Round steak. It’s budget-friendly, it’s readily available, and…it’s got a reputation for being tough. But hold on! Before you relegate this cut of beef to the “only when desperate” category, let me introduce you to the magic of slow cooking.
This recipe for Slow Cooker Tender and Yummy Round Steak is about to become your new best friend. We’re talking fall-apart tender meat bathed in a rich, flavorful gravy, all achieved with minimal effort. Ready to transform those humble round steaks into a family-pleasing feast? Let’s get cooking!
Why This Recipe Works (and Why You’ll Love It)
- Tenderness Guaranteed: Slow cooking is the secret weapon for turning tougher cuts of meat, like round steak, into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Low and slow breaks down tough fibers, resulting in a texture that’s anything but dry.
- Flavor Explosion: We’re not just simmering this steak in plain water, folks! This recipe layers flavors with a simple yet powerful combination of onions, carrots, potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix. The result? A gravy so good you’ll want to lick the pot clean (no judgment here!).
- Set It and Forget It: One of the best things about slow cooking is its hands-off nature. This recipe requires just a few minutes of prep, then your slow cooker does the rest of the work while you tackle other tasks (or, you know, relax!).
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- The Star of the Show: 2 pounds boneless round steak (top round or bottom round both work well)
- Veggie Powerhouse: 3 potatoes, peeled and quartered, 6 carrots, peeled and sliced, 1 onion, chopped
- Flavor Boosters: 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, ¾ cup water, 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and chop those veggies, open your cans, and gather your ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process a breeze.
- Layer It Up: Grab your trusty slow cooker and add the potatoes, carrots, and onion to the bottom. Next, cut the round steak into 6 equal pieces and place them on top of the veggies.
- Gravy Time: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, water, and onion soup mix until they’re well combined. Pour this flavorful mixture over the steak and veggies in the slow cooker.
- Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 7 to 10 hours. That’s right, walk away and let the magic happen!
- Shred and Serve: Once the cooking time is up, you’ll be greeted with the most amazing aroma. Use two forks to shred the steak right in the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to coat it in that luscious gravy.
Tips for Round Steak Success:
- Trimming is Key: Round steak can have a bit of tough silverskin, so it’s a good idea to trim that off before cooking. This will help ensure a more tender final result.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Make sure your slow cooker isn’t overly packed. Leaving some space allows for better heat circulation and more even cooking.
- Thicken It Up (If You Like): If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with a couple of tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of condensed soup?
A: Absolutely! While cream of mushroom soup is classic in this recipe, feel free to get creative. Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a cheesy broccoli soup would all be delicious substitutions.
Q: What can I serve with slow cooker round steak?
A: Oh, the possibilities! This hearty dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even a crusty loaf of bread for sopping up all that gravy. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad would also round out the meal nicely.
Q: Can I freeze leftover slow cooker round steak?
A: You bet! This recipe makes a generous amount, so leftovers are likely. Let the steak and gravy cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutritional Information:
This recipe serves 6 and provides approximately 393 calories, 14 grams of fat, 33 grams of carbohydrates, and 34 grams of protein per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on factors like the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Embrace the Slow Cooker Life!
This Slow Cooker Tender and Yummy Round Steak recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a delicious and satisfying meal. With a little help from your slow cooker, you can transform an often-overlooked cut of meat into a true culinary triumph. So go ahead, embrace the ease and flavor of slow cooking, and get ready for rave reviews from your family and friends!
High-Trust External URLs:
- USDA MyPlate Guide to Beef Cuts: https://www.myplate.gov/
- National Center for Home Food Preservation: https://nchfp.uga.edu/
- FoodSafety.gov: https://www.foodsafety.gov/