I read an interesting article on The New York Times site about beef cube steak and it mentioned that sales increased by 10% in the last quarter of 2008. This is surely a sign where the economy’s at and signaling a growing interest in budget cooking (you can read the article here: nytimes.com ^[1]).

The cut is simply round steak that’s been pulverized a bit to make it more tender. There’s no doubt that this economical cut of beef can help save money on groceries ^[2], but the challenge is how to cook it so that’s not only edible–but tasty too.

This Hit List collection offers nearly a dozen recipes to try, some in the more traditional way (fried with gravy or a slow-cooked casserole), while others offer a tasty twist. Enjoy!

1. Chicken Fried with Diced Potato Gravy ^[3]: In this classic, the meat is dipped in an egg mixture then fried, served with homemade Diced Potato Gravy (directions included). From Food Network.
2. Parmigiana Style ^[4]: If you’re tired of fried, this one dresses it up Italian-style with cheese, tomato sauce, basil and oregano. From Taste Of Home.
3. Cheese Sandwich ^[5]: (Yields 2) Cheesesteak-style, made with fresh mozzarella, brown sugar, sliced onion, Worcestershire, butter, French/hoagie/deli rolls. From lol foodie.
4. Two Fast & Easy Sandwiches ^[6]: One is a mock Philly cheese style, the other is slathered with onions, mushrooms and other tasty goodies. From Bay Area Bites.
5. Shortcut Stew ^[7]: Ingredients include flour, salt, pepper, shortening. sliced onion, minced garlic, potatoes, a can of tomato puree/crushed tomatoes, bouillon, water, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, sage, parsley, Gravy Master, frozen green peas/mixed vegetables, chopped green pepper, Bisquick mix and milk (for dumplings). From Dinner At Christina’s.
6. Milanese ^[8]: Plum tomatoes, diced red onion, eggs, plain dry breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, minced fresh parsley, ground pepper, extra-virgin olive oil, baby arugula, fresh basil leaves, fresh lemon juice and garnished with lemon wedges. From Eating Well.
7. Southern Style with Milk Gravy ^[9]: Smothered in a creamy and flavorful milk gravy, this dish is yet another bit of proof that simple food is often times the best! From Southern Plate.
8. Casserole ^[10]: Dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup (canned), water, Minute Rice (white or brown), flour, salt and pepper. From Serendipity Bistro.
9. Easy Crockpot Dish ^[11]: All you need is a packet of Lipton Onion Soup mix and cans of mushroom soup. From Mormon Mavens.
10. Budget Friendly Stroganoff ^[12]: Egg noodles, flour, onion, olive oil, butter, water, evaporated milk, beef granules, cayenne, ground rosemary, season salt, sour cream. From Day to Day with Debra.
11. Southwest Rolls ^[13]: Cornbread stuffing mix, stewed tomatoes (can), diced green chilis (canned), chili powder. From Eat at Home.
12. Braised with Orange ^[14]: Quick & easy, can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Ingredients include vegetable oil, thinly sliced onion, freshly grated orange zest, minced garlic, low-salt broth, soy sauce. Found at Epicurious.