I’ve always loved hearty, comforting meals. The smell of slow-cooked round steak in a savory gravy is amazing. It’s like a taste of home, reminding me of family dinners and Sunday suppers.
Beef round steak is perfect for any meal. It’s tender, flavorful, and easy on the wallet. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a big celebration, round steak can make it special.
Key Takeaways
- Beef round steak is a lean and tough cut that benefits from slow, moist cooking methods
- Round steak can be tenderized through marinating, pounding, or braising to achieve fork-tender results
- Top round, bottom round, and eye of round are common round steak cuts with unique characteristics
- Slow cooker, oven braising, and grilling are excellent cooking techniques for juicy, flavorful round steak
- Marinades, sauces, and side dishes can enhance the natural beefy flavor of round steak
What is Round Steak?
Round steak comes from the cow’s rear leg, known as the “round.” It’s divided into subcuts like top round, bottom round, and eye of round. Each round steak type has its own taste and cooking needs.
Understanding the Different Cuts of Round Steak
The top round steak is tender with a fine texture and some marbling. The bottom round steak is tougher, with a coarser grain and less fat. The eye of round steak is the tenderest but can dry out if not cooked right.
- Top round steak: Tender with moderate marbling
- Bottom round steak: Tougher with coarser grain and less fat
- Eye of round steak: Most tender, but can be dry if overcooked
Round steak is known for its strong beef flavor and is affordable for families. But, it’s lean, so it needs careful cooking to stay tender and juicy.
“Round steak is a versatile and economical cut of beef that, when properly prepared, can be a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal.”
Tender and Juicy Smothered Round Steak
Turn an affordable cut of meat into a tasty dish with this smothered round steak recipe. It’s slow-cooked to perfection. The braised round steak is topped with a rich mushroom and onion gravy. This makes a comforting meal for any time.
The secret to this round steak with mushroom gravy is slow-cooking. This method breaks down the meat’s connective tissues. It makes the steak tender and juicy, melting in your mouth.
To start, sear the steak in a hot skillet to keep the flavor in. Then, place the steak in a bed of sautéed mushrooms and onions. Pour a savory broth over it. After three hours of simmering, the smothered round steak is tender, juicy, and in a rich gravy.
Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles. This way, you can soak up all the sauce. Leftover smothered round steak can be stored for 3-4 days. It’s a great option for easy dinners.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 per serving |
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
Enjoy the tender texture and savory flavors of this smothered round steak recipe. It’s a comforting dish that will be loved by your family.
“The slow braising method tenderizes the meat, retains its moisture, and creates steaks that are fork-tender.”
beef round steak recipes
Discover a mouthwatering collection of beef round steak recipes. They’re simple to make and ideal for any occasion. Round steak is a versatile cut of beef that can be transformed into tender, flavorful meals with the right cooking techniques.
One of our favorite round steak recipes is the Round Steak Beef and Gravy. This comforting dish takes just 10 minutes to prep and 3 hours to cook. It results in a deliciously tender and juicy steak smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Serving 6 people, this recipe provides 255 calories per serving, with 35g of protein and just 10g of fat.
For a quick and easy round steak dinner, try our Garlic and Herb Grilled Round Steak. This recipe calls for just 1.5 to 2 lbs of top round steak, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or clarified butter, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish, and enjoy this flavorful dish in just 10-15 minutes.
| Recipe | Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Nutrition (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Steak Beef and Gravy | 6 | 10 minutes | 3 hours | 3 hours 20 minutes | Calories: 255, Carbs: 5g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 10g |
| Garlic and Herb Grilled Round Steak | 4-6 | 10-15 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 20-30 minutes | Calories: 180, Carbs: 0g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 8g |
Whether you’re in the mood for a slow-cooked, smothered round steak or a quick, flavorful grilled version, these round steak recipes are sure to satisfy. Explore our collection of the best round steak recipes and easy round steak recipes for a delicious and hassle-free meal any night of the week.
Tips for Tenderizing Round Steak
Round steak is a bit tough because of its high connective tissue and muscle origin. To make it tender and tasty, you need to tenderize it first. Here are some ways to do it:
Mechanical Tenderizing
- Use a meat mallet or tenderizing tool to pound the steak and break down the tough fibers.
- Score the surface of the steak with a knife, creating shallow cuts that allow marinades to penetrate more effectively.
- Run a tenderizing blade across the steak, slicing through the connective tissue.
Marinating for Tenderness
Marinating round steak in acidic ingredients can help break down the proteins and tenderize the meat. Some effective marinade ingredients include:
- Citrus juices (e.g., lemon, lime, or pineapple juice)
- Vinegars (e.g., balsamic, red wine, or apple cider vinegar)
- Soy sauce
- Yogurt or buttermilk
Marinate the steak for 1-8 hours, depending on the thickness of the cut, before cooking.
| Steak Cut | Marinating Time |
|---|---|
| Thicker cuts (e.g., sirloin, sirloin tip) | Approximately 8 hours |
| Thinner cuts (e.g., skirt, flank) | 2-4 hours |
By using these tenderizing methods, you can turn even the toughest round steak into a delicious meal.
Round Steak Marinade Magic
Make your round steak dishes even better with a flavorful marinade! The right mix of ingredients can turn a tough cut into a tender, juicy treat. Acidic parts in the marinade break down the meat’s tough fibers, making it softer and tastier.
There are many ways to make a round steak marinade. Try mixing pineapple juice, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce. The pineapple juice tenderizes the meat, while the soy sauce and BBQ sauce add rich, savory flavors.
For the best results, marinate your round steak for 2-4 hours, or even overnight. This long marinating time lets the flavors deeply penetrate the meat. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your steak will be.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pineapple juice | 1/2 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Barbecue sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Fresh rosemary, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
After marinating, cook your round steak to perfection. Grill, pan-sear, or slow-cook it. The marinade will have made the meat tender and full of flavor. Enjoy every bite of your delicious round steak.
Slow Cooker Round Steak Delights
Effortless and Comforting Crock Pot Recipes
Using a slow cooker or crock pot is great for tenderizing round steak. The slow heat breaks down the tough parts, making the meat tender and flavorful. It’s perfect served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice with a savory gravy or sauce.
Round steak is affordable, making it a smart choice for slow cooking. It takes 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Always use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done, aiming for 145°F for the best tenderness.
To add more flavor, mix beef broth and red wine for cooking. You can season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Round steak (cube steaks) | 4 steaks or about 1 ½ pounds |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Red wine | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
Slow cooker round steak recipes offer endless options. You can make a hearty stew, a tender braised dish, or a classic smothered steak. Try different seasonings and liquids to find your favorite.
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.. Slow cooker round steak is tender, flavorful, and convenient for busy days. It’s sure to be a favorite in your home.
Grilled Round Steak Sizzlers
Grilling round steak can be a tasty and affordable way to enjoy this cut of beef. Round steak is usually best cooked slowly, but with the right prep, it can also grill well. To keep it tender and juicy, tenderizing the meat is key.
Begin by pounding the steak with a mallet or marinating it in a mix of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. This softens the meat. After tenderizing, dry the steak and season it with your favorite spices.
Heat your grill to high and oil the grates lightly. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side for a nice crust. Then, move it to a cooler spot, cover, and cook until it’s your desired doneness. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before you slice and serve.
The trick to grilling round steak is to cook it fast over high heat, then finish it gently. This keeps it tender and juicy. Serve it with your favorite sides, like roasted potatoes or a fresh salad, for a tasty meal.
| Cooking Method | Recommended Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F |
| Medium Rare | 135°F |
| Medium | 145°F |
| Medium Well | 155°F |
| Well Done | 160°F |
For juicy and tender grilled round steak, proper prep and attention to cooking times and temperatures are crucial. With a bit of effort, you can make delicious round steak grilling and round steak recipes on the grill that will wow your family and friends.
Conclusion
Beef round steak is a versatile and budget-friendly cut of meat.
Knowing the different cuts and how to tenderize them is key. You can also try various cooking methods. This way, you can make delicious meals for any event. Whether it’s a comforting slow-cooked steak or a grilled masterpiece, you’ll find success with these tips.
Enjoy the bold flavor and health benefits of beef round steak. Let your creativity in the kitchen shine. Try different marinades, seasonings, and cooking methods to find your favorite recipes. Your family and guests will love them. Bon appetit!
