Beef Round Steak : 3 Simple Recipes for Tender Meals
You’ve picked up a beef round steak at the grocery store, excited to prepare a hearty meal. But after cooking it, you end up with something tough, chewy, and far from the tender dish you imagined. Sound familiar?
Don’t worry you’re not alone! Beef round steak is a budget-friendly cut of meat that can be packed with flavor when cooked the right way. While it’s naturally lean and a bit tough, a few techniques can transform it into a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dish.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best ways to cook beef round steak, from slow-cooked comfort meals to quick and flavorful grilled options. Plus, you’ll get step-by-step recipes and expert tips to make sure your steak turns out perfect every time.
Table of Contents
What Is This Cut of Beef (And Why Does It Need Extra TLC)?
Meet the Cut: Tough But Full of Potential
Beef round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, a hardworking muscle that results in a lean but firm texture. Unlike fatty cuts like ribeye, round steak has minimal marbling, making it prone to toughness if not cooked properly.
What Can You Do With This Steak?
The good news? This cut is incredibly versatile! You can:
Braising Slow-cooked in a flavorful broth until tender.
Grilling Marinated and seared for a smoky taste.
Slow Cooking Cooked for hours in a crockpot to soften the meat.
Stir-Frying Sliced thin and cooked quickly for a tasty meal.
Choosing & Preparing Beef Round Steak
1. How to Choose the Best Beef Round Steak
When selecting beef round steak, look for:
Bright red color Indicates freshness.
Firm texture Should bounce back when pressed.
Minimal connective tissue Reduces chewiness.
2. How to Tenderize Beef Round Steak
Since round steak lacks fat, proper tenderization is essential:
Marinate it Soak in acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.
Pound it Use a meat mallet to break down fibers.
Slow Cook it Low and slow cooking softens the meat over time.
Best Cooking Methods for Beef
1. Slow Cooking for Ultimate Tenderness
Slow-cooking or braising involves cooking round steak at a low temperature for an extended period. This method allows connective tissues to break down, creating a fork-tender texture.
2. Grilling for a Smoky Flavor
While round steak isn’t naturally tender, marinating it for at least 4 hours before grilling enhances flavor and texture. Cook it quickly over high heat to avoid drying it out.
3. Pan-Seared Beef Round Steak
For a quick and flavorful meal, pan-searing locks in juices while creating a crispy crust. A cast-iron skillet works best for even heat distribution.
Top 3 Recipes for Beef Round Steak
1. Classic Braised
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serves: 4
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef round steak | 2 lbs |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
Season the steak with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the steak until browned.
Add onions, garlic, and beef broth.
Cover and let simmer for 2 hours until fork-tender.
2. Grilled Garlic Herb
Prep Time: 10 minutes + 4 hours marinating | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 4
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef round steak | 1.5 lbs |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh rosemary, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
Mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice in a bowl.
Marinate the steak for at least 4 hours.
Grill on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
Let the steak rest before slicing.
3. Slow Cooker Beef with Gravy
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef round steak | 2 lbs |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can |
| Onion soup mix | 1 packet |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp (optional for thickening) |
Instructions:
Place steak in the slow cooker.
Mix soup, onion mix, and beef broth; pour over the steak.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Optional: Add cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the gravy.
Expert Tips for Cooking Beef
Let cooked steak rest before slicing for juicier meat.
Always slice against the grain for the best texture.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (medium-rare: 130-135°F).
FAQ: Common Questions About Beef Round Steak
1. How do you make beef tender?
Marinating, slow cooking, and using a meat mallet help break down fibers.
2. Can I cook beef in the oven?
Yes! Braising in the oven at 325°F for 2 hours results in a tender meal.
3. Is beef round steak good for grilling?
Yes, but it must be marinated and cooked quickly to prevent toughness.
4. What are the best side dishes for beef ?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and creamy polenta pair perfectly.
Conclusion:
Beef round steak may require a little extra care, but with the right techniques, you can turn it into a tender, flavorful dish. Whether slow-cooked, grilled, or pan-seared, the recipes in this guide will help you master this affordable cut of meat.
Now it’s your turn! Try one of these recipes and let us know your favorite way to cook beef round steak in the comments below!