Introduction
Beef round steak is a versatile cut of meat that comes from the rear of the cow. Known for its lean nature and rich flavor, it’s a favorite among home cooks who appreciate both its affordability and its culinary potential. Whether you’re looking to grill, braise, or sauté, there are numerous ways to prepare beef round steak that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of delicious beef round steak recipes, including classic favorites like stir-fry and pot roast, as well as innovative ideas like steak tacos and French dip sandwiches. Each recipe is designed to highlight the natural flavors of the beef while ensuring tender, juicy results.
1. Perfectly Grilled Beef Round Steak
Grilling is one of the best ways to prepare beef round steak, enhancing its flavor while keeping it tender. This simple recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve the perfect grilled steak.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef round steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the beef round steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (130-135°F for medium-rare).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender steak. Slice against the grain and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
2. Beef Round Steak Stir-Fry
Stir-frying is a quick and delicious way to enjoy beef round steak, combining tender strips of beef with colorful vegetables for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef round steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Serve: Return the beef to the skillet, tossing everything together until heated through. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
3. Slow-Cooked Beef Round Steak Pot Roast
For a comforting meal, nothing beats a pot roast. This recipe uses a slow cooker to create a tender and flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef round steak
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 potatoes, quartered
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef round steak with salt and pepper. Sear the steak on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker around the steak.
- Add the Liquid: In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the steak and vegetables from the slow cooker. Slice the beef and serve with the vegetables, drizzling the broth over the top.
4. Beef Round Steak Tacos
These flavorful tacos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy beef round steak. Perfect for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef round steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: diced onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, avocado
Instructions:
- Season the Beef: In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm the Tortillas: In a separate skillet, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a portion of the cooked beef on each tortilla and top with diced onion, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with salsa on the side.
5. Beef Round Steak French Dip Sandwiches
This classic sandwich features tender beef round steak served on crusty rolls with a rich dipping broth. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef round steak
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 rolls or baguettes
- Swiss cheese slices (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sear the Steak: Season the beef round steak with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat and sear the steak on both sides until browned.
- Slow Cook: Place the seared steak in a slow cooker. Add sliced onion, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the steak from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the rolls in half and toast them lightly if desired.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Fill each roll with shredded beef and top with Swiss cheese if using. Serve with a small bowl of the broth for dipping.
6. Beef Round Steak Salad
For a lighter option, this salad combines juicy beef round steak with fresh greens and a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect choice for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef round steak
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Grill or Sear the Steak: Season the beef round steak with salt and pepper. Grill or sear it over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Slice the Steak: Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain.
- Assemble the Salad: Top the salad with sliced beef and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine before serving.
Conclusion
Beef round steak is an incredibly versatile cut that offers a wide range of delicious meal options. From hearty pot roasts to quick stir-fries, this beef cut can adapt to various cooking methods and cuisines, making it an essential ingredient in any kitchen.
Whether you prefer grilling, slow cooking, or quick sautéing, the recipes above showcase the many ways to prepare beef round steak while enhancing its natural flavors. Each dish provides an opportunity to enjoy a satisfying meal, whether it’s a casual dinner at home or a special occasion with friends and family.