Round Steak Recipes – Delicious and Easy Meal Ideas

As a busy parent, finding affordable, tasty, and quick dinners is a challenge. That’s why round steak is my top pick for meals. It’s budget-friendly and packed with protein, making it a great choice. Plus, it’s easy to make delicious with the right methods.

We’ll look at many round steak recipes that will excite your taste buds. You’ll learn how to make classic round steak with gravy and a garlic butter version. We’ll also share tips on cooking, seasoning, and sides. This way, you can make round steak dishes your family will enjoy.

Understanding Round Steak: A Budget-Friendly Cut

Round steak is a great choice for those looking for affordable and tasty beef. It comes from the cow’s rear leg, known as the “round.” This area is divided into different cuts, each with its own taste and texture.

Different Types of Round Cuts

• Eye Round: A lean and tender cut that is best suited for quick-cooking methods like grilling or stir-frying.
• Bottom Round: A tougher cut that benefits from slow cooking techniques like braising or slow roasting.
• Top Round: A more tender cut that can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, roasting, and pan-searing.

Nutritional Benefits of Round Steak

Round steak is not only affordable, but it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s a lean cut of beef, high in protein with about 25 grams per serving. It also has important vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.

Why Choose Round Steak for Your Meals

Round steak is perfect for families wanting to enjoy beef without spending a lot. It’s versatile, suitable for many cooking methods. With the right preparation, like marinating or tenderizing, it becomes tender and flavorful, pleasing everyone at the table.

Essential Tips for Preparing Perfect Round Steak

Tender round steak can be turned into a delicious meal with the right preparation. Whether you’re grilling, searing, or braising, these tips will help you get great results every time.

First, tenderize the round steak before cooking. Use a meat mallet to pound it. This breaks down tough fibers, making it tender. This simple step greatly improves your dish’s texture.

Next, let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even heat, leading to a perfectly cooked interior. Don’t cook it straight from the fridge, as it can cook unevenly and taste less flavorful.

1. Sear the steak over high heat to get a delicious caramelized crust. This adds flavor and keeps juices in, making the steak tender and juicy.
2. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This lets juices spread evenly, preventing them from escaping and making the steak dry.
3. Consider marinating or using a dry rub to enhance flavor and tenderize the steak. Marinades and rubs can turn an ordinary cut into a culinary masterpiece.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making mouth-watering dishes. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful results of your hard work and savor a perfectly prepared round steak meal.

Classic Round Steak and Gravy Recipe

Enjoy tender round steak with a rich onion gravy. It’s budget-friendly and easy to make. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs round steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 packet French onion soup mix (dry)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, sear the round steak pieces over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.

2. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Sprinkle the French onion soup mix and black pepper over the steak and vegetables, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

4. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the round steak and gravy for 2-3 hours, or until the steak is tender and the gravy has thickened.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the hot gravy until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture back into the skillet, stirring constantly, to thicken the gravy further.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the classic round steak and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. Add steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for a complete meal. Enjoy with your loved ones.

Garlic Butter Round Steak Recipe

Turn your round steak into a tasty dish with this garlic butter recipe. It’s easy to make and uses a budget-friendly cut. The garlic and herb butter make it extra special.

Start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over high heat and sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side. Then, lower the heat to medium and cook, basting with garlic butter and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Cook until it reaches a medium-rare of 130-135°F for the best taste and texture.

After cooking, let the steak rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This step makes it juicy and tender. Serve it with sides like roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, or a fresh salad for a full meal.

This garlic butter round steak recipe is tasty and affordable. It’s perfect for weeknights or special events. The mix of garlic, herbs, and tender steak will wow your guests.

This garlic butter round steak recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the budget-friendly round steak cut. With its savory flavor profile and tender texture, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Three Ways to Cook Round Steak

Round steak is a versatile and affordable cut of beef. It can be cooked in different ways to make it tender and flavorful. You can use the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven-baked method. Each technique has its own benefits, making meal prep easier and more enjoyable.

Instant Pot Method

The Instant Pot makes cooking round steak quick and easy. First, sear the steak on all sides in the Instant Pot. Then, add broth, vegetables, and seasonings. Cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes for a delicious dish.

Slow Cooker Method

The slow cooker is great for cooking round steak without much effort. Just put the steak in the slow cooker with your favorite seasonings and liquids. Let it cook on low for 8 hours for a tender and flavorful steak.

Oven-Baked Method

For a classic taste, try oven-baking round steak. Start by searing the steak on the stovetop. Then, bake it in a covered roasting pan at 350°F for 2 to 2.5 hours. This method makes the steak tender and juicy.

Round steak can be turned into many tasty dishes, like stews or sandwiches. Learning these three cooking methods will give you a variety of round steak recipes. Your family and friends will love them.

Round Steak Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Weeknight meals need to be fast and easy. Round steak, a budget-friendly beef cut, is perfect for this. It can be made into tasty dishes like steak and gravy or stir-fries, even on busy nights.

For a quick and tasty round steak, just season it with salt and pepper. Cook it in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side. This makes a tender steak that’s great on its own or in sandwiches and salads. Or, slice it thinly and stir-fry it with your favorite veggies for a healthy dinner.

For even tender results, slow-cook the round steak in the Instant Pot or oven. This method breaks down the tough fibers, making the steak incredibly tender. It’s perfect for quick round steak recipes and round steak meals.

“Round steak is a budget-friendly cut that can be transformed into a variety of delicious and easy weeknight dinners.”

1. Pan-Seared Round Steak with Salt and Pepper
2. Round Steak Stir-Fry with Vegetables
3. Instant Pot Round Steak and Gravy
4. Oven-Baked Round Steak with Herbs and Garlic

Round steak is a versatile and affordable choice for quick round steak recipes and round steak meals. With a bit of creativity and simple cooking methods, you can make a tasty weeknight dinner from this humble beef cut.

Marinades and Seasonings for Tenderizing Round Steak

Preparing round steak can be a challenge, but the right marinades and seasonings make all the difference. A good marinade can turn a tough cut into a tender delight. A dry rub, too, can boost the meat’s flavor and tenderize it.

Best Marinade Combinations

For tenderizing round steak, choose marinades with acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus. These acids break down tough fibers, making the steak tender. A basic marinade mixes olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs.

1. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs
2. Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper
3. Yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, and paprika

Marinate your steak for 1-8 hours, depending on its thickness. Thinner cuts like skirt steak may need 2-4 hours. Thicker cuts like top sirloin benefit from an overnight marinade of 8 hours.

Dry Rub Recommendations

A flavorful dry rub can also tenderize round steak. A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a great start. Try different spice mixes to find your favorite flavor.

• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
• Brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and oregano
• Rosemary, thyme, onion powder, and red pepper flakes

Whether you marinate or use a dry rub, let the steak soak up the flavors. This ensures tenderness and great taste.

Side Dishes That Complement Round Steak

Choosing the right side dishes can make your round steak dinner unforgettable. You can pick from classic mashed potatoes or vibrant vegetable medleys. These options can elevate your meal and satisfy your taste buds.

A grilled Romaine Caesar wedge is a crowd-pleaser. It offers a refreshing contrast to the savory steak. Smoked corn on the cob adds a delightful smoky flavor, balancing the round steak’s richness.

Caprese asparagus is a decadent pairing. It combines fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and tender asparagus. For something more indulgent, air fryer french fries are irresistible, with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

For a Southwestern twist, try a fiesta corn salad or a refreshing tomato salad. They offer a vibrant and zesty contrast to the round steak. Summer couscous salad or a grilled peach salad can also serve as satisfying side dishes.

There are endless possibilities for side dishes with round steak. With creativity and fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that will satisfy your taste buds.

“The perfect side dish can transform a good steak dinner into an unforgettable culinary experience.”

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Doneness

To get your round steak just right, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130-135°F for a tender, juicy steak. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices spread, making the steak more flavorful and tender.

Round steak is lean, so avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming tough and dry. Stick to medium-rare to medium doneness for the best taste. These tips will help you cook steak doneness perfectly and enjoy cooking round steak every time.

Getting the perfect steak doneness is all about watching the temperature and letting it rest. With a bit of practice, you’ll make round steak that’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor.