Round steak is a lean, budget-friendly cut of beef that can be incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked properly in the oven. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook round steak in the oven to get the best texture and taste, this guide will walk you through an easy, foolproof method that turns this economical cut into a mouthwatering meal.
Why Choose Round Steak?
Round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, making it lean but a bit tougher than other cuts. The secret to cooking it well is slow, low-temperature cooking combined with a good marinade or sauce to keep it moist and tender. Oven cooking is perfect for this because it allows the steak to slowly break down connective tissues, resulting in juicy, fork-tender meat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1.5 to 2 lbs top round steak
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups sliced onions
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons brown gravy mix
For the Marinade:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– ¼ cup BBQ sauce
– ¼ cup oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak
Place the round steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade ingredients over the steak, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
2. Preheat and Season
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Season both sides of the steak generously. Then, combine the flour with some of the seasoning mix and coat the steak evenly, shaking off excess.
3. Sear the Steak
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a heavy oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steak and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the steak and set aside.
4. Cook the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a tablespoon of oil and the sliced onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown gravy mix. Pour this sauce over the steak in the skillet.
6. Bake Low and Slow
Cover the skillet tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 3 hours until the steak is fork-tender. The slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers, making the steak juicy and tender.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest, covered, for about 10 minutes. Slice against the grain to maximize tenderness, then serve with the rich mushroom gravy.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Cooked Round Steak
– Use a heavy skillet or Dutch oven: This helps retain heat evenly during searing and baking.
– Don’t skip the marinade: It tenderizes and adds flavor to the lean cut.
– Sear before baking: Browning the steak locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.
– Low and slow is key: Cooking at 325°F for several hours ensures tenderness.
– Rest before slicing: This keeps the juices inside the meat for a juicy bite.
– Slice against the grain: This shortens muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew.
Variations and Serving Ideas
Once you have your tender round steak, you can enjoy it in many ways:
– Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a classic meal.
– Use leftovers in sandwiches, tacos, or beef stroganoff.
– Cube the cooked steak and toss with gravy for a hearty stew or pot pie filling.
Cooking round steak in the oven might take a bit of time, but the result is a delicious, tender meal that’s well worth the wait. With this simple method, you’ll turn an affordable cut into a family favorite.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked round steak! Would you like some quick side dish ideas to pair with it?