Boneless Beef Chuck Steak Recipe (Easy, Juicy & Delicious)

I have been cooking chuck steak for years, and I can tell you this cut gets a bad rap for no good reason. Most people call it the "poor man's ribeye" but I call it smart cooking - you get an incredibly rich flavor without breaking the bank.

The secret is knowing how to treat it right, and once you master this boneless beef chuck steak recipe, you'll understand why my family loved it so much they ask for it every Sunday.

This steak has so much flavor that it rivals any expensive cut when you cook it properly.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chuck steaks (about 1-inch thick)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
• 2 tsp black pepper (salt and pepper to taste)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ cup beef broth

For Italian Herb Compound Butter

• ½ cup room temperature butter
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp Italian spices

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chuck Steak

Take your boneless chuck steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat each steak dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt, coarse sea salt, and black pepper on both sides.

The seasoning needs time to penetrate the meat, so don't rush this step. While the steaks rest, preheat your large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it's smoking hot.

Step 2: Make the Compound Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, fresh herbs, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and Italian spices. Mix everything together until well combined, then place plastic wrap over the mixture and roll it into a butter log.

You can make this ahead and store it in the fridge - the butter melts beautifully over the hot steak. This compound butter adds incredible depth and makes every bite restaurant-quality.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks

Add olive oil to your hot skillet and carefully place the chuck steaks in the pan. Don't move them for 4-5 minutes - let them develop a beautiful crust. The searing process locks in the juices and creates that steakhouse quality meal flavor you're looking for. Flip once and cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium rare steak, or adjust based on your preference.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Finish

Add the unsalted butter, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme to the iron skillet along with the minced garlic. Tilt the pan and baste the steaks with the melted butter using a spoon.

This technique adds incredible flavor and helps the steak cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness - 130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the steaks from the cast iron and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.

Top each steak with a slice of your Italian herb compound butter and watch as the steak butter melts over the surface. Serve immediately while the garlic butter is still warm and fragrant.

"Chuck steak is one of the most underrated cuts in the meat department. When cooked properly with high heat and good seasoning, it delivers flavor that rivals much more expensive steaks."

- Michael Symon, American chef and restaurateur

Recipe Notes

• Start with quality meat: Look for grass-fed chuck steak from a reputable butcher or meat department. The marbling should be visible throughout, and the meat should have a deep red color. Good quality chuck steak makes all the difference in the final result.
• Temperature control is key: Keep your skillet at medium-high heat throughout the cooking process. Too low and you won't get a good sear, too high and you'll burn the outside before the inside cooks properly. The cast iron skillet retains heat perfectly for this job.
• Don't skip the resting time: Letting your steak rest after cooking is just as important as the cooking itself. The muscle fibers relax and the juices redistribute, giving you a much more tender and juicy result when you slice into it.
• Make extra compound butter: This steak butter keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and works great on other grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even spread on bread. You can freeze the butter log for up to three months.
• Use a meat thermometer: Don't guess when it comes to doneness. A good meat thermometer takes the guesswork out and helps you cook chuck steak to the perfect temperature every time, whether you prefer medium or medium rare.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Nutrition Calories: 485
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbs: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 890mg

How to Pick the Right Chuck Steak

I always spend extra time at the meat counter because choosing the right cut makes or breaks this recipe.

• Look for even thickness: Choose chuck steaks that are uniformly thick (about 1 to 1.5 inches) so they cook evenly. Thin spots will overcook while thick areas stay raw, so consistency matters more than you think.
• Check the marbling: Good chuck eye steak should have white fat streaks running through the red meat. This marbling melts during cooking and keeps the meat moist while adding incredible flavor throughout each bite.
• Feel for firmness: Fresh chuck steak should feel firm to the touch and spring back when pressed. Avoid any meat that feels mushy or leaves an indent when touched - that's a sign it's been sitting too long.
• Color matters: Look for bright red meat without any brown or gray patches. The fat should be white or cream-colored, never yellow or gray, which indicates the meat is past its prime.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With

When I make this for dinner tonight, these sides always get requested alongside the steak.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Nothing beats the classic combination of steak and mashed potatoes. The creamy texture soaks up any pan juices beautifully, and the mild flavor lets the chuck steak shine. Make them extra rich with butter and cream for the perfect comfort food pairing.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Toss seasonal vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until caramelized. The natural sweetness from roasting complements the savory steak perfectly, and the different textures keep every bite interesting throughout the meal.

3. Garlic Green Beans

Sauté fresh green beans with minced garlic and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. They add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich steak and cook quickly in the same cast iron skillet after you remove the meat.

4. Loaded Baked Potatoes

Bake russet potatoes until fluffy, then load them with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives. The hearty potato pairs perfectly with chuck steak and makes the meal feel like a real steakhouse experience at home.

5. Simple Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the steak and compound butter. The fresh lettuce and bright flavors help balance out this otherwise heavy and satisfying meal.

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