkled over the mixture.
How long does the steak simmer?
The mixture should simmer gently for at least 1 hour.
Should the skillet be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the skillet for the first hour of simmering to deepen the flavors.
Why should I stir the skillet occasionally?
Stirring prevents sticking and helps the flavors meld together.
When do I add the zucchini?
Uncover the skillet and add the zucchini after the initial 1-hour simmer.
How many zucchinis are needed?
The recipe calls for 5 small zucchinis.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
Cut the zucchini into 1/2 inch thick slices.
How long do I cook the zucchini?
Simmer the zucchini uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
What should the texture of the zucchini be?
The zucchini should be cooked until it is tender.
What happens to the sauce in the final stage?
The sauce reduces slightly during the final 10 minutes of simmering uncovered.
What are the best side dishes for this meal?
It is best served over buttery egg noodles or fluffy rice with a crisp green salad.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a budget-friendly and deeply satisfying dish.
What is the category of this recipe?
This dish is categorized as Meat.
Is this a good recipe for the fall season?
Yes, it is perfect for warming up chilly fall nights.
What heat setting is used for browning the steak?
The steaks are browned over medium heat.
What heat setting is used for simmering the sauce?
Reduce the heat to low once the tomatoes and onions are added.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, the diced tomatoes should be used undrained.
How do I ensure the zucchini is flavorful?
Stir the slices to ensure they are well coated with the tomato sauce.
What is the texture of the beef after cooking?
The beef becomes tender due to the long braising process.
How do I coat the meat evenly?
Shake the steak in a sealed plastic bag with flour, salt, and pepper for an even coat.