There’s something special about the rich flavors of a well-cooked steak. Round steak, often overlooked in favor of more popular cuts, deserves a place in your kitchen. It’s affordable, versatile, and can be transformed into a variety of meals—from quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend feasts. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, these easy round steak recipes will bring out the best in this delicious cut of meat.
What Is Round Steak Recipes and Why It’s Perfect for Quick Meals
Understanding Round Steak Recipes
Round steak is a lean cut of beef that comes from the rear leg of the cow. It’s known for its affordability and is often used in dishes that benefit from slow cooking or marinating. Because round steak doesn’t have a lot of fat, it can be a little tougher than more marbled cuts like rib-eye or sirloin, but when prepared correctly, it becomes tender and flavorful.
This cut is perfect for a variety of dishes, from stir-fries and tacos to classic steak dinners and even slow-cooked meals. The best part? It’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or any occasion where you want to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Benefits of Using Round Steak
- Affordability: Round steak is one of the least expensive cuts of beef, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
- Health-conscious: With less fat than other cuts, it’s a leaner choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
- Versatility: Round steak can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from grilling to braising, making it suitable for any meal type.
Top 5 Easy Round Steak Recipes for Any Meal
Let’s dive into some of the best and easiest round steak recipes that will transform this humble cut into a delicious meal. Whether you prefer grilling, pan-searing, or slow cooking, there’s a recipe for every palate.
1. Classic Pan-Seared Round Steak
This simple pan-seared round steak recipe is perfect for when you want something quick and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can have a flavorful steak dinner in minutes.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Round Steak (1-inch thick) | 2 steaks |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Season both sides of the round steak with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving.
Quick Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
2. Round Steak Stir-Fry
For a quick, healthy meal, stir-frying round steak with vegetables is an excellent choice. The stir-fry method seals in the juices and creates a dish that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Round Steak (sliced thin) | 1 lb |
| Bell Peppers | 2, sliced |
| Onion | 1, sliced |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the sliced round steak and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned.
- Add the bell peppers and onions and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the soy sauce over the meat and vegetables, stir well, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Quick Tip: For extra flavor, add a dash of ginger and garlic to the stir-fry.
3. Round Steak with Garlic Mushroom Sauce
If you’re craving a comforting, rich meal, this garlic mushroom sauce is the perfect complement to round steak. The creamy sauce adds depth to the dish, making it ideal for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Round Steak (1-inch thick) | 2 steaks |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup, sliced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Sear the round steaks in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on both sides.
- Remove the steaks and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stir to combine, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Return the steaks to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for 5 minutes until the steak is cooked through.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of vegetables.
Quick Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
4. Grilled Round Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Grilling is a fantastic way to cook round steak, and chimichurri sauce adds a zesty, fresh finish. This recipe is perfect for outdoor cookouts or summer dinners.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Round Steak (2 steaks) | 1 lb |
| Parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 3 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer more done.
- While the steaks are grilling, combine parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl to make the chimichurri sauce.
- Once the steaks are done, let them rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with the chimichurri sauce.
Quick Tip: You can make chimichurri ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for more developed flavors.
5. Round Steak Tacos
These round steak tacos are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy this versatile cut of beef. They’re perfect for Taco Tuesday or a casual dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Round Steak (sliced thin) | 1 lb |
| Tortillas | 8 small |
| Avocado | 1, sliced |
| Cilantro | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Lime | 1, cut into wedges |
Instructions:
- Cook the round steak in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos by placing the cooked steak in each tortilla, then top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Quick Tip: Add a drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
Tips for Cooking Round Steak Perfectly Every Time
To make sure your round steak turns out tender and juicy, follow these tips:
How to Tenderize Round Steak
- Marinate the steak: Marinate the round steak for at least 30 minutes to help tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
- Use a meat mallet: Gently pound the steak with a meat mallet to break down the fibers and make it more tender.
- Slow cooking: If you have time, slow-cook the steak in a flavorful sauce to really bring out its tenderness.
Cooking Techniques to Enhance Flavor
- Pan-searing: Searing the steak in a hot skillet creates a caramelized crust that adds a deep, rich flavor.
- Grilling: Grilling round steak imparts a smoky flavor, perfect for summer cookouts.
- Slow cooking: Ideal for tougher cuts, slow cooking round steak in a flavorful broth or sauce helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Round Steak Recipes
What’s the best way to cook round steak?
The best way to cook round steak depends on the dish. For a tender and flavorful result, try pan-searing or grilling, but always avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming tough.
How do I make round steak tender?
You can make round steak tender by marinating it, using a meat mallet to pound it, or slow-cooking it in a flavorful sauce. Thin slices of round steak also help with tenderness.
Can I use round steak for stir-fry?
Absolutely! Round steak works great for stir-fry when sliced thinly against the grain. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
Conclusion: Enjoy Round Steak in Versatile, Easy Recipes
Round steak is more than just an affordable cut of meat—it’s a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of flavorful dishes. Whether you’re searing, grilling, or stir-frying, these easy round steak recipes are perfect for any meal. So next time you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal, reach for round steak and get cooking!
Ready to try these easy round steak recipes? Pick your favorite, gather your ingredients, and start cooking today. Don’t forget to share your results with us or tag us on social media!