Looking for delicious and budget-friendly dinner ideas? Round steak recipes are a great go-to when you want a hearty meal without breaking the bank. This cut of beef, taken from the rear leg of the cow, is lean, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking, braising, or marinating. While it’s not as naturally tender as some other cuts, the right cooking method can transform round steak into a mouthwatering dish.
In this article, you’ll find 17 amazing round steak recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for something cozy and comforting or quick and satisfying, we’ve got you covered.
What Is Round Steak?
Round steak is a lean cut of beef that comes from the rear leg of the cow. It includes several sub-cuts like top round, bottom round, and eye of round. Since it’s a working muscle, it tends to be tougher but very flavorful when cooked properly.
Pro Tip: Round steak is best when it’s cooked slowly or marinated to help tenderize the meat. It’s ideal for dishes like stews, stir-fries, and slow cooker meals.
1. Classic Smothered Round Steak and Gravy
This Southern-style dish is comfort food at its finest. Tender round steak is pan-fried and then simmered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy until fork-tender.
Ingredients:
- Round steak, sliced
- Onion, garlic, mushrooms
- Beef broth
- Flour and oil for browning
Best Served With: Mashed potatoes or rice.
2. Slow Cooker Round Steak and Potatoes
Let your crock pot do the work! This set-it-and-forget-it recipe layers sliced round steak with potatoes, carrots, and onions in a savory broth.
Why It Works: Slow cooking breaks down the fibers in the meat, making it extra tender and flavorful.
3. Round Steak Stroganoff
A budget-friendly twist on the classic beef stroganoff, this dish uses thinly sliced round steak simmered with onions, garlic, and sour cream over egg noodles.
Pro Tip: Marinate the meat first in a little Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
4. Beef and Broccoli with Round Steak
Skip the takeout! Use thin slices of round steak in this easy stir-fry. Cook with fresh broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ready in: Under 30 minutes.
5. Round Steak Fajitas
Marinate strips of round steak in lime juice, garlic, and chili powder, then grill or sauté with onions and peppers. Serve with warm tortillas, guac, and salsa.
Great For: Taco Tuesday or weekend family dinners.
6. Swiss Steak with Tomatoes
An old-school favorite, Swiss steak is made by slow-cooking round steak in a tomato-based sauce with onions, celery, and carrots.
Cooking Method: Braised in a Dutch oven or slow cooker for 2–3 hours.
7. Round Steak Stir Fry with Vegetables
This quick weeknight stir fry uses thin slices of round steak with bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots. Toss it all in a soy-honey-garlic sauce.
Best Served Over: Steamed white rice or noodles.
8. Balsamic Marinated Round Steak
Tenderize your steak with a marinade made of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Grill it up and slice thin for salads or sandwiches.
Bonus: Great for meal prepping!
9. Round Steak Tacos
Use cooked round steak in your favorite taco setup. Think spicy chipotle mayo, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheese all wrapped in a corn tortilla.
Cooking Tip: Season and sear, then slice thin across the grain for the best texture.
10. Round Steak and Onions
Sometimes, simple is best. Brown your steak, cook up some onions, and simmer everything together until tender.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire and a pinch of thyme.
11. Teriyaki Round Steak
Marinate thin slices of round steak in teriyaki sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Grill or pan-sear for a quick Asian-inspired dinner.
Perfect Side: Steamed rice or sautéed bok choy.
12. BBQ Round Steak Sandwiches
Slow cook your round steak in your favorite barbecue sauce until it shreds easily. Pile onto buns with coleslaw for a tangy, satisfying sandwich.
Crowd Favorite: Great for game days or backyard parties.
13. Round Steak Chili
Chop round steak into chunks and use it as the base for a hearty chili. Let it simmer with tomatoes, beans, and spices for a rich, flavorful dish.
Cooking Method: Slow cooker or stovetop—both work great!
14. Italian-Style Round Steak
Sear your steak and bake it in the oven with crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and bell peppers. Serve over pasta or polenta.
Full of Flavor: Let it bake low and slow for a fall-apart tender result.
15. Mongolian Beef with Round Steak
Thin strips of round steak coated in a sticky-sweet Mongolian sauce? Yes, please! Add green onions and red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
16. Round Steak Skillet Dinner
Sauté sliced steak with mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in a big skillet. Season with Italian herbs and a touch of balsamic for a one-pan meal.
Time Saver: On the table in 30 minutes or less.
17. Pepper Steak with Round Steak
Cook round steak strips with bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy-based sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a classic family dinner.
Pro Tip: Use a corn starch slurry to thicken the sauce to restaurant-style perfection.
How to Cook Round Steak So It’s Tender
Round steak is known for being lean and a little tough if not cooked properly. Here are a few tips to make it more tender and juicy:
- Marinate it: Use acidic marinades (like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine) to help break down the muscle fibers.
- Slice against the grain: Cutting the meat in the opposite direction of the fibers makes it easier to chew.
- Use low and slow cooking: Braising and slow cooking melt connective tissues, making the steak fork-tender.
- Pound it: Physically tenderize the meat with a meat mallet to break up the fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is round steak good for grilling?
Yes, but it’s best when marinated first and cooked quickly over high heat to avoid drying it out. Thin slices are ideal for fajitas or stir-fries.
What’s the difference between top round and bottom round?
Top round is slightly more tender than bottom round and works better for roasting. Bottom round is a bit tougher but excellent for braising or slow-cooking.
Can I use round steak in place of flank or skirt steak?
Yes, but you may need to marinate it longer and cook it carefully to avoid toughness.
Final Thoughts
Round steak might not be the most glamorous cut of beef, but with the right recipe, it’s a delicious and economical option for everyday meals. From comforting slow cooker dishes to sizzling stir-fries, these round steak recipes prove that budget-friendly can also be flavorful and satisfying.
Next time you spot round steak on sale, grab it and try one of these easy recipes—you’ll be glad you did.