About This Recipe
Classic Round Steak and Gravy is a traditional American comfort dish featuring tenderized beef simmered in rich pan gravy. This economical cut transforms through slow cooking into a fork-tender meal, typically served with mashed potatoes or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses affordable, readily available round steak
- Creates rich gravy from pan drippings
- Slow cooking develops deep savory flavors
- Requires basic pantry ingredients
- Leftovers improve in flavor when reheated
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bottom round steak, ½-inch thick
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Step by Step Instructions
- Cut steak into 4 equal portions. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in shallow dish.
- Dredge steak pieces in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Reserve remaining flour.
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown steaks 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- Add onions to skillet; cook 3 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle reserved flour over onions; cook 1 minute while stirring.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder.
- Return steaks to skillet, submerging in liquid. Bring to simmer.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1.5-2 hours until meat is tender.
- Adjust gravy consistency with additional broth if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef?Bottom round or top round steak are recommended. Other lean cuts may become tough.Why is my gravy too thin?Simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes to reduce. Thicken with 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water if needed.Can I make this in a slow cooker?After browning, transfer all ingredients to slow cooker. Cook on LOW 6-8 hours.
You Must Know
- Proper browning creates fond (pan drippings) essential for gravy flavor
- Simmer at lowest heat to prevent toughness
- Undisturbed cooking prevents steak from breaking apart
- Round steak requires long moist cooking to tenderize
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 3 months with gravy
- Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of broth
- Gravy may thicken when chilled; thin with broth when reheating