When it comes to cooking affordable meals, one of the biggest hurdles many of us face is finding ways to make delicious and satisfying dishes without breaking the bank. One way to accomplish this is by incorporating cheaper cuts of steak into your repertoire. Yes, you read that right – we’re talking about cheap steak! While some may think that “cheap” and “delicious” are mutually exclusive when it comes to steak, we’re here to tell you that’s just not true.
In fact, with a little creativity and experimentation, you can create mouthwatering, flavor-packed meals using affordable cuts of steak. From pan-seared garlic butter steaks to slow-cooked cube steaks with rich gravies, the options are endless when it comes to making the most of your grocery budget. And that’s exactly what we’re going to explore in this article – 18 flavorful and budget-friendly cheap steak recipes that will become staples in your kitchen.
Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Steak
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that yields a tender and juicy steak.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds ribeye or strip loin steak, at room temperature
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Add the garlic butter to the preheated pan and let it melt for 1 minute.
5. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Gravy
This hearty slow cooker recipe transforms cube steak into tender, flavorful comfort food, served with a rich and savory gravy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cube steak (about 10-12 pieces)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Season the cube steak with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine sliced onion and minced garlic.
3. Add the seasoned cube steak on top of the onion mixture.
4. Pour in beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour with a little water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker contents.
7. Serve hot, spooning some of the rich gravy over the tender cube steak.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri
Savor the bold flavors of Argentina with this simple yet impressive recipe. Grilled skirt steak is smothered in a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs skirt steak
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season skirt steak with salt and pepper.
3. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until desired level of doneness.
4. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
5. Meanwhile, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, and red wine vinegar in a bowl.
6. Add olive oil and mix well to create chimichurri sauce.
7. Serve sliced skirt steak with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Thinly Sliced Steak
Savor the flavors of Asia-inspired cuisine with this quick and easy stir-fry recipe featuring thinly sliced steak, crisp broccoli, and savory soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb thinly sliced beef (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into bite-sized strips
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
4. Add the broccoli florets and minced garlic; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until broccoli is tender-crisp.
5. Return the beef strips to the skillet and pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cheesy Steak Quesadillas
Elevate your quesadilla game with the rich flavors of steak and melted cheese. These Cheesy Steak Quesadillas are perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 2 large tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the steak strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. Let cool.
3. In a separate pan, warm tortillas over low heat for 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable.
4. Assemble quesadillas by placing shredded cheese, cooked steak, and cilantro on one half of the tortilla. Fold the other half to enclose.
5. Cook quesadillas in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, or until crispy and melted.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steak and Potato Foil Packets
Impress your family with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines tender steak, creamy potatoes, and savory herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the steak into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on desired serving size.
3. Place a piece of steak in the center of a large piece of aluminum foil.
4. Add a few potato slices and a sprinkle of thyme around the steak.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the foil over the ingredients, creating a sealed packet.
7. Repeat for each serving.
8. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the steak reaches desired doneness.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Marinated Flank Steak Tacos
Tender and flavorful flank steak marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, and spices, served in crispy tacos with your favorite toppings. This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. In a large ziplock bag, combine lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the flank steak to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with sliced steak, your choice of toppings, and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including marinating time)
Beef Stroganoff with Sirloin Steak
A classic Russian dish gets a boost from tender sirloin steak, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak strips; cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Transfer to plate; keep warm.
2. In same skillet, add onion and mushrooms; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Add garlic, beef broth, cream, tomato paste, and mustard. Stir to combine; bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low; let sauce thicken slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Serve steak with sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with parsley or dill.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Steak and Egg Breakfast Skillet
Start your day with a hearty, flavorful breakfast skillet that combines the richness of steak with the comfort of scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak, sliced into thin strips
– 4 large eggs
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the steak strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Crack in the eggs and scramble until cooked through.
6. Return the steak to the skillet and stir to combine with eggs and vegetables.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Round Steak
This recipe yields a mouthwatering round steak glazed with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The acidity in the balsamic vinegar helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) round steak
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and brown sugar.
3. Season the round steak with salt and pepper.
4. Place the steak in a large skillet or oven-safe pan and brush the glaze all over the meat.
5. Roast the steak in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes (depending on the size of the steak)
Steak and Mushroom Stir-Fry
A flavorful and savory stir-fry that combines tender steak with sautéed mushrooms, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the steak strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
3. Add the mushrooms and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
4. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return the steak strips to the skillet and stir to coat with the mushroom sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheap Steak Fajitas with Bell Peppers
A flavorful and budget-friendly twist on traditional fajitas, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak (or substitute with skirt steak)
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 small flour tortillas
– 1 packet of fajita seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Slice the steak into thin strips and season with salt, pepper, and fajita seasoning.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Leave any juices in the pan.
4. Add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the fajitas by placing the steak and vegetable mixture onto the tortillas.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steak and Onion Sandwiches
Savor the flavors of a juicy steak paired with caramelized onions on toasted bread – the perfect comfort food sandwich.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce leaves (optional)
– Mayonnaise or other spread (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
4. In a large skillet, cook the sliced onions over medium-low heat in olive oil, stirring occasionally, until they’re dark golden brown and caramelized (about 20-25 minutes).
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the sliced steak on each bun, topping with caramelized onions, lettuce leaves (if using), and mayonnaise or spread (if using).
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Pepper-Crusted Minute Steak
Elevate the humble minute steak with a crunchy pepper crust and a hint of savory flavor. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 minute steaks (about 1/4 pound each)
– 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together black pepper, kosher salt, and garlic powder.
3. Pat the minute steaks dry with paper towels.
4. Sprinkle both sides of each steak with the pepper mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes total
Steak and Rice Bowls with Teriyaki Sauce
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe, featuring tender steak, savory rice, and a rich teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: diced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Grill or pan-fry the steak to desired doneness (medium-rare recommended). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
4. Divide cooked rice between bowls. Top with sliced steak, then drizzle the teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the top.
5. Garnish with optional toppings of your choice.
Cooking Time:
– Rice: 20-25 minutes
– Steak: 8-12 minutes (grilling) or 4-6 minutes (pan-frying)
– Total preparation time: approximately 30 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Steak and Rice Bowls with Teriyaki Sauce!
Beef and Bean Steak Chili
Satisfy your cravings with this hearty, comforting chili recipe that combines tender beef, creamy beans, and rich flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in or a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef steak, sliced into thin strips
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cooked kidney beans
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef steak in a large pot over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Steak and Veggie Kebabs
Elevate your outdoor cooking with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines tender steak with colorful vegetables, all on a single skewer. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 zucchinis, sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread steak, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and zucchinis onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until steak reaches desired doneness.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Garlic Lime Steak Salad
Garlic Lime Steak Salad Recipe
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of flavor without breaking the bank! This article brings you 18 mouth-watering and budget-friendly steak recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic pan-seared garlic butter steak to steak and potato foil packets, slow cooker cube steak with gravy to cheesy steak quesadillas, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a steak lover or just looking for a quick and easy meal solution, these recipes are perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the taste of savings!
