Why You’ll Love this Breaded Cube Steak
Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this breaded cube steak recipe straight from Little Italy.
I’m obsessed with how the seasoned crumb coating creates the perfect crispy exterior while the meat stays tender inside. The blend of Italian seasonings, Parmesan cheese, and that rich tomato sauce topping? Pure magic.
What really makes this dish special is the double-cheese finish – melted mozzarella and Parmesan create that gooey, stretchy bite that’s practically mandatory in Italian comfort food.
It’s sophisticated enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Ready to transform ordinary cube steak into something extraordinary?
What Ingredients are in Breaded Cube Steak?
To bring Little Italy‘s famous breaded cube steak to your dinner table, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that create that perfect balance of crispy coating, tender meat, and rich Italian flavors.
The ingredient list might look long at first glance, but most of these items are probably already in your kitchen, and the result is absolutely worth the minimal effort. This isn’t just any cube steak recipe—it’s a taste of authentic Italian-American comfort food.
- 4 beef cube steaks (4 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/3 cup crushed saltine crackers or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, divided (1/3 cup for breading, 1/3 cup for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups canned tomato sauce
- 2 1/4 teaspoons white sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
When shopping for this recipe, quality matters for a few key ingredients.
Look for nicely tenderized cube steaks—they should have visible indentations from the tenderizing process. For the cheeses, freshly grated Parmesan will melt better than the pre-grated kind in the shaker, and sliced mozzarella from the deli counter gives you that perfect melty stretch.
If you’re going the breadcrumb route instead of saltines, Italian-seasoned ones add an extra flavor boost, but plain will work too—you’re adding plenty of seasonings anyway.
How to Make this Breaded Cube Steak
Making Little Italy’s breaded cube steak is surprisingly straightforward, even for weeknight cooking. Start by setting up your breading station—the key to that perfect crispy coating. In one shallow dish, combine 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons water until well blended. For your third dish, mix 1/3 cup crushed saltines (or Italian breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand), 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. This three-step breading process might seem fussy, but trust me, it’s what gives you that restaurant-quality crust.
Now comes the fun part—let’s get cooking! Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Take each of your 4 cube steaks through the breading assembly line: first drag them through the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally press into the crumb mixture, making sure they’re thoroughly coated.
When your oil is hot but not smoking, add the steaks to the pan and cook just until they’re beautifully golden brown on each side—we’re not cooking them through yet. Transfer these crispy treasures to a greased casserole dish, arranging them in a single layer, then bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
While they’re baking, combine 1 1/4 cups tomato sauce, 2 1/4 teaspoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder in a bowl. After the initial baking time, spoon this sauce over your steaks, top each with a slice of mozzarella and a sprinkle from the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan, dust with the remaining oregano, and return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is perfectly melty and the sauce is bubbling.
The magic of this recipe lies in the two-stage cooking process. First, we create that crispy exterior in the skillet, which seals in the meat’s juices. Then, the oven time allows the steaks to cook through gently while the flavors develop. That final five minutes with the sauce and cheese transforms these simple cube steaks into something that could be served in an authentic Italian restaurant.
And don’t you dare rush that last stage—watching the cheese get all stretchy and seeing the sauce bubble around the edges is half the pleasure of making this dish. Using a premium cookware set can elevate your cooking experience by providing even heat distribution for perfectly browned steaks every time.
Breaded Cube Steak Substitutions and Variations
Flexibility reigns supreme when adapting Little Italy’s classic breaded cube steak recipe to your pantry or dietary needs.
I’m all about making this dish work with what you’ve got on hand.
No saltines? Try panko, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
Watching carbs? Almond flour makes a fantastic low-carb alternative.
The cheese game is versatile too—provolone or fontina can step in for mozzarella, creating deliciously different flavor profiles.
For a pescatarian twist, substitute thin fish fillets.
Vegetarians can use cauliflower steaks or eggplant slices, though you’ll need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
What to Serve with Breaded Cube Steak
Now that we’ve explored all those wonderful variations, let’s talk about what completes the perfect cube steak dinner.
I love pairing this breaded masterpiece with classic Italian sides. A mound of creamy garlic mashed potatoes makes an ideal base to catch that rich tomato sauce.
Want something lighter? Try a simple side salad with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables—broccoli or asparagus work beautifully here.
Don’t forget about pasta possibilities! A small portion of buttered spaghetti or fettuccine transforms this meal into true Little Italy fare.
Garlic bread? Always a must for sauce-sopping duties. Trust me, your family will clean their plates.
Final Thoughts
As you’ve journeyed through this delicious Little Italy cube steak recipe, I hope you’ve discovered why this humble cut of meat deserves a special place in your dinner rotation.
The crispy, savory crust paired with that rich tomato sauce and melty cheese creates something truly special—comfort food with an Italian twist.
What I love about this dish is its versatility and value. It transforms an inexpensive cut into something restaurant-worthy.
Can you imagine the smiles around your table when you bring this out? Remember, cooking isn’t just about feeding bodies—it’s about creating memories.
This Little Italy classic does exactly that.
And if you’re feeling ambitious, try serving it alongside a pie made with homemade crust for an impressive meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
For dessert, consider pairing this hearty meal with some traditional holiday cookies made with festive ingredients like candied cherries and pecans.
