Slow Cooked Round Steak: Easy Recipes for Tender Meat

Slow Cooked Round Steak is a quintessential comfort food dish. It highlights tender round steak generously coated in a rich, savory beef and onion gravy. Cooked to perfection, the steak boasts a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is utterly delightful.

This recipe offers three convenient methods for preparation: you can choose to cook it in a slow cooker, an Instant Pot, or using the oven-braising technique. Served over creamy mashed potatoes and accompanied by sweet corn, this hearty meal epitomizes comfort food, warming both the body and the soul.

What is Round Steak?

Round steak is a type of beef cut sourced from the cow’s rear leg, which is commonly referred to as the “round.” This cut is divided into several sub-cuts, including eye round, bottom round, and top round, allowing for a range of culinary applications. Depending on the specific cut, it may contain the round bone or be boneless.

Explaining the Different Cuts of Round Steak

The round steak family consists of several distinct cuts, each with its unique characteristics:

• Eye Round: This is a lean, boneless cut taken from the center of the round. It offers tenderness and a rich flavor, making it a popular choice for roast beef.
• Bottom Round: Known for being a tougher cut, bottom round is best suited for slow cooking methods. It’s a budget-friendly option that becomes tender when braised or stewed.
• Top Round: Slightly more tender than bottom round, this lean and boneless cut is versatile and excellent for grilling or roasting. It’s often used in dishes like London broil.
• Rump Roast: Sourced from the rear end of the cow, rump roast features good marbling, which enhances its flavor. It’s particularly well-suited for slow-cooking methods, resulting in a tender and juicy dish.

Why Round Steak Needs to be Slow Cooked

Round steak is a lean cut with minimal marbling, which can result in a tougher texture compared to other cuts of beef. Slow cooking is essential because it allows time for the meat’s tough fibers and connective tissues to break down, transforming the steak into a tender and flavorful dish.

Methods like using a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven braising are ideal for preparing round steak. As it cooks slowly over time, the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

“SSlow cooking is the secret to turning tough round steak into a delectable, tender meal.”

Preparing Round Steak for Slow Cooking

To prepare round steak for slow cooking, follow these essential steps. Begin by applying salt and pepper to the steak for added flavor. Many recipes recommend searing the steak in a hot skillet beforehand, as this adds a delicious, caramelized flavor to the dish.

Additionally, some recipes suggest tenderizing the round steak. You can achieve this by using a meat mallet to pound the meat or a tenderizing tool. This process helps the steak become tender and melt-in-your-mouth during slow cooking.

By adhering to these straightforward steps, your round steak will turn out tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Slow cooking it to perfection will truly make a significant difference.

“Cooking round steak slowly at around 160 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 30 minutes helps transform collagen into gelatin, significantly improving the meat’s flavor and tenderness.”

Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy

Savor tender round steak paired with a rich, savory gravy using this simple slow cooker recipe. The steak cooks slowly for hours, becoming exceptionally tender and nearly melting in your mouth.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy

• 2-3 lbs top round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth or bouillon
• 1 packet onion gravy mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. IIn a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned round steak cubes until they’re browned on all sides.
2. Transfer the browned steak cubes to a slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms for about 5 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker along with the steak.
5. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth and onion gravy mix, then pour over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is fork-tender.
7. For a thicker gravy, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this to the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving and stir gently to combine.

Slow-cooked round steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or meal prepping. Not only does this dish require minimal prep, but the slow cooker does all the work, filling your kitchen with a savory aroma.

Leftovers store well and can be reheated for quick lunches or dinners during the week, while freezing options make it convenient for planning ahead. The rich, hearty flavors pair perfectly with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice, making it a versatile and comforting meal option for any occasion.

Instant Pot Round Steak and Gravy

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone who loves tender, flavorful round steak but needs to save time. It can transform tough cuts of round steak into tender perfection much faster than traditional slow cookers.

The secret to mouthwatering Instant Pot round steak lies in the high heat and pressure, which quickly breaks down the muscle fibers, resulting in tender steak smothered in rich gravy in just 20 minutes. Searing the meat beforehand helps lock in juices and intensifies the beefy flavor.

To get started, season your round steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sear the steak on all sides in the Instant Pot, then sauté onions and garlic. Add beef broth to create a flavorful cooking liquid. Cook the steak for about 20-25 minutes until it becomes tender, and then whip up a quick gravy using the cooking juices.

This pressure cooker round steak recipe is not only quick but also versatile. Serve it over mashed potatoes, white rice, or noodles for a comforting, speedy meal that everyone will love.

With the Instant Pot, you can savor tender, restaurant-quality round steak any night of the week. Simply set it and forget it for a delicious, hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.

“The Instant Pot transforms the cooking process for round steak, allowing you to achieve tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods.”

Oven-Braised Round Steak and Gravy

Oven-braising is an excellent method for turning tough round steak into a tender and delicious dish. Begin by searing the steak, then transfer it to a covered pan with the braising liquid. Cooking it low and slow in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours will result in a tender steak with rich flavors.

Start with a 2-pound round steak roast and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper before searing it in a large, oven-safe dish or Dutch oven.

Next, deglaze the pan with 1 cup of your chosen cooking liquid to lift the browned bits from the bottom. Pour this deglazed liquid over the steak, then add an additional 2 cups of liquid, 1.5 tablespoons of beef base or bouillon, and 1 tablespoon of chopped onion. Cover the dish tightly and braise in a preheated 300°F oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat becomes tender.

Once the pot roast is finished, remove it from the oven and transfer the steak to a cutting board. To thicken the braising liquid, mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the braising liquid while stirring constantly. Don’t forget to season the gravy with salt and pepper to enhance its richness.

Slice or shred the tender oven-braised round steak and serve it smothered in the rich gravy. Pair it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fresh steamed vegetables for a comforting meal. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooked Round Steak

Slow-cooked round steak is the epitome of comfort food. To elevate its flavors, pair it with classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich beef gravy, while sweet corn adds a delightful crunch.

For an even more comforting meal, serve the round steak alongside scalloped corn casserole. This combination provides a wonderful blend of textures and tastes, making for a satisfying and hearty

Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Round Steak

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, smooth texture of mashed potatoes is a classic pairing with round steak. They soak up the rich gravy beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying combination.
• Corn: Sweet corn provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of round steak. Its natural sweetness balances the richness of the meat, making it a perfect side dish.
• Scalloped Corn Casserole: This creamy, cheesy dish complements the round steak wonderfully. Its comforting flavors and texture create a delicious match that enhances the overall meal experience.

Pairing slow-cooked round steak with these classic sides creates a truly delightful meal. The combination of tender, flavorful beef, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and rich scalloped corn casserole is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. Each element enhances the others, making for a comforting and memorable dining experience.

Variations and Substitutions

Round steak is the classic choice for slow-cooked beef dishes, but you can also substitute sirloin steak, chuck roast, or even pork shoulder. These cuts will become tender and flavorful with long, slow cooking.

Feel free to experiment with different gravies or sauces beyond the traditional onion gravy. Mushroom-based gravy, tomato sauce, or brown gravy can bring new depth and richness to your dish. Incorporating root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or rutabaga can enhance the meal, creating a complete and satisfying dinner experience.

Recipe Variations to Try

• Sirloin Steak Swiss Steak: Swap round steak for sirloin steak for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Pork Shoulder Swiss Steak: Use pork shoulder in place of beef for a delicious twist on the classic dish.
• Mushroom Gravy Swiss Steak: Instead of traditional onion gravy, opt for a rich mushroom-based gravy for a hearty flavor.
• Tomato-Braised Swiss Steak: Replace the gravy with a savory tomato-based sauce to add a unique taste.
• Veggie-Packed Swiss Steak: Enhance the dish by adding root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and rutabaga to the slow cooker.

Feel free to get creative with these round steak substitutes and gravy variations. The key is to slow cook the meat until it reaches tender perfection, allowing the flavors to meld into a comforting meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Slow cooked round steak is not only delicious but also an excellent option for meal prep. The flavors deepen and improve when made in advance, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

You can prepare the round steak and gravy up to 3-4 days ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together. For extended storage, freeze it for 3-4 months. Simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating.

This dish is ideal for meal prep—simply cook a large batch, portion it out, and have dinners ready to go when you need them. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal, even on the busiest nights.

“Slow cooked round steak is the ultimate meal prep hero—it’s easy to make in advance and keeps beautifully in the freezer for those nights when you need a quick and comforting dinner.”

If you’re looking to prepare meals ahead of time or want a tasty option stored in your freezer, this slow cooked round steak recipe is a must-have in your kitchen.

Tender Slow Cooked Round Steak on a Budget

Round steak is an often-overlooked, budget-friendly cut of meat that transforms into a tender and flavorful dish when slow-cooked. With the help of slow cookers and Instant Pots, you can create delicious round steak meals without spending a fortune..

The key to achieving tenderness in round steak lies in the method of slow, moist cooking. Whether you opt for a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, the result is melt-in-your-mouth meat. Pair it with economical sides like creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to create a wholesome, budget-conscious meal.

For a simple yet flavorful Instant Pot round steak and gravy, start by searing the steak to lock in juices. Next, allow the pressure cooker to perform its magic. The accompanying gravy not only enhances the steak’s taste but also makes this dish a comforting option for any weeknight dinner.

Don’t be discouraged by the tough texture of round steak. With the right cooking technique, it can turn into a delicious and tender meal that won’t break the bank.

“Slow cooking is the key to transforming affordable cuts of beef, such as round steak, into tender and flavorful dishes. It’s a game-changer for budget-conscious home cooks.”

Conclusion

Slow-cooked round steak is the epitome of comfort food, transforming a tough, budget-friendly cut of beef into a tender, gravy-drenched dish that is both satisfying and economical.

With three simple cooking methods—slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven-braising—it’s easy to incorporate flavorful round steak into your meals. Serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside sweet corn creates a warm and inviting dinner.

This dish offers a canvas for various flavors, ranging from classic to Asian-inspired. With the right techniques, round steak can be a delicious and affordable dinner option.

If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or seeking a budget-friendly beef dish, slow-cooked round steak is the way to go. Experience the delightful results of low-and-slow cooking with this often-overlooked cut!

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