Quick Beef Round Steak Recipes: 15 Easy Ways to Cook Round Steak

What is Round Steak?

Round steak refers to cuts of beef taken from the rear leg or “round” section of the cow. This area gets a lot of exercise, so the cuts from this section are leaner and require moist cooking methods. Common round steak cuts include top round, bottom round, eye of round, and sirloin tip.

Benefits of Cooking with Round Steak

Budget Friendly

Round steak is an affordable cut that costs less per pound than premium steaks.

Quick Cooking

When sliced thin against the grain, round steak cooks up fast on the stovetop or grill.

Lean and Protein Packed

Round steak is lower in fat and calories while still providing a good amount of protein.

Absorb Marinades Well

Easy to infuse round steak with lots of added flavor from marinades.

How to Cook Round Steak Perfectly

Watch the Thickness

Thinner cuts will cook faster. Pound thicker steaks to flatten before cooking.

Marinate Thoroughly

Let steak marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more tenderness.

Use a Meat Mallet

Gently pound steak before marinating to help tenderize the meat.

Sear at High Heat

Get a good sear over high heat on the stovetop, grill or broiler first.

Cook Quickly

Cook round steak over high heat for just a few minutes per side to keep it tender.

Let Rest Before Slicing

Allowing the steak to rest seals in the juices for a tender, moist bite.

15 Quick and Delicious Round Steak Recipes

1. Asian Marinated Round Steak

Marinate sliced round steak in soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and garlic for an Asian inspired dish.

2. Round Steak Fajitas

Quickly sauté marinated strips of round steak with bell peppers and onions for easy fajitas.

3. Italian Round Steak Rolls

Stuff thinly sliced round steak with provolone, basil, and roasted peppers then roll up and bake.

4. Round Steak Soup

Simmer chunks of round steak with veggies in beef broth for a hearty and comforting soup.

5. Open Faced Round Steak Sandwiches

Broil seasoned round steak slices and serve on thick sliced bread with caramelized onions.

6. Round Steak Salad

Top colorful salad greens with thinly sliced grilled marinated round steak for added protein.

7. Smothered Round Steak

Browned round steaks are smothered in sautéed mushrooms, onions and gravy for comforting flavor.

8. Southwestern Round Steak

Spice up round steak by marinating it in a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and lime juice.

9. Teriyaki Round Steak Bowls

Grilled teriyaki round steak served over rice with steamed broccoli and carrots for a healthy dinner.

10. Round Steak Enchiladas

Shredded round steak rolled into corn tortillas topped with green enchilada sauce and melted cheese.

11. Italian Stuffed Round Steak

Pounded thin round steaks stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and herbs create an impressive Italian meal.

12. Round Steak Stir Fry

Thinly sliced round steak is quickly stir fried Chinese style with noodles, vegetables, and teriyaki sauce.

13. BBQ Round Steak

A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce makes grilled round steak pop with summer flavor.

14. Round Steak and Potatoes

Pan sear seasoned round steaks and oven roast some potatoes for an easy one-pan meal.

15. Round Steak Shepherd’s Pie

Ground round steak makes the hearty meat filling for a comforting shepherd’s pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Tips for Cooking Round Steak

Follow these tips for getting the best results when cooking round steaks fast:

- Cut across the grain into thin slices for quicker cooking

- Use a meat mallet or tenderizer to break down fibers

- Marinate for at least 2 hours, overnight is best

- Pat steak dry before seasoning or searing

- Use very high heat to quickly brown the exterior

- Don’t overcook - cook just until browned with a slight hint of pink

Conclusion

Round steak is an affordable, nutritious, and quick-cooking cut of beef perfect for easy weeknight meals. When sliced thinly against the grain and cooked over high dry heat, round steak can become tender and juicy in just minutes. Use flavorful marinades and spices to enhance the mild beefy taste. Follow these fast and easy round steak recipes for budget-friendly dinners ready in 30 minutes or less.

FAQ

1. What is the easiest way to cook round steak?

The easiest way to cook round steak is to pan-fry it. Heat a skillet over high heat, pat the steak dry, season, then place in the hot skillet and cook 2-4 minutes per side until browned.

2. Should you marinate round steak?

Yes, marinating round steak is highly recommended. Round steak absorbs marinades very well, which adds extra moisture and flavor. Marinate for 2-12 hours.

3. Is round steak good for fajitas?

Yes, round steak works great for quick fajitas. Look for top round or sirloin tip cuts, slice very thinly across the grain, and marinate in a Mexican style marinade before sautéing.

4. What are some good marinades for round steak?

Great marinade options include Italian dressing, teriyaki sauce, red wine vinaigrette, chimichurri, lime juice with Southwest spices, or just olive oil and dried herbs.

5. Should you slice round steak before cooking?

Yes, it’s best to slice round steak very thin, against the grain, before cooking. This shortens the muscle fibers for more tenderness when cooked fast over high heat.