Beef round steak is a versatile, economical cut of beef that can be transformed into a variety of flavorful dishes. This lean cut comes from the cow’s rear leg, making it leaner and less tender compared to other cuts like ribeye or sirloin. However, with the right cooking methods and a little patience, beef round steak can become tender, juicy, and perfect for a wide range of meals.
But what exactly is beef round steak good for? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best uses for beef round steak, including top cooking methods, recipes, nutritional benefits, and common FAQs.
What is Beef Round Steak?
Beef round steak comes from the round primal cut, which is located in the rear leg of the cow. This section includes the top round, bottom round, and eye of round. Because these muscles are frequently used, the meat is lean, which means it’s tougher compared to more marbled cuts.
However, what it lacks in fat, it makes up for in flavor and versatility. When cooked properly using methods like braising, slow cooking, or marinating, beef round steak becomes tender and delicious.
Why is Beef Round Steak a Great Choice?
- Affordability: One of the main reasons people opt for beef round steak is its affordability. It’s typically much less expensive than tender cuts like filet mignon or ribeye, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
- Nutritional Benefits: Since it’s a lean cut, beef round steak is lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier choice for those looking to cut back on fat while still enjoying a high-protein meal.
- Versatility in Recipes: From slow-cooked stews and roasts to stir-fries and grilled dishes, beef round steak can be used in many different recipes, offering a lot of versatility in the kitchen.
For more detailed insights into the nutritional benefits of beef, check out this guide on beef’s health benefits.
Best Cooking Methods for Beef Round Steak
Because beef round steak is a lean cut, it’s essential to cook it in ways that help retain moisture and tenderness. Some of the most effective methods include braising, slow cooking, marinating, and even grilling when prepared properly.
Braising for Maximum Tenderness
Braising is a slow-cooking method that uses both dry and moist heat. This is one of the best ways to cook beef round steak, as it helps break down the tough fibers and results in a tender, flavorful meal.
How to Braise Beef Round Steak:
- Season the beef round steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Sear the steak on both sides until browned, then remove from the pan.
- Add onions, garlic, and herbs to the pot and sauté until softened.
- Pour in beef broth or red wine, ensuring the liquid covers about half the steak.
- Return the steak to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender.
Braising works exceptionally well for dishes like beef round steak with mushroom gravy or slow-cooked stews. The result is tender meat with deep, rich flavors.
Slow Cooking for Rich, Flavorful Dishes
Slow cooking is another excellent method for tenderizing beef round steak. By allowing the meat to cook at a low temperature for several hours, the collagen in the meat breaks down, resulting in a tender texture and a deeply flavorful dish.
Slow-Cooking Instructions:
- Place your beef round steak in a slow cooker along with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions.
- Add beef broth, garlic, and herbs (like thyme and rosemary).
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the steak is tender and falling apart.
- Serve the steak with the cooked vegetables and ladle the flavorful broth over the top.
For more tips on slow cooking, check out this slow cooking guide for beef.
Marinating to Add Flavor and Tenderness
Marinating is an easy way to add flavor and tenderize beef round steak. The acid in the marinade helps break down the tough fibers in the meat, while the oil and seasonings enhance the flavor.
Basic Marinade Recipe:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinating Instructions:
- Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
- Place the beef round steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
- After marinating, grill, broil, or stir-fry the steak.
Grilling for a Quick Meal
Grilling is a great option for beef round steak, provided you marinate the steak beforehand and slice it thinly against the grain. This helps reduce toughness and makes the steak more enjoyable.
Grilling Tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Grilled beef round steak is perfect for fajitas, sandwiches, or served alongside grilled vegetables.
What Dishes are Best for Beef Round Steak?
There are many delicious ways to use beef round steak in recipes. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most popular dishes that highlight the flavor and versatility of this cut of beef.
1. Beef Round Steak Stew
One of the best uses for beef round steak is in hearty stews. The slow-cooking process tenderizes the meat while the vegetables and broth soak up all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients for Beef Round Steak Stew:
- 2 pounds beef round steak, cubed
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pot and brown the cubed beef round steak on all sides.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
This stew is perfect for a comforting family dinner and pairs well with crusty bread.
2. Beef Round Steak Stir-Fry
Stir-frying is another quick and flavorful way to prepare beef round steak. Thinly sliced steak cooks quickly, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients for Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound beef round steak, sliced thinly
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Cooking Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and stir-fry the beef for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated.
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice.
3. Slow-Cooked Pot Roast
Beef round steak can also be used in pot roast recipes, where it’s slow-cooked with vegetables and broth for a tender, flavorful meal.
Ingredients for Pot Roast:
- 2 pounds beef round steak
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Instructions:
- Brown the beef round steak in a large pot, then remove it from the pan.
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, and sauté for a few minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, then add the beef broth.
- Return the steak to the pot and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Nutritional Benefits of Beef Round Steak
In addition to its versatility, beef round steak offers a number of nutritional benefits. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Key Nutritional Benefits of Beef Round Steak
- High in Protein: With approximately 23 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, beef round steak is an excellent source of this essential macronutrient.
- Low in Fat: As a lean cut of beef, beef round steak contains about 5 grams of fat per serving, making it a healthier choice compared to fattier cuts like ribeye or brisket.
- Rich in Iron and Zinc: These minerals are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system and energy production. Iron is especially important for transporting oxygen in the blood, while zinc supports enzyme function and immune health.
For more detailed information on the health benefits of beef, read this guide to the nutritional benefits of beef.
FAQs About Beef Round Steak
How Do You Tenderize Beef Round Steak?
Tenderizing beef round steak can be done by marinating it in an acidic solution (like vinegar or lemon juice), using a meat mallet to break down the muscle fibers, or slow cooking it in liquid until it becomes tender.
Is Beef Round Steak Healthy?
Yes, beef round steak is a healthy option, especially for those looking to reduce their fat intake. It’s low in fat and calories, but high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
Can You Grill Beef Round Steak?
Yes, grilling beef round steak is possible, but it’s important to marinate the steak first to help tenderize it. Slicing the steak thinly against the grain after grilling also helps reduce toughness.
Conclusion: Why Beef Round Steak is a Great Choice
Beef round steak is an affordable, versatile, and nutritious cut of beef that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. From slow-cooked stews to quick stir-fries and grilled dishes, this cut offers endless possibilities in the kitchen. While it may require specific cooking methods to achieve tenderness, the result is well worth the effort.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, beef round steak can add a rich, hearty flavor to any dish. Now that you know what beef round steak is good for, it’s time to start experimenting in the kitchen and enjoy this fantastic cut of beef!