Country Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
The Classic Comfort Food That Feels Like a Warm Hug
When it comes to classic comfort food, few meals hit the soul quite like Country Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Crispy, golden-fried steak smothered in creamy, peppered gravy, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes — it’s Southern comfort at its finest.
This isn’t just dinner. It’s a plate full of tradition, love, and flavor that brings everyone to the table.
What Is Country Fried Steak, Anyway?
Country Fried Steak — sometimes called Chicken Fried Steak — takes a humble cut of beef (usually cube steak), dredges it in seasoned flour, and pan-fries it until golden and crisp. The magic? It’s topped with a rich, creamy white gravy made from the flavorful drippings left in the pan.
Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that’s warm, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the steak:
4 beef cube steaks
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the gravy:
3 tablespoons of pan drippings (after frying steak)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 to 2 1/2 cups milk
Salt and LOTS of black pepper, to taste
For the mashed potatoes:
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup milk (more as needed)
4 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It
🥩 For the Country Fried Steak:
Set up your dredging station: In one bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. In another bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dredge the steaks: Dip each steak in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and then back into the flour. Press to coat well.
Fry until golden: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Fry the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side or until crisp and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
🥣 For the Gravy:
Remove all but 3 tablespoons of oil from the skillet (leave the browned bits).
Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.
Season generously with salt and plenty of black pepper. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
🥔 For the Mashed Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth and fluffy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Plate up a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, top with a crispy fried steak, and ladle that creamy gravy all over. Add a side of green beans, sweet corn, or buttermilk biscuits to complete the experience.
