If you’re craving hearty, comforting home cooking, nothing hits the spot quite like this Classic Round Steak with Gravy Recipe. Tender, flavorful round steak simmers slowly in a rich onion-infused gravy until it melts in your mouth, making it a timeless favorite perfect for any weeknight or cozy Sunday dinner. This dish brings together simple ingredients that celebrate warmth and satisfaction with every bite, delivering just the right balance of tenderness and savory goodness that’s sure to become your go-to comfort meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Classic Round Steak with Gravy Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty round steak to the rich beef broth, every component helps create a dish that’s both satisfying and soulful.
- 2 pounds round steak (cut into serving-size pieces): The star of the dish, providing that tender, meaty base you’ll savor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to balance the dish.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging): Creates a light coating that helps form a flavorful crust and thickens the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the steak to develop savory, caramelized edges.
- 1 large onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed in the pan juices.
- 3 cups beef broth: Infuses richness into the gravy and keeps the meat juicy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami punch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a warm, aromatic underpinning without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts onion flavor seamlessly throughout the gravy.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbaceous note for complexity.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening): Allows you to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency with ease.
How to Make Classic Round Steak with Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Steak
Begin by seasoning both sides of your round steak pieces with salt and black pepper. Then dredge each piece lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This step is essential not only to add flavor but also to help develop that lovely, golden crust when browning.
Step 2: Brown the Steak
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the steak pieces for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully caramelized. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—you might need to do this in batches. Once browned, remove the steak and set aside to maintain those delicious juices.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In the same pan, add the sliced onions. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and start to turn translucent, absorbing all those wonderful browned bits leftover from the steak. This step infuses the base of your gravy with natural sweetness and complexity.
Step 4: Simmer the Steak in Broth and Seasonings
Return the browned steak to the pan with the softened onions. Pour in the beef broth and stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook gently for 1½ to 2 hours. This slow simmering tenderizes the meat wonderfully while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering pan juices. Let it cook uncovered for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. This finishing touch makes the sauce lush and clingy, perfect for soaking up with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Classic Round Steak with Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
To add extra flair and freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. The bright green not only adds a pop of color but also complements the rich gravy nicely with a subtle herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
This hearty round steak shines when paired with classic comfort sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of that luscious gravy, fluffy white rice for a simple base, or buttery egg noodles that hug the sauce perfectly. Each side adds its own textural contrast while keeping the meal cozy and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more rustic yet elegant presentation, serve the steak and gravy over a bed of buttery garlic mashed cauliflower or creamy polenta for a modern twist. You can also plate it alongside roasted root vegetables for a colorful and balanced dinner that’s both eye-catching and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Classic Round Steak with Gravy Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 3 to 4 days to maintain the steak’s tenderness and the gravy’s vibrant flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish successfully for up to 3 months. Make sure the steak and gravy are completely cooled before packaging in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. This makes it convenient for future meals, especially when you’re craving comfort food in a hurry.
Reheating
Gently reheat the steak and gravy in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the meat. Adding a splash of beef broth or water when reheating helps restore the gravy’s silky consistency and keeps the steak tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! After browning the steak and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the steak is tender and the flavors have deeply developed. It’s a fantastic hands-off method that makes your kitchen smell incredible.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar can work as a good substitute, adding similar umami and depth to your gravy.
Why is round steak a good choice for this recipe?
Round steak is lean and benefits greatly from slow, moist cooking methods. Simmering it in a rich gravy breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in tender slices full of flavor without being overly fatty.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. This small adjustment keeps the dish just as delicious without gluten.
How long can I simmer the steak for best results?
A slow simmer of 1½ to 2 hours is excellent for tender, flavorful results. Simmering too long might dry out the meat unless ample liquid is maintained, so keep the pan covered and check periodically.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Round Steak with Gravy Recipe is a comforting classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for those moments when you want a meal that feeds both body and soul. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find it as rewarding to make and eat as I do. Nothing beats the cozy satisfaction of tender steak swimming in rich, savory gravy, especially when shared with loved ones at the table.
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Classic Round Steak with Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Round Steak with Gravy is a comforting and budget-friendly American main course featuring tender, slow-simmered round steak in a flavorful beef and onion gravy. Perfect for a hearty Sunday dinner or meal prep, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 pounds round steak (cut into serving-size pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Season both sides of the round steak pieces evenly with salt and black pepper, then dredge lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating.
- Brown the steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, brown the steak pieces for 2–3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Remove the browned steak and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the steak for extra flavor.
- Combine and simmer: Return the browned steak pieces back to the pan with the onions. Pour in the beef broth, and stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Slow cook the steak: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the steak to simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Thicken the gravy (optional): For a thicker gravy, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer uncovered for an additional 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the tender round steak and rich gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, making a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This dish is excellent for budget-friendly meal prep or a cozy Sunday dinner.
- Can be adapted for slow cooker use: after browning the meat and onions, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours instead of stovetop simmering.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper after the slow cooking process.
- Optional thickening with cornstarch makes the gravy rich and luscious but can be skipped if a thinner broth is preferred.
