Smothered Steak and Rice

Tender smothered steak with rich brown gravy served over fluffy white rice.

5 from 3 votes

Smothered Steak and Rice

Tender, slow-cooked steak simmered in a rich, savory gravy with onions, bell peppers, and Cajun spices. Serve over fluffy rice for a comforting, flavor-packed meal the whole family will love.

Prep Time15

Cook Time3

Course: Beef Recipe

Cuisine: American

Keyword: smothered steak and rice

Servings:

Author: Tatiana

Ingredients

2 pounds steak round or any affordable cut
2 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided
2 ½ teaspoons onion powder divided
2 ½ teaspoons garlic powder divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion finely diced
1 green bell pepper diced
1 stalk celery diced
4 cloves garlic minced
4 cups water as needed for gravy
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mild hot sauce to taste
1/2 tablespoon beef bouillon powder
2 tablespoons flour only if needed
6 cups cooked rice

Instructions

Season the Steak: Generously season the steak with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and salt.
Sear the Steak: Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the steak until browned on both sides. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Stir to loosen the browned bits. Add a splash of water to deglaze.
Prepare the Gravy Base: Cook until the onions are soft, then mash the vegetables to form a thick base. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
Add the Steak and Water: Return the seared steak to the pot and pour 4 cups of water into the pot.
Simmer: Add the dried parsley, the remaining ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and beef bouillon. Simmer with the lid off for about 1.5 hours, then cover and cook on low for another 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. (For a quicker version, you can use the Instant Pot)*
Note: If the gravy is too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the gravy and simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.
Serve hot over freshly cooked rice.

Notes

*Instant Pot Method:

Transfer to Instant Pot: Transfer the seared steak and sautéed vegetables to the Instant Pot. Add 2 cups of water, beef bouillon, and the remaining seasonings.
Pressure Cook: Seal the lid, set to High Pressure for 40 minutes, then natural release for 15-20 minutes.
Thicken if Needed: If the gravy is too thin, use the Sauté mode to reduce it to your desired consistency or use the flour mixture.

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