7 Delicious Ways to Cook a Round Steak (and Never Waste One Again!)

Ever thrown away a perfectly good round steak because you didn’t know what to do with it? I have. The guilt of that wasted potential fueled me to master this humble cut of beef, and now I’m sharing my secrets with you. This article will show you seven delicious and easy ways to cook round steak, ensuring you never waste another one again!

Understanding the Humble Round Steak

What is a Round Steak?

A round steak is a lean cut from the round primal, the muscle group from the hindquarters of the cow. It’s known for its relatively low fat content and its versatility, making it a budget-friendly option for many meals. [Insert high-quality image of a raw round steak here]

Why Choose Round Steak?

Round steak is a fantastic choice for several reasons. Firstly, it’s significantly more affordable than pricier cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. Secondly, it’s a great source of lean protein. A 3-ounce serving packs approximately 22 grams of protein, around 160 calories, and just 4 grams of fat (USDA FoodData Central). Lastly, its versatility means it can be cooked in a multitude of ways, from quick sears to slow-cooked wonders.

How to Choose a Good Round Steak?

Selecting a quality round steak is key to a delicious meal. Look for a bright red color, firm texture, and even marbling throughout the meat. Avoid steaks with discoloration, excessive fat, or a slimy texture. [Insert high-quality image showing desirable vs. undesirable examples of round steak here]

7 Delicious Ways to Cook Round Steak

Pan-Seared Round Steak with Garlic Herb Butter

This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Pat the steak dry, season generously with salt and pepper, and sear in a hot pan with a little oil until nicely browned. Finish with a pat of garlic herb butter for extra richness.

1. Season the round steak generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a nice crust forms.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low, add 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic.
5. Baste the steak with the garlic butter for another 2-3 minutes, until cooked to your desired doneness.
6. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. [Insert high-quality image of the finished dish here]

Slow Cooker Round Steak with Onions and Peppers

For incredibly tender and flavorful round steak, slow cooking is the way to go. Simply brown the steak, then add it to your slow cooker with onions, peppers, and your favorite seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until fork-tender.

1. Season steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
2. Brown the steak in a little oil in a skillet.
3. Add the browned steak, chopped onions, and bell peppers to your slow cooker.
4. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of red wine (optional).
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Shred the steak before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. [Insert high-quality image of the finished dish here]

Round Steak Stir-Fry

This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. Slice the round steak thinly against the grain, then stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and sauce.

1. Slice round steak thinly against the grain.
2. Marinate in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
3. Stir-fry the steak with your chosen vegetables (broccoli, peppers, onions, etc.).
4. Add your favorite stir-fry sauce (soy sauce, oyster sauce, teriyaki, etc.).
5. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice, brown rice or noodles. [Insert high-quality image of the finished dish here]

Round Steak Kabobs

Perfect for grilling season, these kabobs are packed with flavor. Marinate the cubed round steak in your favorite marinade (Italian, teriyaki, or even a simple balsamic vinaigrette), then thread onto skewers with vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and onions.

1. Cut steak into 1-inch cubes.
2. Marinate in your favorite marinade for at least 2 hours.
3. Thread onto skewers with vegetables.
4. Grill over medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a fresh salad and rice. [Insert high-quality image of the finished dish here]

Round Steak in Mushroom Gravy

This classic comfort food is incredibly satisfying. Brown the round steak, then simmer it in a rich mushroom gravy until tender.

1. Brown the round steak.
2. Sauté sliced mushrooms in the same pan.
3. Add beef broth, flour, and seasonings to make a gravy.
4. Simmer until thickened.
5. Add the browned steak back to the pan and cook until heated through.

Serving Suggestions: Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. [Insert high-quality image of the finished dish here]

Round Steak Stroganoff

Creamy, rich, and satisfying, this stroganoff is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Cut the steak into strips and simmer it in a creamy mushroom sauce.

1. Cut steak into thin strips.
2. Sauté the strips in butter until browned.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until tender.
4. Stir in sour cream, beef broth, and seasonings.
5. Simmer until thickened.
6. Serve over egg noodles.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with egg noodles or rice. [Insert high-quality image of the finished dish here]

Round Steak Pot Roast

For melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, nothing beats a slow-cooked pot roast. Season the round steak generously, then roast it low and slow until incredibly tender.

1. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs.
2. Sear the round steak on all sides in a Dutch oven or large pot.
3. Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and onions to the pot.
4. Add beef broth and cover tightly.
5. Cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables and gravy. [Insert high-quality image of the finished dish here]

Table: Round Steak Cooking Methods at a Glance

Cooking Method	Time	Tenderness	Flavor Profile	Best Accompaniments
Pan-Seared	15-20 minutes	Medium	Savory, slightly charred	Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes
Slow Cooker	6-8 hours	Very Tender	Rich, deeply flavorful	Rice, noodles, crusty bread
Stir-Fry	15-20 minutes	Medium	Savory, versatile	Rice, noodles
Kabobs	20-25 minutes	Medium	Smoky, charred	Salad, rice
Mushroom Gravy	30-40 minutes	Medium	Rich, earthy	Mashed potatoes, green beans
Stroganoff	30-40 minutes	Medium	Creamy, savory	Egg noodles, sour cream
Pot Roast	3-4 hours	Very Tender	Rich, deeply flavorful	Potatoes, carrots, gravy

Tips for Storing and Using Leftovers

Storing Leftover Round Steak

Store leftover round steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

Leftover round steak can be used in countless ways! Slice it into salads, add it to omelets, make delicious sandwiches, or create a hearty stew.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to cook a round steak to make it tender?

Slow cooking methods are ideal for achieving extreme tenderness. Marinating also significantly helps.

Can I use a round steak for grilling?

Yes, but consider marinating or butterflying it to prevent toughness. Use medium-high heat and monitor carefully to avoid overcooking.

How do I know when a round steak is cooked to the perfect doneness?

A meat thermometer is your best friend. Rare: 125-130°F, Medium-Rare: 130-140°F, Medium: 140-150°F, Well-Done: 160°F+.

Is round steak healthy?

It’s a lean protein source, relatively low in fat, and a good source of iron. However, cooking methods high in added fat can increase the overall calorie and fat content.

Conclusion

Round steak’s affordability and versatility make it a kitchen staple. These seven recipes have hopefully inspired you to embrace this often-overlooked cut of beef. Try these recipes, and share your experiences in the comments below! What are your favorite ways to cook round steak? Let’s discuss!