There’s something irresistible about the aroma of tender round steak slowly simmering in a rich onion gravy. This classic comfort food transforms an affordable cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth dish your family will ask for time and time again. Whether you prefer the convenience of an Instant Pot, the slow-cooked perfection of a Crock Pot, or the traditional oven method, this recipe ensures tender, flavorful results every time.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
When slow-cooked in savory onion gravy, round steak becomes incredibly tender and full of deep flavor. Served over creamy mashed potatoes, it offers the ultimate comfort food experience. The rich gravy soaks into every bite, making it perfect for Sunday dinners or any time you crave a hearty, satisfying meal.
What is Round Steak?
Round steak comes from the rear leg of the cow, making it a lean and budget-friendly cut. It might be labeled as eye round, bottom round, or top round — all of which work perfectly for this recipe. In some areas, it’s also called “rump steak.”
Due to its leanness, round steak needs a proper cooking technique to become tender. The thickness of the steak will affect cooking time — thicker cuts will need more time to soften. Many grocery stores, like Aldi, offer pre-sliced round steak, or you can ask your butcher to slice it to your preference.
The Key to Perfect Gravy
The gravy is what makes this dish special, and I highly recommend using McCormick Onion Gravy mix. While onion soup mix might seem like an alternative, it won’t give the same result. If you can’t find onion gravy mix, McCormick’s brown or mushroom gravy mixes are suitable substitutes.
For a thicker gravy, simply mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering gravy until you achieve your desired consistency.
Classic Round Steak with Onion 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 the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and melt butter.
- Brown the meat on both sides, working in batches if necessary.
- Whisk the gravy mix with water until smooth.
- Add the gravy mixture to the pot.
- Pressure cook on High for 25 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10 minutes.
- If needed, thicken the gravy using the cornstarch slurry.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Season and brown the meat as described above in a separate skillet.
- Transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the gravy mixture and pour over the meat.
- Cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
- Adjust the gravy thickness as desired.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Season and brown the meat in an oven-safe Dutch oven.
- Add the prepared gravy mixture to the pot.
- Cover and bake for 2–3 hours until fork-tender.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines when served over creamy mashed potatoes — the gravy blends perfectly with the fluffy potatoes. For a complete meal, serve with sweet corn or try my Scalloped Corn Casserole.
For an extra special touch, pair with my Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe for a truly unforgettable comfort food experience.
Recipe Tips
- Choose uniform pieces of meat for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the browning step — it adds essential 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 to ensure maximum tenderness.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy date night, this Classic Round Steak with Onion Gravy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
