Smothered Steak
Smothered Steak is a classic Southern American comfort dish where seared beef steaks are slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy until exceptionally tender. The key ingredients typically include tougher, flavorful cuts like round steak, onions, mushrooms, and a creamy gravy base often made from the pan drippings. It's a staple of home cooking in the American South, particularly in Cajun and Creole cuisines.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a high-protein and high-fat dish due to the beef and gravy, with minimal carbohydrates unless served over rice or potatoes. It provides significant iron and B vitamins from the beef, with a typical serving ranging from 400 to 600 calories depending on the cut of meat and richness of the gravy.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 8 mg |
| Potassium | 650 mg |
| Phosphorus | 300 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.5 mcg |
| Selenium | 40 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.8 mg |
Per 1 serving (approx. 280 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Smothered Steak is a prime example of 'poor man's cooking,' transforming economical, tougher cuts of meat into a tender, flavorful meal through slow, moist-heat cooking. The technique of 'smothering' is a foundational method in Southern cooking, emphasizing patience and flavor development over expensive ingredients.
