Classic Round Steak and Gravy

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Introduction

Classic Round Steak and Gravy is a comforting, down-home dish that turns an economical cut of beef into a tender, flavorful meal. Slowly simmered in a rich, savory gravy made with onions, garlic, and hearty beef broth, the steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious, perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery biscuits. It’s the ultimate definition of comfort food, delivering warmth and nostalgia in every bite.

I first made Classic Round Steak and Gravy on a chilly evening when I craved something hearty and satisfying. The slow-cooking process allowed the round steak to absorb all the flavors from the gravy, transforming it into a dish bursting with depth and richness. The aroma wafting through the kitchen was irresistible, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can customize the gravy by adding mushrooms for earthiness, a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy kick, or a touch of cream for extra richness. Use a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or stovetop depending on your preference. Serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up all that luscious gravy. Classic Round Steak and Gravy is the epitome of a homestyle meal that’s as satisfying as it is heartwarming.

Perfect for:

• Cozy family dinners
• Meal prepping for the week
• Budget-friendly meals
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Classic Round Steak and Gravy will become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Tender and Juicy Steak: The slow simmering ensures the round steak becomes fork-tender.
• Rich and Savory Gravy: Packed with flavor, the gravy elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable round steak, this dish is economical without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
• Family Favorite: This classic dish appeals to all ages and is great for family meals.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cook everything in one pan for easy cleanup.
• Customizable Flavors: Adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Comforting and Nostalgic: A timeless recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For the Round Steak and Gravy:

• 2 pounds round steak, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 bay leaf

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Highlights

• Round Steak: An affordable cut of beef that becomes tender when cooked low and slow.
• Beef Broth: Provides depth and richness to the gravy.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami kick to enhance the flavors.
• Onion and Garlic: Build a savory base for the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Steak:

1. Season the Steak: Sprinkle both sides of the steak slices with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in Flour: Coat the steak pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.

Brown the Steak:

3. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. Sear Steak: Working in batches, brown the steak pieces on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base:

5. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

Make the Gravy:

6. Deglaze the Pan: Stir in a bit of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Combine Ingredients: Add the remaining beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well.

Simmer the Steak:

8. Return Steak to Pan: Place the browned steak slices back into the skillet, submerging them in the gravy.
9. Simmer Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 hours, or until the steak is tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.

Serve:

10. Plate and Garnish: Serve the steak and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Classic Round Steak and Gravy:

• With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes soak up the flavorful gravy perfectly.
• Over Rice: For a hearty and filling meal.
• With Egg Noodles: The gravy coats the noodles beautifully.
• With Biscuits: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of gravy.
• Alongside Steamed Vegetables: Add green beans, carrots, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
• With Roasted Potatoes: A rustic and hearty option.
• As Open-Faced Sandwiches: Serve the steak and gravy on slices of toasted bread.
• With Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
• With Polenta: For a creamy and comforting pairing.
• Topped with Fried Onions: Add a crunchy contrast to the tender steak.

Additional Tips

• Tenderizing the Steak: Round steak can be tough, so use a meat mallet to pound it lightly before cooking, or marinate it overnight in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic to break down the fibers.
• Season Generously: Before searing the steak, season it well with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or garlic powder to enhance its flavor.
• Searing for Flavor: Always sear the steak over high heat before slow-cooking or simmering. This creates a flavorful crust that enriches the dish.
• Low and Slow Cooking: To achieve tender meat, cook the steak in the gravy at a low temperature for an extended time. A slow cooker or a Dutch oven works perfectly for this method.
• Add Aromatics: For deeper flavor, include onions, garlic, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves in the gravy.
• Deglaze the Pan: After searing the steak, deglaze the pan with a splash of wine, broth, or even water to lift the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This enhances the gravy.
• Thicken the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, mix cornstarch or flour with water and whisk it into the gravy while it simmers. This creates a smooth, luscious consistency.
• Vegetable Pairings: Add carrots, mushrooms, or celery while the steak cooks to infuse the gravy with extra flavor and create a complete meal.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the steak rest in the gravy for a few minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more succulent bite.
• Customize the Flavor: Adjust the gravy with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick, depending on your taste preferences.

Recipe Variations

• Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for extra depth.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Herbaceous Twist: Swap thyme with rosemary or sage.
• Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Creamy Gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer gravy.
• Vegetarian Gravy: Use vegetable broth and omit the steak for a flavorful gravy over mashed potatoes.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning and simmering the steak.
• Tongs: For flipping the steak while browning.
• Whisk: For ensuring a smooth gravy.
• Meat Mallet: For tenderizing the steak.
• Ladle: For serving the gravy with ease.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes, cuts like chuck or sirloin tip can also work well.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
4. What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
   Soy sauce with a splash of vinegar works as a substitute.
5. How do I prevent the steak from drying out?
   Ensure it stays submerged in the gravy while simmering.
6. Can I make this dish in advance?
   Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Conclusion

Classic Round Steak and Gravy is the epitome of hearty, down-home comfort food. Tenderized round steak is slow-cooked in a savory, rich gravy until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The deep, flavorful gravy, made with pan drippings, onions, garlic, and a hint of seasoning, perfectly complements the steak, creating a dish that’s satisfying and full of warmth.

Serve this classic dish over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up every bit of the luscious gravy. Add a side of green beans or roasted carrots to round out the meal and create a plate that’s as balanced as it is flavorful.

I’d love to see your Classic Round Steak and Gravy creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your comforting and delicious masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any creative twists or family secrets you added to make this dish your own!