When it comes to cooking, one of the most daunting tasks can be finding a recipe that fits your budget. Steak is often thought of as a luxury item, but with these 18 delicious and affordable recipes, you can enjoy a mouthwatering steak dinner without breaking the bank. From classic skillet steak to international-inspired dishes like Korean-Style Grilled Steak, we’ve got you covered. And the best part? These recipes are all under $10 per serving, making them perfect for families, students, or anyone looking to save some cash.
In this article, we’ll be diving into a variety of cheap steak recipes that use thinly sliced steaks, cube steak, and even leftover steak to create something new. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these easy-to-make dishes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Garlic Butter Skillet Steak
Sear a tender steak with a rich garlic butter sauce, served hot and sizzling from the skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Add the garlic and thyme to the skillet; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the butter to the skillet; let it melt and foam slightly, about 2 minutes.
5. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
7. Serve the steak hot, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Seared Cube Steak with Onions
Pan-Seared Cube Steak with Onions Recipe
Get ready for a flavorful and tender steak dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cube steak (1 1/2 inches thick)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season the cube steak with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the cube steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
7. Add sliced onions to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
8. Serve the cube steak with sautéed onions spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Tender steak cooked to perfection with a sweet and savory pepper sauce – perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
2. Place the sliced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper in the slow cooker.
3. Add the beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cumin to the slow cooker.
4. Place the seasoned steak on top of the peppers and onions.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ. This Argentine-inspired dish combines the rich flavor of grilled flank steak with the bright, herby taste of chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the flank steak with olive oil.
4. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. While the steak is cooking, whisk together red wine vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl.
6. Stir in the parsley mixture and adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve the grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Thinly Sliced Steak
A classic Chinese-inspired dish, this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Thinly sliced steak adds a tender touch to the savory combination of beef, broccoli, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thinly sliced beef (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the pan. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Return the beef to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute, combining with the broccoli mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steak Tacos with Homemade Corn Tortillas
A flavorful twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines tender steak with crispy homemade corn tortillas and a burst of fresh toppings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups cornmeal
– 1/2 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Toppings: diced onions, cilantro, salsa, avocado
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the steak and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from marinade and cook to desired doneness, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Meanwhile, combine cornmeal and warm water in a bowl. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Fry tortillas in hot oil for about 30 seconds on each side, or until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
6. Slice the cooked steak against the grain. Assemble tacos by placing steak onto tortillas and topping with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Round Steak
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory balsamic glazed round steak recipe, perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds round steak (such as top round or rump roast)
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic, and honey.
3. Season the round steak with salt and pepper.
4. Place the steak on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a broiler pan.
5. Brush the balsamic glaze mixture evenly over both sides of the steak.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended).
7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Steak Quesadillas
Savor the flavor of tender steak, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla with this easy-to-make quesadilla recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, onion, and garlic. Add the sliced steak and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
3. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook the steak to desired doneness (about 4-6 minutes per side).
4. Meanwhile, preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese on half of the tortilla.
6. Slice the cooked steak into thin strips and place on top of the cheese.
7. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts and the tortilla crisps.
8. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until crispy and golden.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Steak and Potato Foil Packets
A simple yet satisfying meal that’s ready in no time! These foil packets combine tender steak with fluffy potatoes, all wrapped up in a flavorful package.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 sheets of aluminum foil (depending on size)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the steak into thin strips and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place a few slices of potato on each sheet of foil, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Add a few pieces of steak on top of the potatoes.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the steak and potatoes.
6. Fold the foil over the ingredients to create a tight packet.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Marinated Minute Steaks with Mushroom Gravy
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound minute steaks (thinly sliced beef strips)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large ziplock bag, combine soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the minute steaks to the marinade, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove steaks from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook steaks in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Meanwhile, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
7. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 1 minute.
8. Serve steaks with mushroom gravy spooned over the top.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Korean-Style Grilled Steak
Elevate your grilling game with this bold and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, water, and sesame oil.
2. Add the flank steak to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steak and Egg Breakfast Skillet
Savor a hearty and flavorful breakfast with this Steak and Egg Breakfast Skillet recipe, featuring tender steak, crispy potatoes, and creamy scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak or ribeye, sliced into thin strips
– 2 large eggs
– 1 medium-sized potato, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1-2 slices of cooked bacon
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until they’re almost set.
5. Place the cooked steak back into the skillet and stir to combine with the potatoes and eggs.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef Stroganoff with Sirloin Tips
A classic Russian-inspired dish, this Beef Stroganoff recipe is quick and easy to prepare, featuring tender sirloin tips cooked in a savory sauce with egg noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sirloin tips
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook sirloin tips in boiling water until browned, about 5 minutes; drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms to the skillet; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add cooked sirloin tips to the skillet; stir to coat with sauce.
6. Serve over cooked egg noodles, garnished with parsley or dill.
Cooking Time: About 30 minutes
Steak Fried Rice with Leftover Steak
Transform leftover steak into a flavorful and filling meal with this simple recipe. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced leftover steak
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Push the onion mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the beaten eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the onion mixture. Then, add the diced leftover steak and stir-fry until heated through.
6. Stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes
Steak and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
A twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the savory flavors of steak and cheese with the sweetness of bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound flank steak, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers, removing seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook the steak strips over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add olive oil, garlic, and breadcrumbs. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Stuff each pepper with cooked steak, cheese, and breadcrumb mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Simple Steak Salad with Lemon Dressing
A refreshing and flavorful salad that pairs grilled steak with crisp greens and a tangy lemon dressing, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness. Let rest before slicing into thin strips.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese (if using).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Slice grilled steak into thin strips and place on top of the salad.
5. Drizzle lemon dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steak and Bean Burritos
A flavorful twist on traditional burritos, this recipe combines tender steak with creamy beans, wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Salsa, sour cream, and cilantro for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season steak with salt, pepper, and cumin.
3. Grill steak for 5-6 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
5. Add black beans to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Slice grilled steak into thin strips.
7. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
8. Assemble burritos by placing sliced steak, bean mixture, and shredded cheese (if using) onto each tortilla.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Skillet Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
A flavorful and impressive one-pan dinner that’s sure to please. This recipe combines tender steak with a rich and aromatic garlic herb butter, all cooked to perfection in a single skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the steak reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve with the garlic herb butter spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a culinary journey with these 18 delicious and budget-friendly steak recipes! From classic garlic butter skillet steak to innovative dishes like steak tacos with homemade corn tortillas, there’s something for every palate. Slow cooker pepper steak, grilled flank steak with chimichurri, and cheesy steak quesadillas are just a few highlights from this mouth-watering collection. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight meals or impressive dinner party options, these recipes will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.