12+ Round Steak Recipes Tender And Cozy

Growing up, round steak was a regular player at our family table, usually seared in a cast iron skillet while the windows steamed in winter. It’s the kind of cut that looks humble but transforms with the right touch: long, slow braising for comfort, or a thin marinade for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and unfussy. When the weather gets chilly or you just want to fill the kitchen with savory aromas, it’s hard to beat the comfort of 12+ round steak recipes tender and cozy enough for any night. Whether you’re planning ahead or eyeing that steak in the fridge at 5 p.m., these ideas have saved my dinner more than once.

1. Classic Braised Round Steak with Onions

Why You’ll Love It:

Slow braising is the secret to making round steak fork-tender and loaded with flavor. If you love dinner that feels like a big hug after a long day, this hits all the right notes. It’s a favorite for Sunday suppers or when you need a meal that practically cooks itself.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds beef round steak, 1-inch thick
• 2 large yellow onions, sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven on medium-high. Brown steak on both sides, remove and set aside.
3. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden. Sprinkle with flour and stir 1 minutes.
4. Deglaze with beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
5. Return steak to pot. Add Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and braise in oven for 2–2.5 hours until steak is tender.
7. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of dry red wine with the broth for richer flavor.

Best Pairings: Mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, warm dinner rolls.

2. Round Steak and Vegetable Stew

Why You’ll Love It:

This cozy stew is a great way to slip in lots of vegetables and make a little beef stretch a long way. Perfect for cold weather, it fills the house with a comforting smell and reheats beautifully. It’s my favorite to stash in the freezer for future busy nights.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds round steak, cubed
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

How to Make It:

1. Toss steak cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Brown steak in a large pot with olive oil, working in batches. Set aside.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to pot, cook until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes, cook 2 minutes.
5. Return beef to pot with potatoes, broth, and thyme.
6. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours until beef is tender.

Meal Prep Tip: Cool and portion into airtight containers for up to 3 nights of ready-to-heat dinners.

Best Pairings: Buttered rye bread, green salad.

3. Slow Cooker Round Steak with Mushrooms

Why You’ll Love It:

Letting the slow cooker work its magic turns round steak and mushrooms into a silky, savory meal. It’s perfect for days when you need dinner ready when you walk in the door, and it’s fancy enough for company, too.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds round steak, cut into portions
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 12 ounces egg noodles

How to Make It:

1. Layer steak in bottom of slow cooker.
2. Top with mushrooms, onion, and garlic.
3. In a bowl, mix soup, broth, Worcestershire, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour over steak.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
5. Near end, cook egg noodles as package directs. Serve beef and sauce over noodles.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers make great lunches; store noodles and sauce separately.

Serving Idea: Serve with buttered peas or steamed green beans.

4. Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love It:

If you’re short on time, this stir fry brings bold flavor with barely any fuss. It turns round steak into a weeknight classic—you just need a hot pan and a few fresh peppers.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 pounds round steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Cooked white rice (for serving)

How to Make It:

1. Toss steak with cornstarch.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, broth, sesame oil, and rice vinegar for the sauce.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok, sear steak until just browned. Remove.
4. Stir fry peppers and onion until just tender.
5. Return steak, add sauce, and stir until thickened.
6. Serve immediately over hot rice.

Swap This With That: Use sliced chicken breast or tofu for a lighter option.

Best Pairings: Steamed edamame, cucumber salad.

5. Home-Style Swiss Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This is pure comfort food—steak slow-simmered until it’s melting in a rich tomato gravy. The leftovers taste even better the next day, and it’s a nostalgic favorite for my whole family.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds round steak, pounded to 3/4 inch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It:

1. Dredge steak in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Brown steak pieces in oil, set aside.
3. Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic until softened.
4. Add tomatoes, broth, and seasonings to pan.
5. Nestle steak back in, spoon sauce over.
6. Cover and simmer 2 hours until steak is tender.
7. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for extra depth.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush the simmer; low and slow guarantees tender steak.

6. Garlic Herb Round Steak Sheet Pan Dinner

Why You’ll Love It:

With this all-in-one sheet pan dinner, everything cooks at once—juicy steak, roasted potatoes, and green beans. Cleanup is easy, and it’s the kind of meal you can toss together quickly for weeknight comfort.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 pounds round steak, cut into 1-inch strips
• 1 pound baby Yukon potatoes, quartered
• 8 ounces green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 lemon, cut in wedges
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss steak, potatoes, and green beans with oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan.
3. Spread everything in an even layer.
4. Roast for 40–45 minutes, flipping steak and veggies halfway.
5. Squeeze lemon over top and garnish with rosemary before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Prep potatoes and green beans earlier in the day for a faster dinner.

Serving Idea: Serve right from the sheet pan or transfer to a warm platter.

7. Tender Round Steak Chili

Why You’ll Love It:

A twist on chili that’s packed with chunky steak, beans, and smoky spices. It’s warming enough for tailgates or snow days and makes enough for days of lunches. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any chili lover looking for something a little heartier.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds round steak, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It:

1. In a Dutch oven, brown steak cubes in oil, working in batches.
2. Remove steak, sauté onion, pepper, and garlic until soft.
3. Add beans, tomatoes, and spices to pot.
4. Return steak to pot; bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serving Idea: Top with shredded cheddar, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro.

Best Pairings: Cornbread, avocado salad, tortilla chips.

8. Round Steak Stroganoff

Why You’ll Love It:

Creamy, saucy, and full of savory flavor, stroganoff makes round steak taste like a treat. Ladled over noodles, it’s the kind of old-fashioned dinner that never goes out of style.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 pounds round steak, cut into thin strips
• 12 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 12 ounces egg noodles

How to Make It:

1. Season steak strips and toss with flour.
2. Heat butter and oil in skillet, brown steak and set aside.
3. Cook onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
4. Add broth, simmer 5 minutes.
5. Stir in Worcestershire and paprika, return steak to pan.
6. Reduce heat, add sour cream, heat gently until creamy.
7. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Flavor Boost: Mix in a spoonful of Dijon mustard with the sour cream.

Meal Prep Tip: Cook noodles just before serving to keep them from getting mushy.

9. Grilled Marinated Round Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

With an overnight marinade, round steak grills up juicy and tender. It’s a budget-friendly way to barbecue for a crowd or enjoy steak night without breaking the bank.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds round steak, about 1 inch thick
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut in wedges

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, pepper, and thyme.
2. Place steak in a zip-top bag, pour in marinade, coat well.
3. Marinate in fridge 8–24 hours.
4. Grill over medium-high heat 6–8 minutes per side for medium-rare.
5. Rest 5 minutes, slice thinly, serve with lemon.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip resting the steak after grilling—this helps lock in the juices.

Swap This With That: Try balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a deeper flavor.

10. Round Steak and Gravy over Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

A simple, reliable dinner that feels both filling and nostalgic. Round steak simmers into a tender, peppery gravy that’s perfect spooned over a big mound of rice.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 pounds round steak, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Dredge steak pieces in flour, shake off excess.
2. Heat oil, brown steak in batches, set aside.
3. Cook onion until soft, add back steak and pour in broth.
4. Add garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
5. Simmer covered 1 hours 30 minutes, until steak is very tender.
6. Serve over hot rice, sprinkled with parsley.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use leftover rice from takeout to save time.

Best Pairings: Steamed peas, roasted sweet potatoes.

11. Round Steak Pot Pie

Why You’ll Love It:

This is cold-weather comfort at its best—chunks of steak and vegetables tucked under a flaky crust. It’s hearty, kid-approved, reheats well, and has the kind of homey appeal that brings everyone to the table.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours

Total Time: 1 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds round steak, cut in 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 sheet prepared pie dough
• 1 egg, beaten

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brown steak in butter, add onion, carrots, and potatoes. Sauté 5 minutes.
3. Stir in flour, cook 1 minutes.
4. Add broth, season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in peas, pour mixture into pie dish.
6. Top with pie dough, crimp edges, brush with egg.
7. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown.

Serving Idea: Serve with a simple green salad for balance.

Meal Prep Tip: Assemble pot pie ahead and bake right before serving.

12. Oven-Baked Round Steak Parmesan

Why You’ll Love It:

Love the flavors of chicken Parmesan? Try this hearty version with beef. The steak bakes up tender under a crispy cheese crust, all bubbling in marinara—it’s irresistible and a guaranteed family pleaser.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours

Total Time: 1 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 pounds round steak, pounded thin
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season steak, dredge in flour, dip in egg, then bread in crumbs.
3. Heat oil, brown steak on both sides.
4. Place in a baking dish, top with marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan.
5. Bake 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish with basil.

Swap This With That: Use provolone instead of mozzarella for a sharper cheese flavor.

Best Pairings: Spaghetti with olive oil, garlic bread, Caesar salad.

13. Brown Sugar & Balsamic Glazed Round Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe is a little sweet, a little tangy, and packs a punch of flavor onto affordable steak. Roasting or broiling creates lovely caramelization, making it ideal for a weeknight when you want big flavor with little effort.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 pounds round steak, cut 1 inch thick
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Whisk sugar, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F.
3. Place steak in baking dish, pour glaze over.
4. Roast 30–35 minutes, basting once or twice.
5. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Flavor Boost: Sprinkle chopped rosemary on before roasting for an herby finish.

Serving Idea: Serve with roasted veggies or a wild rice pilaf.

14. Round Steak Fajitas

Why You’ll Love It:

A lively, colorful meal the whole family can build their own way. The steak marinates with lime and spices, then cooks up juicy and tender—perfect for piling into warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 pounds round steak, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Toppings: sour cream, salsa, cheese

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lime, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
2. Coat steak, marinate at least 1 hour.
3. Heat skillet, cook steak until just done. Remove.
4. Cook peppers and onions in same pan until soft.
5. Return steak to skillet, toss to heat.
6. Serve with tortillas and toppings.

Meal Prep Tip: Slice peppers and steak ahead to save time at dinnertime.

Best Pairings: Cilantro rice, black bean salad.

15. Country-Style Smothered Round Steak

Why You’ll Love It:

This back-to-basics recipe tenderizes round steak with a blanket of pan gravy. It’s cozy and simple—the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast, especially with mashed potatoes on the side.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds round steak, cut into 4 pieces
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh chives

How to Make It:

1. Season flour with garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper. Coat steak.
2. Heat oil, brown steak and set aside.
3. Cook onions in butter until golden.
4. Add steak back to pan, add broth.
5. Cover and simmer 1.5 hours until tender and gravy is thick.
6. Top with chives before serving.

Personal Note: This reminds me of Sunday dinners—my dad always asked for seconds.

Best Pairings: Mashed potatoes, buttered peas, dinner rolls.

FAQ

How do you make round steak tender and not tough?

The trick is cooking it low and slow with moist heat—think braising, stewing, or slow cooker methods. For quick recipes, always slice thinly against the grain and try a marinade.

What is round steak best used for in cozy recipes?

Round steak shines in simmered dishes like pot roast, stew, stroganoff, and smothered steak. It absorbs flavors beautifully and gets tender when cooked for a while.

Can you make these round steak recipes ahead?

Definitely—with stews, braises, and pot pie, the flavors improve overnight. Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently.

What sides go best with round steak dinners?

Classic choices are mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad or steamed green beans.

Conclusion

Round steak proves that with the right touch, even humble cuts can become meals you look forward to. Whether you need a slow-cooked stew to warm up on a frosty night, or a marinated grill-and-go dinner for the weekend, these tender and cozy recipes are what real home cooking is all about. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices, toss in your favorite vegetables, or tweak the sauces—your kitchen is the best place for a little creativity. When you make one of these round steak classics and watch everyone go back for seconds, you’ll know you’ve nailed comfort food again.