Classic Round Steak and Gravy Made Simple: A Must-Try Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of tender round steak simmering in rich onion gravy. This classic comfort dish transforms an economical cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth meal that your family will request again and again. Whether you prefer the convenience of an Instant Pot, the slow-cooked perfection of a Crock Pot, or the traditional oven method, I’ll show you how to achieve perfectly tender results every time.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Table of Contents

What Makes This Recipe Special

Round steak slow-cooked in savory onion gravy becomes fork-tender and deeply flavorful. When served over creamy mashed potatoes, it creates the ultimate comfort food experience. The rich gravy seeps into every bite, making this dish perfect for Sunday dinners or any time you need a hearty, satisfying meal.

Understanding Round Steak

Round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, making it a naturally lean and economical cut. You might find it labeled as eye round, bottom round, or top round – all work beautifully in this recipe. In some regions, you’ll also see it called “rump steak.”

Because of its leanness, round steak requires proper cooking technique to achieve tenderness. The thickness of your steak will determine cooking time – thicker cuts need longer to become tender. Many grocery stores, including Aldi, offer pre-sliced round steak, or you can ask your butcher to slice it for you.

The Secret to Perfect Gravy

The gravy is the heart of this dish, and I strongly recommend using McCormick Onion Gravy mix. While it might be tempting to substitute with onion soup mix, please don’t – the results won’t be the same. If you can’t find onion gravy mix, McCormick’s brown or mushroom gravy mixes make acceptable alternatives.

Need a thicker gravy? Simply create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.

Classic Round Steak and Gravy Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: Varies by method (see below)
Total Time: 45 minutes to 8 hours, depending on cooking method
Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 lbs round steak, cut into serving-sized pieces
2 packets McCormick Onion Gravy mix
2 tablespoons butter for searing
2 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 can cream of mushroom soup for extra creaminess

Instructions

Instant Pot Method

Season round steak pieces with salt and pepper
Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and melt butter
Brown meat on both sides, working in batches if needed
Whisk gravy mix with water until smooth
Add gravy mixture to pot
Pressure cook on High for 25 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes
If desired, thicken gravy using cornstarch slurry

Slow Cooker Method

Season and brown meat as above, using a separate skillet
Transfer meat to slow cooker
Prepare gravy mixture and pour over meat
Cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 4-5 hours
Adjust gravy thickness if needed

Oven Method

Preheat oven to 325°F
Season and brown meat as above in an oven-safe Dutch oven
Add prepared gravy mixture
Cover and bake for 2-3 hours until fork-tender

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines when served over creamy mashed potatoes – the gravy creates magic when it meets those fluffy spuds. For a complete meal, add sweet corn on the side or try my Scalloped Corn Casserole.

Want to make it extra special? Serve with my Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe for an unforgettable comfort food experience.

Recipe Tips

Choose uniformly cut pieces of meat for even cooking
Don’t skip the browning step – it adds crucial flavor
For extra richness, stir in cream of mushroom soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking
Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for maximum tenderness

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or planning a cozy date night in, this Classic Round Steak and Gravy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.