Beef round steak is a lean, budget-friendly cut that often gets overlooked because it can be tough if not cooked properly. But with the right techniques, you can transform this economical cut into a delicious, tender meal that your whole family will enjoy. If you’re wondering how do you cook beef round steak to perfection, this guide will walk you through the best methods and tips to get it right every time.
What Is Beef Round Steak?
Beef round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, making it a lean cut with less marbling than premium steaks like ribeye or sirloin. Because of its leanness, it tends to be tougher, which means it benefits from slow, moist cooking methods to break down the muscle fibers and become tender.
Best Cooking Methods for Beef Round Steak
1. Braising (Slow Cooking with Moisture)
Braising is one of the most effective ways to cook round steak. The steak is first seared to lock in flavor, then cooked slowly in a liquid like broth or gravy. This method helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with rich flavor.
How to braise round steak:
– Season and sear the steak in a hot skillet for 3-5 minutes on each side until browned.
– Remove the steak and sauté onions and garlic in the same pan.
– Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, herbs (like thyme or rosemary), and return the steak to the pan.
– Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 3 hours until the steak is fork-tender.
– Serve with the cooking juices or gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.
2. Slow Roasting in the Oven
Slow roasting at a low temperature is another excellent way to cook round steak. This method is hands-off and results in tender, juicy meat.
Steps for slow roasting:
– Brown the steak on all sides in a hot pan.
– Place it in a Dutch oven or roasting pan with onions, beef base or broth, and water.
– Cover and roast in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours.
– The meat should be fork-tender and easy to slice.
– Use the pan juices to make a rich gravy by thickening with a flour-water mixture.
3. Smothered Round Steak
Smothering involves cooking the steak in a thick gravy made with onions, mushrooms, and beef broth. This classic Southern method keeps the steak moist and flavorful.
How to smother:
– Season and sear the steak.
– Cook onions and garlic in the same pan.
– Add cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown gravy mix.
– Return the steak to the pan, cover, and bake in the oven for 2-3 hours until tender.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Round Steak
– Always sear first: Browning the steak before slow cooking locks in flavor and improves texture.
– Cook low and slow: Because round steak is lean and tough, cooking it gently over low heat for a longer time is key to tenderness.
– Use moisture: Braising or slow roasting with liquid prevents the meat from drying out.
– Slice against the grain: This helps make the meat easier to chew.
– Marinate if possible: A marinade with acidic ingredients (like vinegar or lemon juice) can help tenderize the meat before cooking.
Simple Braised Round Steak Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1½ pounds round steak (¾ inch thick)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Pat the steak dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, add thyme, and bring to a simmer.
- Return steak to skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer 1 to 1½ hours until tender.
- Serve with the sauce spooned over the steak and your favorite sides.
Creative Ways to Use Cooked Round Steak
Once you have a tender round steak cooked, you can enjoy it in many ways:
– Serve sliced with gravy and mashed potatoes.
– Cube the meat and toss it with gravy for a hearty stew.
– Use leftovers in sandwiches or wraps.
– Add to pasta dishes or casseroles for extra protein.
Beef round steak may require a bit of patience and the right technique, but it’s well worth it for a flavorful, budget-friendly meal. With slow cooking, moisture, and seasoning, you’ll turn this humble cut into a tender, satisfying dinner everyone will love.
Tender, tasty, and economical-now you know exactly how to cook beef round steak! Enjoy experimenting with these methods and recipes to find your favorite way to serve this classic cut.