Beef Round Steak Recipe – Tender, Flavorful, and Easy-to-Make Meals

Beef Round Steak Recipe

Cooking beef round steak can seem intimidating because it’s a lean cut of meat, often labeled as tough or chewy. But the truth is, with the proper preparation techniques, beef round steak can transform into a delicious dish full of rich flavor and satisfying textures. Whether you’re looking to slow-cook it for a cozy family meal or grill it for a summer gathering, this affordable cut of meat holds endless potential.

Beef Round Steak Recipe

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the best beef round steak recipe, from selecting the proper cut to mastering different cooking techniques. So, get ready to impress with this underrated steak, and let’s dive into how you can make it shine.

What is Beef Round Steak?

Beef round steak comes from the cow’s hindquarters, an area known for its lean muscle. Because of its minimal fat content, it’s not as tender as premium cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. However, round steak makes up for it with flavor and versatility.

Common Types of Beef Round Steak

  • Top Round: The most tender part of the round, ideal for roasting, grilling, and stir-fries.
  • Bottom Round: Slightly more challenging but excellent for slow-cooked dishes like pot roasts and stews.
  • Eye of Round: A more minor, leaner cut that works best when roasted or thinly sliced.
  • Cube Steak: Pre-tenderized by the butcher, often used for frying or braising.

When cooked properly, these cuts can become the star of your dinner table, offering an outstanding balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition.

How to Make Beef Round Steak Tender

One of the most common concerns with beef round steak is achieving tenderness. While it’s naturally lean, there are several methods to unlock its potential.

Tenderizing Techniques

  1. Marination:
    • Use acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or wine to break down muscle fibers.
    • A marinade with garlic, olive oil, and herbs can work wonders.
  2. Pounding with a Mallet:
    • Place the steak between plastic wrap and gently pound it with a meat mallet.
    • This softens the meat and ensures even cooking.
  3. Salt Resting:
    • Coat the steak generously with salt and sit for 30-60 minutes.
    • Salt draws moisture to the surface, which reabsorbs during cooking, keeping the meat juicy.
  4. Slow Cooking and Braising:
    • Cook the steak with broth or sauce over low heat for a few hours to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Beef Round Steak Recipe

Essential Ingredients for Beef Round Steak Recipe

You’ll need a few pantry staples to make your beef round steak tender and flavorful. Here’s a quick overview:

IngredientQuantity
Top Round Steak 1 lb
Onion (sliced) 1 large
Beef broth 2 cups
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Salt and pepper To taste

These ingredients form the foundation of a delicious braised round steak but feel free to adjust them to suit your taste.

Step-by-Step Beef Round Steak Recipe

Let’s walk through a classic braised round steak recipe that brings out the best in this cut of meat.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb top round steak
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Skillet:
  2. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  3. Season and Sear the Steak:
  4. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Sear both sides for 2-3 minutes until browned.
  5. Add Aromatics:
  6. Toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  7. Braise the Steak:
  8. Pour the beef broth, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Let the steak simmer for 1.5-2 hours.
  9. Rest and Serve:
  10. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

This braising method ensures your beef round steak will be tender, juicy, and flavorful.

Variations of Beef Round Steak Recipes

There are endless ways to prepare beef round steak, from quick grilled meals to slow-cooked stews. Here are some variations to try:

  1. Grilled Garlic and Herb Round Steak
  • Marinate the steak overnight in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice.
  • Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare finish.
  1. Slow-cooked beef and Vegetable Stew
  • Sear the bottom round steak, then add it to a slow cooker with potatoes, carrots, and broth.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hearty, flavorful stew.
  1. Country-Fried Cube Steak
  • Coat cube steaks in seasoned flour, dip them in buttermilk and fry until crispy.
  • Serve with creamy gravy for an authentic Southern comfort dish.
Beef Round Steak Recipe

How to Store and Reheat Beef Round Steak

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results:

  • Refrigeration:
  • Store the steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing:
  • Wrap the steak tightly in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating Tips:
    • Use low heat to prevent the meat from drying out.
    • Add a splash of broth or sauce to retain moisture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Uses an affordable cut of meat without sacrificing flavor.
  • Simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
  • Can be adapted to slow cookers or grills for versatility.
  • Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or weekend gatherings.

Reheating Instructions

Best Reheating Methods:

  • Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes with a bit of broth to prevent drying.
  • Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and reheat on low with a splash of broth.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Dishes:
    • Mashed potatoes
    • Roasted vegetables (like carrots and asparagus)
    • Buttered rice or egg noodles
    • Creamed spinach
  • Recommended Accompaniments:
    • A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
    • Garlic bread or dinner rolls
    • A glass of red wine or sparkling water
Beef Round Steak Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I tenderize beef round steak without a mallet?

  • You can use a marinade with vinegar or citrus juice to soften the meat naturally.

2. Can I use round steak for grilling?

  • Yes! Top-round steak works well on the grill when marinated for at least 8 hours.

3. What’s the difference between top round and bottom round?

  • The top round is more tender and suitable for roasting or grilling, while the bottom round is best for slow cooking.

4. How long should I marinate beef round steak?

  • Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight marination will yield the best results.

Conclusion – Elevate Your Cooking with Beef Round Steak

Cooking beef round steak doesn’t have to be complicated. With the proper preparation, you can transform this affordable cut into a tender, flavorful dish that rivals more expensive steaks. Whether you braise it slowly, grill it with herbs, or fry it for a crispy finish, beef round steak offers plenty of options for any occasion.

Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks, it’s time to try it yourself! Which recipe will you make first? Share your culinary creations with us on social media using #RoundSteakRecipe—we’d love to see what you cook up!

Beef Round Steak Recipe 6

Beef Round Steak Recipe

This braised beef round steak recipe transforms a lean cut into a tender, flavorful dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb top round steak
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat Skillet:

  • Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.

Season and Sear:

  • Season the steak with salt and pepper. Sear both sides for 2-3 minutes until browned.

Add Aromatics:

  • Add sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Braise the Steak:

  • Pour in the beef broth. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 1.5-2 hours.

Rest the Steak:

  • Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Serve:

  • Slice the steak and serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetables.

Notes

  • For additional flavor, add a splash of red wine to the broth.
  • Feel free to swap top round with bottom round if you prefer a more rustic texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 420mg
Keyword beef round steak recipe, braised beef, tender steak recipe

3 thoughts on “Beef Round Steak Recipe – Tender, Flavorful, and Easy-to-Make Meals”

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating