Slow Cooker Round Steak: Fall-Apart Tender and Delicious Recipe

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Slow Cooker Round Steak: Fall-Apart Tender and Delicious Recipe

Round steak, a lean and economical cut of beef, often gets a bad rap for being tough and chewy. However, when cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, it transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful masterpiece. This recipe will guide you through creating a tender and yummy round steak that your family will rave about. Get ready to say goodbye to tough round steak forever!

## Why Slow Cooker Round Steak?

Slow cooking is the secret to unlocking the full potential of round steak. The long cooking time at a low temperature allows the tough connective tissues to break down, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. The slow cooker also infuses the steak with deep, rich flavor from the cooking liquids and aromatics.

Here are a few compelling reasons to embrace slow cooker round steak:

* **Tenderizes Tough Meat:** The low and slow cooking process tenderizes the naturally tough fibers of the round steak.
* **Economical:** Round steak is typically more affordable than other cuts of beef, making this a budget-friendly meal.
* **Flavorful:** The extended cooking time allows the steak to absorb the flavors of the surrounding ingredients, creating a depth of flavor you can’t achieve with other cooking methods.
* **Convenient:** Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does the work for you, freeing up your time for other tasks.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious round steak throughout the week in sandwiches, salads, or tacos.

## Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Round Steak

To create a truly outstanding slow cooker round steak, you’ll need the following ingredients:

* **Round Steak:** 2-3 pounds, about 1-inch thick. Look for a well-marbled round steak, as this will contribute to the tenderness and flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for searing the steak. Searing adds a beautiful crust and locks in juices.
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped. Onions provide a base of flavor and sweetness.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and savory element.
* **Beef Broth:** 2 cups. Beef broth provides moisture and enhances the beefy flavor.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Worcestershire sauce adds umami and depth of flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds richness and acidity to the sauce.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon. Dijon mustard adds a tangy complexity.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. Thyme provides an earthy and aromatic note.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon. Rosemary adds a piney and fragrant flavor.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1. Bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic complexity to the sauce. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavor of the steak and sauce.
* **Optional Vegetables:** Carrots (chopped), celery (chopped), potatoes (cubed). Adding vegetables to the slow cooker makes this a complete and hearty meal. Add them in the last 2-3 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Round Steak Recipe

Follow these detailed instructions to create a slow cooker round steak that’s guaranteed to be tender, juicy, and flavorful:

**Step 1: Prepare the Round Steak**

1. Pat the round steak dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.
2. Season the steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

**Step 2: Sear the Round Steak (Important!)**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough to quickly sear the steak.
2. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the round steak in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary.
3. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until a rich brown crust forms. This searing step is essential for developing flavor and locking in juices.
4. Remove the seared steak from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**

1. In the same skillet (without cleaning it), add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – these add tons of flavor!
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 4: Build the Flavor Base**

1. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

**Step 5: Assemble in the Slow Cooker**

1. Pour the beef broth mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Place the seared round steak on top of the sauce.
3. Add the bay leaf to the slow cooker.
4. If using, add chopped carrots, celery, and cubed potatoes around the steak. Note that if adding these vegetables, add about 2-3 hours before the end of the cooking to avoid mushy vegetables.

**Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection**

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The steak is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
2. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness periodically.

**Step 7: Shred and Serve**

1. Once the steak is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
2. Shred the steak with two forks. It should be incredibly tender and easy to shred.
3. Remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker.
4. Return the shredded steak to the slow cooker and stir to coat it with the sauce.
5. Serve the slow cooker round steak hot, with your favorite sides. Suggestions below.

## Serving Suggestions: Complement Your Slow Cooker Round Steak

Slow cooker round steak is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few delicious serving suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to slow cooker round steak. The rich gravy soaks into the potatoes for an irresistible combination.
* **Rice:** Fluffy white rice or brown rice is another great option for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
* **Egg Noodles:** Tender egg noodles are a hearty and satisfying side dish.
* **Polenta:** Creamy polenta provides a comforting and flavorful base for the shredded round steak.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the rich and savory steak.
* **Sandwiches:** Use the shredded round steak to make delicious sandwiches on toasted buns or rolls.
* **Tacos:** Shredded round steak makes a fantastic taco filling.
* **Salads:** Top a green salad with shredded round steak for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.

## Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Round Steak

* **Don’t Skip the Searing:** Searing the round steak before slow cooking is crucial for developing flavor and locking in juices. It creates a beautiful crust that adds a depth of flavor to the final dish.
* **Use Enough Liquid:** Make sure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker to prevent the steak from drying out. The steak should be mostly submerged in the liquid.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked round steak can become dry and tough. Check for doneness periodically and remove the steak from the slow cooker as soon as it’s fork-tender.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your liking.
* **Thicken the Sauce (Optional):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it at the end of the cooking time. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Another option is to use a roux (butter and flour mixture) or simply let the sauce reduce after removing the steak.
* **Add a Splash of Acid:** A splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity. (About 1 tablespoon)

## Variations: Customize Your Slow Cooker Round Steak

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Mushroom and Onion Gravy:** Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions for a rich and savory mushroom and onion gravy.
* **French Onion Soup Style:** Use beef broth and add caramelized onions for a French onion soup inspired flavor.
* **Spicy Southwestern:** Add chili powder, cumin, and diced tomatoes for a spicy Southwestern twist.
* **Italian Style:** Add Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers for an Italian-inspired flavor.
* **BBQ Round Steak:** Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste for a BBQ round steak.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover slow cooker round steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the round steak in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker. Add a little beef broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze leftover slow cooker round steak for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Conclusion: Enjoy Tender and Delicious Slow Cooker Round Steak

With this recipe, you can transform a humble cut of beef into a tender and flavorful meal that everyone will love. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying dinner with minimal effort. So, give this recipe a try and discover the magic of slow cooker round steak! It’s a budget-friendly, convenient, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy beef.

Enjoy your tender, yummy, and flavorful slow cooker round steak!

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