How to Make Beef Round Steak Recipes: 6 Foolproof Recipes

Beef round steak is a budget-friendly cut, but if not cooked right, it can turn out tough and chewy. Have you ever struggled to make it tender and juicy? You’re not alone! The good news is that with the right techniques—like marinating, slow cooking, and proper seasoning—you can transform this lean cut into a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish. Whether you prefer pan-searing, braising, or using a slow cooker, these six foolproof beef round steak recipes will show you exactly how to achieve tender perfection every time. Let’s dive in and make your steak night stress-free and delicious!

What Is Beef Round Steak?

Beef round steak recipes is a lean, flavorful cut that comes from the rear leg of the cow. While it’s more affordable than premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon, it’s also naturally tough due to its low fat content and dense muscle fibers. But don’t worry—with the right techniques, you can turn this cut into a tender, delicious meal.

Why Does Beef Round Steak Recipes Need Tenderizing?

Since round steak lacks marbling, it benefits from cooking methods that break down tough fibers and enhance juiciness. Here are a few key techniques:

• Marinating: Using acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or buttermilk helps break down proteins.
• Slow Cooking: Low and slow heat allows collagen to break down, making the meat fork-tender.
• Braising: Cooking it in a flavorful liquid retains moisture and enhances texture.
• Pounding: Using a meat mallet thins out the fibers for a more tender bite.

No matter your preferred method, following these foolproof recipes will ensure your beef round steak recipes turns out juicy and satisfying every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather: everything you need to make your beef round steak tender and flavorful. These simple yet essential ingredients will enhance both taste and texture.

For the Steak:

• 2 pounds beef round steak (thinly sliced or whole)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For Tenderizing Marinade (Optional but Recommended):

• ¼ cup soy sauce (adds umami and depth)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (enhances meatiness)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps break down fibers)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (boosts flavor)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (to add a savory touch)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds subtle sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (for warmth and color)

For Braising (If Using a Slow Cooker or Stovetop Method):

• 1 cup beef broth (keeps the steak moist)
• 1 medium onion, sliced (adds sweetness and richness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for extra depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (pairs well with beef)

Optional Additions:

• Mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots (for extra flavor and texture)
• Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) (to thicken sauces)

Having these ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Now, let’s move on to how to bring out the best in your beef round steak!

How to Make Beef Round Steak Recipes Tender

Making beef round steak tender isn’t complicated—it just requires the right approach. Whether you prefer marinating, slow cooking, or pan-searing, these methods will ensure a juicy, flavorful result.

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

Marinating is one of the easiest ways to break down tough muscle fibers while adding deep flavor. Follow these simple steps:

• Whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Place the beef round steak recipes in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
• Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight for the best results.
• Before cooking, remove the steak and pat it dry to ensure a perfect sear.

2. Sear to Lock in Juiciness

A good sear enhances texture and flavor. To do it right:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the steak with salt and black pepper before placing it in the pan.
• Sear each side for 3–4 minutes until a rich, golden-brown crust develops.
• Remove the steak and set it aside while preparing the next step.

3. Braise for Ultimate Tenderness (Best for Stovetop or Slow Cooker)

Braising slowly breaks down the tough fibers, making the steak incredibly tender. Here’s how:

• In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
• Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan (this adds rich flavor).
• Return the steak to the pan, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until fork-tender.
• Alternatively, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

By combining these techniques, you’ll achieve perfectly tender beef round steak recipes every time. Now, let’s get into the step-by-step cooking directions!

The Directions

Now that you know the key techniques for tenderizing beef round steak, let’s put it all together with these step-by-step instructions. Follow along to achieve perfectly juicy, flavorful steak every time!

Step 1: Marinate the Steak (Optional but Recommended)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Place the beef round steak recipes in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum tenderness.
4. When ready to cook, remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Sear the Steak for Flavor

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Place the steak in the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a deep golden crust forms.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside while preparing the braising liquid.

Step 3: Braise for Ultimate Tenderness (For Stovetop or Slow Cooker)

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate the flavorful browned bits.
3. Return the steak to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally, until fork-tender.
4. For a slow cooker: Transfer the steak and broth mixture to a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the steak is tender, remove it from the skillet or slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. If desired, thicken the braising liquid by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and simmering for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
3. Slice the steak against the grain and serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a perfectly tender beef round steak! Up next, let’s talk about the best ways to store leftovers.

Storing Tips

Got leftovers? No worries! Proper storage ensures your beef round steak recipes stays tender and delicious for future meals. Here’s how to store and reheat it while maintaining its flavor and texture.

Refrigerating Leftovers

• Allow the steak to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup.
• Transfer the steak and any remaining sauce to an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.
• Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing for Longer Storage

• Slice the steak into portions before freezing for easy reheating.
• Individually wrap each portion in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Mark the storage date and freeze for a maximum of 3 months.

Reheating Without Drying Out

• Stovetop: Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth to retain moisture.
• Oven: Wrap the steak in foil with a little broth and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.

Bonus Tip:

Use leftover steak for sandwiches, tacos, or stir-fries to keep meals exciting!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your tender beef round steak recipes anytime without losing its juicy goodness. Now, let’s wrap things up with a final conclusion!

Conclusion

Mastering the art of making beef round steak recipes tender doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right techniques—whether it’s marinating, braising, or slow cooking—you can transform this lean cut into a mouthwatering dish that’s full of flavor. By following these foolproof methods, you’ll achieve a juicy, fork-tender steak every time.

Don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and side dishes to make this recipe your own. Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad, there are endless ways to enjoy beef round steak.

Now that you have all the tools and tips, it’s time to put them into action. Try one (or all) of these recipes and impress your family with a perfectly tender steak tonight! Happy cooking!

FAQs

Do you have questions about beef round steak recipes? Drop them in the comments and let’s get cooking!