If you’ve ever craved a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe is your new best friend. Tender pieces of round steak are lovingly seared and then slow-simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy that brings out the very best in simple, wholesome ingredients. This dish balances robust savory notes with comforting textures, making it perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, this classic sticks to your ribs in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every truly great dish starts with ingredients that are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in delivering the rich taste, perfect texture, and inviting color of this Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe. These pantry-friendly staples come together easily and promise a hearty, satisfying outcome.
- 1 1/2 lbs round steak (cut into serving-size pieces): The star of the dish, round steak offers great flavor and becomes wonderfully tender when braised low and slow.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging, this helps create a luscious, thickened gravy and seals in flavor during browning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the steak and boosting every other flavor in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a warm, savory undertone that complements the beef perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For nicely browning the steak and sautéing the onions without overpowering the flavor.
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a touch of texture that enhances the gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that braises the steak and infuses it with richness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for depth and umami that elevates the gravy to new heights.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): For those who prefer a thicker gravy, this fine powder works like magic when blended with water.
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening): Used to dissolve the cornstarch and avoid lumps in the gravy.
How to Make Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Steak
The journey to tender, flavorful round steak begins by combining flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Dredging each piece of steak in this seasoned flour mixture not only adds flavor but also helps develop a beautiful crust when browned. Be sure to shake off any excess flour so the coating doesn’t burn during cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Steak
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is all about developing wonderful flavor through browning, so don’t rush it. Place the steak pieces in the hot oil and brown each side for 3 to 4 minutes until a rich, golden crust forms. Once browned, transfer the steak to a plate and set it aside temporarily.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Leave all those delicious browned bits in the skillet and add your thinly sliced onions. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. These onions will add natural sweetness that balances the savory steak and enriches the gravy.
Step 4: Simmer the Steak in Broth
Return the browned steak to the skillet with the softened onions. Pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce for that signature umami punch. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the steak slowly cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until it’s fork-tender and beautifully infused with the flavors of the gravy.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you prefer a richer, thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking and let the gravy gently bubble until thickened to your liking. This silky finish makes the dish even more luxurious.
How to Serve Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors of this Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe. Some freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra beef broth also works beautifully for presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This dish loves a hearty companion. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic match, soaking up every luscious drop of gravy. Alternatively, fluffy rice or buttered egg noodles create wonderful bases that carry the flavors delightfully. For a bit of green, sautéed green beans or roasted winter vegetables add perfect balance and color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak and gravy over a toasted balsamic baguette slice to make an open-faced sandwich. Or try layering it into a casserole dish with layers of cooked potatoes and cheese for a comforting bake. No matter how you present it, this Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe always feels like a warm, satisfying hug.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak and gravy tastes just as amazing the next day, if not better. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it a convenient and delicious meal for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Portion the steak and gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works as well—cover the dish to retain moisture and heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for this Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe?
Round steak is ideal because it becomes tender through slow cooking and offers great beefy flavor. It’s also typically more affordable than other cuts, making it a budget-friendly option.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the stovetop?
Absolutely! After browning the steak and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This hands-off method yields tender meat and rich gravy with very little effort.
How can I make the gravy thicker without cornstarch?
For a natural thickener, try simmering the gravy uncovered for a longer time to reduce it, or create a flour slurry using all-purpose flour mixed with cold water to stir in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free flour and check that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce do not contain gluten ingredients.
Can I substitute red wine for some of the beef broth?
Yes! Adding red wine in place of a portion of the beef broth enhances the gravy’s depth and complexity. Just be sure to simmer enough for the alcohol to cook off, leaving behind rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe is a true comfort food classic that never goes out of style. Its simple ingredients combine to create something far greater than the sum of their parts, providing warmth, satisfaction, and incredible flavor all around. I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—there’s nothing quite like the joy of a homemade, tender steak smothered in rich gravy, especially when shared with loved ones.
Print
Classic Round Steak & Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Classic Round Steak & Gravy is a comforting American main course featuring tender round steak smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy. The steak is dredged in seasoned flour, browned, and slow-cooked in beef broth with Worcestershire sauce until fork-tender, making it perfect to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs round steak (cut into serving-size pieces)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional Thickening Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Dredge the Steak: Coat each piece of round steak in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour to avoid clumping during cooking.
- Brown the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured steak pieces and brown them on both sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, to develop flavor and color. Remove the browned steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions: Using the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they become softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Simmer the Steak: Return the browned steak pieces to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the steak is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Optional Gravy Thickening: If a thicker gravy is desired, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Let the gravy simmer until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Serve the tender round steak and savory gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a classic comfort meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor depth, substitute part of the beef broth with red wine or use mushroom broth.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
- For a hands-off cooking approach, consider using a Dutch oven or slow cooker to braise the steak.
- To keep the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and broth alternatives.
