Cube Steak Parmigiana
I received this recipe from a friend when I was a newlywed. Now my family of six loves it so much I have to double the recipe! I like to serve it with pasta, a tossed salad and homemade bread.
I received this recipe from a friend when I was a newlywed. Now my family of six loves it so much I have to double the recipe! I like to serve it with pasta, a tossed salad and homemade bread.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- sauce:
- 6 ounces each)
- 1/3 cup finely crushed saltines (about 10)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano divided
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese halved
- Carbohydrate 3.79799035133796 g
- Cholesterol 13.8488888951183 mg
- Fat 8.53771757681416 g
- Fiber 0.187880476165538 g
- Protein 5.9739586647325 g
- Saturated Fat 2.73011066361691 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (61g)
- Sodium 802.820858146605 mg
- Sugar 3.61010987517242 g
- Trans Fat 0.285369422136311 g
- Calories 116 calories
Step-by-step
- In three shallow bowls, combine flour, salt and pepper; beat egg and water; and combine Parmesan cheese, saltines and basil.
- Dip steaks in flour mixture and egg mixture, then roll in cheese mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Brown three steaks on both sides. Remove to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Repeat with the remaining steaks, adding additional oil as needed.
- Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Drain pan juices.
- Combine the tomato sauce, sugar, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano; pour over steaks.
- Bake 20 minutes longer.
- Place mozzarella cheese on steaks.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and remaining oregano.
- Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Cube Steak Parmigiana
As a busy mom of six, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can be a challenge. But, there are some recipes that rise to the occasion, and my Cube Steak Parmigiana is definitely one of them. I've been making this for years, ever since a friend shared the recipe with me when I was first married. It's a true family favorite, and honestly, I often have to double the recipe just to feed everyone! The combination of crispy, savory steak, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella is simply irresistible. It's also incredibly versatile; I often serve it with a side of pasta, a fresh tossed salad, and some crusty homemade bread – a perfect weeknight feast.
The best part about this recipe, aside from its amazing taste, is its relative simplicity. The steps are straightforward, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. It involves breading the cube steaks in a flavorful mixture of flour, egg, Parmesan cheese, and crushed saltines, pan-frying them to perfection, and then baking them in a rich tomato sauce until bubbly and golden brown. The entire process, from prepping the ingredients to enjoying the final dish, is pretty manageable, even on a hectic weeknight. My kids love helping me prepare it, especially the breading part – it's a fun and engaging activity for them. It's a wonderful way to spend quality time together while creating a delicious meal.
Why this recipe works so well for busy families:
- Time-saving steps: The preparation and cooking time is relatively short, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-pan wonder (mostly!): Minimizes cleanup!
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves it, making it a great solution for picky eaters.
- Flexible sides: It pairs well with various sides, allowing for meal customization.
- Make-ahead potential: The sauce can be prepared ahead of time, saving even more time on the day you cook it.
Beyond the practicality, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. It's more than just a meal; it's a reminder of a time when I was just starting out as a wife and a cook. It’s a testament to the simple joys of sharing a good meal with loved ones, and the enduring power of friendship – the friend who shared the original recipe, of course, deserves a huge thank you! This dish evokes a feeling of warmth and togetherness, reminding me of the simple pleasures in life. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a legacy, a comforting tradition that I happily continue to share with my family and hopefully pass along to my own children someday. Each time I prepare it, I'm not just cooking a meal, but creating memories that will last a lifetime, one delicious bite at a time.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few variations, adding different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Sometimes I add a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or use different types of cheese, depending on what I have on hand. But the core recipe remains unchanged – a simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know how yours turns out!
