Are you looking for a budget-friendly yet delicious dish that will leave everyone at the table wanting more? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for smothered round steak. With its rich mushroom and onion gravy, this tender beef dish is perfect for enjoying over a plate of creamy mashed potatoes or silky egg noodles. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with this easy dinner recipe!
Key Takeaways
How to Cook Round Steak So It’s Tender | 1-Minute Video
Top Round Steak Recipe
As far as cuts of meat go, top round steak may not be as popular as ground beef or as fancy as filet mignon, but it holds its own when prepared with the right techniques. By braising the steaks in a flavorful mushroom and onion gravy and cooking them low and slow for a few hours, you can transform this affordable cut of beef into a dish that practically melts in your mouth. The result is a family-friendly, flavorful delight that will put a smile on everyone’s face.
Is Round Steak Tough? How Should Round Steak Be Cooked?
Round steak is known for being moderately tough due to its high amount of connective tissue and being derived from a heavily exercised muscle. Unlike cuts with more fat and marbling, round steak tends to dry out when cooked using dry-heat methods like roasting or grilling. Therefore, the best way to cook round steak is through slow cooking methods that involve gentle, moist heat. This low-and-slow cooking process helps tenderize the meat, retain its moisture, and ultimately result in fork-tender steaks.
What Is Round Steak Used For?
Round steak is primarily used in slow cooking methods such as braising, Crock Pot meals, Swiss steak, London broil, Italian beef, and stews.
Why Tenderize Steak?
Tougher cuts of meat, like round steak, require tenderizing to break down the tough fibers and connective tissue. The easiest way to tenderize round steak is by using the textured side of a meat mallet or tenderizer.
What Is the Best Meat Tenderizer for Steak?
Meat tenderizers are essential kitchen tools that make the tenderizing process a breeze. If you don’t have one yet, consider getting the Oxo Good Grips mallet-style tenderizer or the budget-friendly blade-style tenderizer from Norpro. Both options will help you achieve perfectly tenderized steaks.
Serving Suggestions
This classic comfort food pairs perfectly with a variety of sides that will complement its flavors. Consider serving your smothered round steak with the following options:
- Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives, Red Skin Mashed Potatoes, or Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
- Classic Baked Potatoes or Baked Potato Wedges.
- Aunt Bee’s 3-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole or Sweet Potato Casserole.
- Jiffy Corn Casserole or Fried Corn.
- Wedge Salad, Caesar Salad, or House Salad with Candied Pecans.
- Green Beans with Bacon, Southern-Style Green Beans, or Amish Green Beans with Brown Butter.
- Roasted Broccoli, Broccoli and Cheese Sauce, or Broccoli Cauliflower Salad.
- Sauteed Asparagus or Roasted Asparagus.
- Crusty No-Knead Bread, Easy French Baguette, Homemade Breadsticks, Homemade Crescent Rolls, or Dinner Rolls.
- Buttermilk Biscuits, Flaky Biscuits, or 3-Ingredient Sour Cream Muffins.
- Sauteed Spinach, Creamed Spinach, or Creamed Spinach Casserole.
- Creamed Peas.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few ways you can customize your smothered round steak recipe:
- Don’t have Lipton soup mix? No problem! You can substitute it with other fresh herbs or seasonings of your choice, such as dried minced onion, garlic powder, kosher salt and pepper, or extra fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Alternatively, you can use your favorite all-purpose seasoning.
- Instead of Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce for that same salty, umami flavor. Balsamic vinegar is also a great alternative.
- Add more vegetables to the gravy recipe by incorporating diced carrots or drained, canned diced tomatoes.
- Switch up the cut of meat by using flank steak, London broil, chuck, skirt steak, or blade steak in this recipe.
- Slow Cooker: If you prefer to use a slow cooker, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first. Then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Thicken the gravy with cornstarch in a skillet at the end.
Now that you have all the secrets to making the best smothered round steak, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Don’t forget to visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ for more mouthwatering recipes and inspiration. Happy cooking!
