Round Steak and Gravy: A Hearty and Comforting Meal

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes satisfy quite like Round Steak and Gravy. Tender round steak, simmered to perfection in a savory, flavorful gravy, creates a hearty meal that warms the soul. This classic dish is not only simple to prepare but is also perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave a filling and delicious meal.

Round Steak and Gravy is a versatile dish that can be paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or even steamed vegetables, making it a go-to option for easy, satisfying meals. The steak’s natural flavors blend wonderfully with the rich, smooth gravy, creating a meal that feels both homey and indulgent.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to impress. In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious, savory dish, share tips for making the perfect round steak, and offer some serving suggestions that will take your meal to the next level. Let’s dive into the world of Round Steak and Gravy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why Round Steak and Gravy will quickly become a go-to dish in your kitchen:

• Comfort Food at Its Best: Tender steak paired with creamy gravy is the ultimate comfort food, especially when served with mashed potatoes or rice.
• Simple Ingredients: This dish uses basic pantry staples, which means you don’t need to make a special trip to the store for a long list of ingredients.
• Easy to Make: Despite its rich flavor, this dish is incredibly simple to prepare. The slow cooking method makes the steak melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Affordable: Round steak is an economical cut of beef that’s great for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
• Versatile: The gravy is the star of the show, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making this meal incredibly versatile.
• Hearty and Filling: This dish is so satisfying, you won’t need much else on your plate. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or a hungry family.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For a delicious Round Steak and Gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a flavorful dish:

For Round Steak:

• 4 round steaks (about 1 inch thick) – Round steak is lean, and when cooked properly, it can be incredibly tender. You can also use sirloin or other cuts if you prefer.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For browning the steaks. You can substitute with vegetable oil or butter if you like.
• Salt and pepper – To season the steaks. A simple but necessary step to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced – Onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the gravy.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced – For added flavor and aroma.

For Gravy:

• 2 cups beef broth – This is the base of your gravy. Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a savory umami depth to the gravy.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Used to thicken the gravy. You can substitute with cornstarch if you prefer a gluten-free option.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef and enhances the flavor of the gravy.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – Adds an earthy, aromatic note to the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika – Gives the gravy a subtle smokiness and a hint of color.
• 1 tablespoon butter – For richness and flavor in the gravy.

Serving:

• Mashed potatoes or rice – Perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
• Steamed vegetables (optional) – Serve with a side of vegetables like green beans, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Round Steak

Start by seasoning the round steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also rub the steaks with a little olive oil to help the seasoning stick.

Step 2: Brown the Steaks

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to do this in batches). Brown the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until they have a nice golden-brown crust. Once browned, remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Once the onions and garlic are ready, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic in the skillet, stirring well to combine. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook the flour mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Next, slowly add the beef broth to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent the flour from clumping. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika, and continue to stir until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer the Steaks

Return the browned round steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some gravy over the top of the steaks, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the steaks simmer in the gravy for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through. The longer the steaks simmer, the more tender they will become.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the steaks are tender, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the gravy and stir until it melts into the sauce. This will give the gravy a rich, silky finish.

Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the round steaks hot, with the gravy spooned over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of rice to soak up the delicious gravy. For added freshness and color, consider serving with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or peas.

How to Serve

Round Steak and Gravy is a complete meal on its own, but you can make it even more satisfying by pairing it with the following side dishes:

• Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture of mashed potatoes makes them the perfect base for this rich, savory gravy. You can even add a bit of garlic or sour cream to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
• Rice – Whether white or brown, rice is another excellent side to serve with this dish. It soaks up the gravy beautifully and adds a hearty element to the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables – Pair the meal with vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots. These add freshness and balance out the richness of the steak and gravy.
• Cornbread – A slice of buttery cornbread can be a great addition to this meal, offering a slightly sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the steak.
• Garden Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will add a crisp, light contrast to the heavier steak and gravy.

Recipe Variations

Round Steak and Gravy is a flexible dish that can be customized based on your preferences. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

Add Mushrooms

For an earthy twist, sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors of the gravy and add richness to the dish.

Make it Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the gravy. This will give the dish a spicy kick.

Use Different Cuts of Beef

While round steak is the traditional choice for this dish, you can also use sirloin steaks, chuck roast, or flank steak for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Make it Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Be sure to use gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce as well.

Tips for the Perfect Round Steak and Gravy

1. Tenderize the Steak: If you find round steak a bit tough, use a meat mallet to tenderize it before cooking. This will help break down the fibers and make the steak more tender.
2. Simmer Slowly: The key to tender round steak is to let it cook slowly in the gravy. Don’t rush the simmering process; give the steak time to absorb the flavors and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
3. Make It Ahead of Time: Round Steak and Gravy can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickens too much.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer: If you want to be sure the steak is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C), and for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C).

Conclusion

Round Steak and Gravy is the epitome of comfort food—a savory, tender steak simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to be adapted to suit your tastes.

Give this recipe a try, and watch as it becomes a regular in your household. With tender beef, a rich gravy, and the perfect sides, Round Steak and Gravy is a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Enjoy cooking, and bon appétit!

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