Simply Cookin' chef Mitzi Stinson makes a hearty Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy in under 30 minutes.

Serve the steak with quick mashed potatoes and gravy for a complete comfort meal that's easily duplicated to feed any size crowd.

Or, add a glass of your favorite red wine to turn it into a romantic dinner for two.

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee, Food Network

2 packages ranch salad dressing mix

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 cup all-purpose flour

Ground black pepper, to taste

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 cups buttermilk

1 lb. cubed steak, cut into 4 pieces

Oil, for frying

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup milk

1 (2.64-ounce) package gravy mix

Mashed potatoes, for serving

Combine flour, 1 package salad dressing mix, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder and pepper, to taste, in a large plastic bag. Set aside.

Combine another package salad dressing mix, egg, and 2 cups buttermilk in a shallow bowl.

Soak steaks in buttermilk mixture.

Remove 1 steak and toss in flour mixture.

Shake off any excess flour and dip again in the buttermilk mixture.

Return to flour mixture and toss.

Repeat process for remaining steaks.

Heat 1/2-inch layer of oil in a large cast iron skillet to 350 degrees F.

Place 2 steaks in the pan at a time.

Cook for 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Drain on paper towels.

To make the gravy, combine 1 cup milk, chicken broth, and gravy package in small saucepan.

Bring to simmer over medium heat and stir well.

Top steaks with gravy and serve with mashed potatoes and gravy, if desired.