Discover a range of mouth-watering beef round steak recipes, tips for slow cooking, crock-pot guides, and more to achieve tender, flavorful meals. Learn how to cook round steak to perfection with these easy, family-friendly recipes!
Beef Round Steak Recipes
There’s something comforting about a tender, flavorful beef dish after a long day. For many, beef round steak might be an unfamiliar cut, yet it holds immense potential in the kitchen. This affordable, lean cut comes from the cow’s rear leg, making it naturally tough but full of beefy goodness that can be transformed with the right techniques. With slow cooking, the round steak becomes wonderfully tender and juicy, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, and special occasions alike.
In this article, we’ll explore various beef round steak recipes, including slow-cooked options, stovetop variations, and thin-sliced dishes, each designed to make the most of this versatile cut. You’ll also learn tips and tricks on how to cook round steak to bring out its best flavor, as well as answers to common questions about substitutions, names, and benefits of slow cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find everything you need here to make round steak a regular star on your menu!
Recipe Card
Recipe Name: Classic Slow-Cooked Beef Round Steak recipes
Description: A classic slow-cooked beef round steak that brings out this affordable cut’s tenderness and savory flavors. Perfect for hands-off cooking and great for meal prepping!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (high cook) or 3-4 hours (low cook)
Total Time: 6 (or 3-4) hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds beef round steak, trimmed of fat
- 1 large onion, sliced thin
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional for added flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Classic Crock-Pot Beef Round Steak (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the Steak: Pat dry the round steak and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Brown the Meat (Optional): For enhanced flavor, sear the steak in a hot skillet with a bit of oil until browned on each side, about 2 minutes per side.
- Layer in the Crock-Pot: Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to the bottom of the crock-pot. Place the steak on top.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce over the steak and vegetables.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crock-pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The steak should be fork-tender when done.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Optional Additions: Mushrooms or carrots can be added for extra flavor.
- Adjusting Cooking Time: If cooking on high heat, reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours, but the low setting generally yields the best results for tenderness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Beef round steak is a lean and affordable cut, ideal for family meals without a hefty price tag.
- Tender and Flavorful: Slow cooking turns this tough cut into a tender and flavorful dish perfect for serving with various sides.
- Simple and Convenient: Minimal preparation and the use of a crock-pot make this recipe easy for beginners and convenient for busy days.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Beef Round Steak: This lean cut comes from the rear leg of the cow and is best cooked slowly. It can be substituted with similar cuts like chuck roast for more marbling, though chuck tends to be fattier.
- Beef Broth: Enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce; however, you can use chicken or vegetable broth if needed, though the flavor will vary.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds an umami kick and complements the beef. Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as alternatives for a similar savory depth.
- Garlic and Onion: Essential for adding a savory base. You can add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more flavor.
Detailed Explanation of Each Major Step
- Seasoning and Searing the Steak:
Though searing is optional, it caramelizes the exterior and creates a richer flavor in the final dish. For best results, use a skillet with high heat and let the steak sear until a golden crust forms. This step locks in juices, ensuring a more succulent result after slow cooking. - Layering Ingredients in the Crock-Pot:
Start with a layer of onions, garlic, and other vegetables at the bottom of the pot. This layering helps prevent the steak from sticking and enhances flavor as the veggies release moisture and aromatics during cooking. - Slow Cooking on Low Heat:
Cooking on the low setting for 6-8 hours ensures the fibers in the round steak break down, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and moisture, extending cook time. - Serving Suggestions:
Round steak pairs well with comforting sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and even crusty bread to soak up the savory juices.
Expert Tips for Success
- Low and Slow: Avoid rushing by cooking on high heat, as it may result in a tougher texture.
- Slicing Against the Grain: When serving, slice the steak against the grain for a tender bite, as this shortens the muscle fibers.
- Customize Your Seasonings: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for extra aroma, especially if you prefer a more herbaceous profile.
Variations and Customizations
- Thin Sliced Round Steak Recipe: Slice the round steak thinly and cook it on the stovetop with onions and bell peppers for a fajita-style meal. Sauté until tender and serve with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.
- Asian-Inspired Round Steak: Substitute Italian seasoning with ginger and soy sauce, then add sliced green onions and sesame oil at the end. Serve over rice for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Tomato-Braised Round Steak: Add an extra can of diced tomatoes and a splash of red wine vinegar. Braise in the oven at 325°F for 2-3 hours for a rich, tomato-based flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook, as it may toughen the meat.
Best Serving Practices
This dish pairs well with classic sides that complement the savory flavors and textures of round steak:
- Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Potatoes: The creamy or crispy texture balances the tenderness of the steak.
- Steamed Rice or Quinoa: Ideal for soaking up the sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables or Green Beans: Adds color and freshness to your meal.
For a complete meal, consider serving with a green salad or crusty bread for a satisfying texture contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is beef round steak?
Answer: Beef round steak is a lean cut taken from the rear leg of the cow. It’s known for its low-fat content and is best suited for slow-cooking methods to achieve tenderness.
How to cook beef round steak recipes?
Answer: Beef round steak can be cooked in various ways, including slow cooking, braising, or thin-slicing for quick stovetop meals. Slow cooking or braising yields the most tender results as it breaks down the muscle fibers.
Can you provide a recipe for beef round steak in the crock-pot?
Answer: Yes! Simply season the steak, place it in a crock-pot with onions, garlic, beef broth, and tomatoes, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What are the benefits of slow cooking beef round steak?
Answer: Slow cooking allows the muscle fibers in round steak to break down, transforming a tough cut into a tender, flavorful dish. It’s also a hands-off method, ideal for busy schedules.
What is another name for round steak?
Answer: Round steak may be labeled as “London Broil,” “top round,” or “bottom round” in grocery stores.
What is a good substitute for round steak?
Answer: Chuck roast, sirloin tip roast, or brisket can be used as alternatives, although they may have more marbling, which affects flavor and texture.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious beef dishes? Here are some similar recipes that your family will love:
- Chicago Beef Recipe: A Chicago-style beef sandwich, also known as an Italian beef sandwich, is a popular dish originating from Chicago.
- Beef Stroganoff: A creamy, savory dish perfect for serving over noodles or rice.
- Swiss Steak: A round steak simmered in a tomato-based sauce for a rich, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Beef round steak is a versatile and budget-friendly cut that’s easy to prepare with the right methods. By using slow cooking or crock-pot techniques, you can turn this lean cut into a tender, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Whether you go with a classic recipe, an Asian twist, or a thin-sliced variation, round steak recipes are sure to impress and become a favorite at the dinner table. So next time you’re at the store, pick up a round steak, and give one of these delicious recipes a try—you’ll be amazed at how tasty and easy it can be!