Top round steak is a lean, budget-friendly cut of beef that can be absolutely delicious when cooked properly. Although it’s not as naturally tender as other cuts, the right cooking method and a good marinade can turn this cut into a tender, juicy meal your whole family will love.
In this guide, you’ll find 15 top round steak recipes that are easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend grilling. Whether you’re grilling, braising, or pan-frying, these ideas will help you get the most out of this underrated cut.
What is Top Round Steak?
Top round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow—part of the round primal cut. It’s lean and affordable, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy steak without spending a fortune.
Because it’s less tender than ribeye or sirloin, top round steak shines when marinated, slow-cooked, or thinly sliced across the grain.
Tips for Cooking Top Round Steak
Before we dive into the recipes, here are a few essential tips:
- Marinate the steak for at least 2-4 hours (overnight is better).
- Cook hot and fast or low and slow—avoid the middle ground.
- Always slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Rest your meat for 5–10 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
1. Classic Grilled Top Round Steak
Best for: Backyard BBQ
Marinate your top round steak in a mix of olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and black pepper. Grill over high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Slice thin and serve with grilled vegetables.
🕒 Prep time: 4 hours (including marinade)
🔥 Cook time: 10 minutes
2. Garlic Herb Pan-Seared Top Round Steak
Best for: Quick weeknight dinner
This simple skillet recipe uses a garlic, rosemary, and butter baste to infuse the steak with flavor. Sear the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet, basting frequently for a juicy, golden crust.
🕒 Prep time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook time: 8 minutes
3. Slow Cooker Top Round Steak with Onions and Gravy
Best for: Comfort food lovers
Place sliced onions and seasoned top round steaks in a slow cooker with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of soy sauce. Let it cook for 6–8 hours on low for a melt-in-your-mouth, fork-tender meal.
🕒 Prep time: 15 minutes
⏳ Cook time: 6-8 hours
4. Top Round Steak Stir-Fry
Best for: Asian-inspired dinner
Thinly slice top round steak and marinate in soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and garlic. Stir-fry with bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick, healthy meal.
🕒 Prep time: 30 minutes
🔥 Cook time: 15 minutes
5. Balsamic Marinated Top Round Steak
Best for: Elegant, flavorful meals
This recipe uses balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, rosemary, and garlic for a tangy, herbaceous marinade. Grill or broil the steak to medium-rare and serve with roasted potatoes or a salad.
🕒 Prep time: 4 hours
🔥 Cook time: 10 minutes
6. Top Round Steak Fajitas
Best for: Family dinner night
Marinate sliced steak in lime juice, cumin, garlic, and chili powder. Cook in a hot skillet with onions and bell peppers. Serve in warm tortillas with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
🕒 Prep time: 1 hour
🔥 Cook time: 15 minutes
7. Oven-Baked Top Round Steak with Mushrooms
Best for: Cozy dinner at home
Place top round steak in a baking dish with sliced mushrooms, onions, garlic, and beef broth. Cover with foil and bake low and slow at 325°F until tender.
🕒 Prep time: 20 minutes
⏳ Cook time: 90 minutes
8. Top Round Steak Sandwiches
Best for: Game day or lunch
Thinly slice cooked top round steak and layer on crusty bread with horseradish mayo, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese. Toast until golden and melty.
🕒 Prep time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook time: 10 minutes
9. Braised Top Round Steak in Tomato Sauce
Best for: Italian-style dinners
Simmer steak in crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and a splash of red wine. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
🕒 Prep time: 20 minutes
⏳ Cook time: 2 hours
10. Teriyaki Top Round Steak
Best for: Sweet and savory flavor lovers
Marinate steak in teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger, then grill or pan-sear. Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a quick Asian-inspired meal.
🕒 Prep time: 2 hours
🔥 Cook time: 10 minutes
11. Top Round Steak Kabobs
Best for: Summer BBQs
Cut steak into chunks and marinate in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. Skewer with onions, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Grill for a colorful and fun meal.
🕒 Prep time: 2 hours
🔥 Cook time: 10 minutes
12. Top Round Steak Philly Cheesesteaks
Best for: Sandwich lovers
Thinly slice cooked top round and sauté with onions and green peppers. Pile onto hoagie rolls with provolone or Cheez Whiz for a Philly classic.
🕒 Prep time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook time: 15 minutes
13. Chili Lime Top Round Steak
Best for: Zesty, bold flavor
Marinate steak in fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic, and olive oil. Grill and slice over a salad or rice bowl.
🕒 Prep time: 1 hour
🔥 Cook time: 10 minutes
14. Country-Fried Top Round Steak
Best for: Southern-style comfort food
Bread steak slices with flour, salt, and pepper. Pan-fry until crispy and golden. Top with creamy white gravy and serve with mashed potatoes.
🕒 Prep time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook time: 20 minutes
15. Italian Stuffed Top Round Steak Rolls
Best for: Impressing dinner guests
Pound thin slices of steak, fill with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, spinach, and garlic. Roll up and secure with toothpicks. Bake in marinara sauce until tender and flavorful.
🕒 Prep time: 30 minutes
⏳ Cook time: 60 minutes
Final Thoughts
Top round steak may not be the most tender cut, but with the right technique, it can be transformed into mouthwatering meals. From stir-fries and sandwiches to slow-cooked comfort food and elegant grilled entrees, these top round steak recipes prove that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy delicious beef dishes.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, try out these recipes to elevate your home cooking. Just remember to slice against the grain, marinate when possible, and cook with care—and your top round steak will be anything but tough.