Cooking with Round Steak and Gravy Made Easy

Round steak is a lean and affordable cut of beef. It comes from the hind leg of the cow, which makes it tougher than ribeye or sirloin. Many home cooks avoid it, thinking it is hard to prepare. In reality, cooking with round steak is simple if you use the right techniques. Slow cooking, baking, or simmering in gravy turns this budget-friendly cut into a tender and flavorful meal.

If you love hearty beef recipes, this guide will show you the best ways to prepare round steak with gravy. We’ll cover oven, crockpot, and stovetop methods, share serving ideas, and explain how to make the meat fork-tender every time.

Looking for more classic beef meals? Check out our Beef Brain Masala Recipe for another comforting dinner option.

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What is Round Steak?

Round steak is taken from the rear leg section of the cow, known for being firm and less fatty. It is a lean cut, which means it has less fat compared to ribeye or chuck. This also means it can be chewy if not cooked properly.

There are different types of round steak cuts:

• Top Round Steak – Best for roasting or thin slicing.
• Bottom Round Steak – Slightly tougher but flavorful, perfect for stews or braising.
• Eye of Round Steak – steak is a lean cut that’s commonly used to prepare roast beef.

Because of its low fat content, round steak beef requires slow cooking in liquid to become tender. That’s why it is often paired with gravy.

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Why Cook Round Steak with Gravy?

Gravy adds moisture, richness, and flavor. When beef simmers in a broth-based gravy, the fibers break down slowly, making the steak tender. This method also creates a complete meal, perfect for serving with rice, potatoes, or pasta.

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Ingredients for Round Steak and Gravy

• 2 pounds round steak (top or bottom round)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup mushrooms (optional)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper

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Cooking Methods for Round Steak

1. Oven-Baked Round Steak and Gravy

Baked round steak with gravy is a family favorite.

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Sear steak in a skillet with oil until browned.
• Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Stir in flour, then add broth and Worcestershire sauce.
• Place steak and gravy in a baking dish. Cover with foil.
• Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.

This round steak in oven recipe works well for weekend dinners.

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2. Crockpot Round Steak Recipe

If you prefer hands-off cooking, try the slow cooker.

• Place seared steak, onions, garlic, and mushrooms in a crockpot.
• Add broth, flour, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

This crockpot round steak recipe is one of the easiest ways to enjoy beef with gravy.

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3. Stovetop Round Steak and Gravy

For a faster option, use a skillet.

• Brown steak in oil.
• Add onions and garlic. Stir in flour and broth.
• Simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours.

This round steak on stove method is perfect if you don’t want to heat the oven.

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Recipe Card

Cooking with Round Steak and Gravy | Easy Family Recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Difficulty: Medium

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 36g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

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Variations of Round Steak Recipes

Round steak is versatile. You can try different methods and flavors:

• Beef round bottom steak recipes – Great for stews.
• Recipe for round steak and gravy in oven – Classic Sunday dinner.
• Slow cooker round steak recipes – Easy weeknight meals.
• Tenderized round steak recipe – Cuts cooking time.
• Top round steak recipes – Perfect for slicing thin with gravy.

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Tips for Cooking Round Steak Tender

• Always sear before cooking for deeper flavor.
• Cook low and slow to break down muscle fibers.
• Use plenty of liquid like broth or gravy.
• Tenderize with a meat mallet if needed.
• Slice against the grain for softer bites.

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Serving Suggestions

Round steak with gravy pairs well with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered noodles
• Steamed rice
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh bread rolls

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Storage and Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat slowly with added broth to keep the meat moist.

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Conclusion

Cooking with round steak doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right method, this lean cut turns into a flavorful, tender dish that works for weeknight dinners or special family meals. Whether you choose oven-baked, crockpot, or stovetop, adding gravy ensures your steak is moist and delicious.

For more beef inspiration, check this external guide on round steak.

FAQs

Q1: What is round steak best used for?
Round steak is lean and tough, so it’s best for slow cooking, braising, or pairing with gravy to make it tender.

Q2: How do you cook round steak to make it tender?
Cook it low and slow in the oven, crockpot, or with gravy. Marinating before cooking also helps soften the meat.

Q3: Can I cook round steak in the oven?
Yes, baking round steak with gravy in the oven makes it tender and flavorful. Cover it with foil to trap moisture.

Q4: What is the difference between bottom round steak and top round steak?
Top round is leaner and often roasted, while bottom round has more connective tissue, making it better for braised dishes.

Q5: Can I use round steak in a crockpot?
Yes, crockpot round steak recipes are popular because the slow cooking makes the beef juicy and tender.

Q6: Is round steak good for frying?
Round steak is not ideal for quick frying since it can turn tough. It works better with slow-cooked methods.

Q7: What gravy goes best with round steak?
A simple brown beef gravy or onion gravy works perfectly with round steak recipes.