Bottom round steak is a lean, flavorful cut that comes from the hindquarters of the cow. While it’s known for being affordable, it can be a little tough if not cooked properly. However, when treated with the right techniques, this cut can yield mouthwatering, tender meals. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of bottom round steak recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or any occasion where you want a hearty, delicious steak meal.
What is Bottom Round Steak?
Before we dive into the recipes, it’s essential to understand what bottom round steak is. Bottom round steak is cut from the round primal section of the cow, which is located in the rear leg. This area gets a lot of exercise, which is why the meat is leaner and tougher compared to more tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin. However, with the right cooking methods like marinating, braising, or slow cooking, you can turn this affordable cut into a tender and flavorful dish.
Bottom Round Steak Marinade
A key method to tenderize bottom round steak is by using a marinade. This simple yet effective marinade will enhance the flavor of the steak and help break down the tough muscle fibers.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and rosemary.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the bottom round steak in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum tenderness.
- Cook as Desired: After marinating, you can grill, broil, or pan-sear the steak to your desired doneness.
Braised Bottom Round Steak
Braising is one of the best methods to cook bottom round steak, as it involves slow-cooking the meat in a flavorful liquid. This method helps break down the tough fibers, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bottom round steak, cut into portions
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions:
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the bottom round steak with salt and pepper. Sear each piece on both sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add Liquid: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Braise the Steak: Return the steak to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Add fresh thyme sprigs, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the steak is tender.
- Serve: Serve the braised steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
Grilled Bottom Round Steak with Chimichurri
Grilling is another excellent way to prepare bottom round steak, but to ensure it remains tender, it’s best to marinate the steak beforehand and cook it quickly over high heat. Pairing it with a zesty chimichurri sauce brings out the best in this lean cut.
Ingredients for the Steak:
- 2 lbs bottom round steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredients for the Chimichurri:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the Steak: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the bottom round steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Chimichurri: In a separate bowl, combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat the grill to high heat. Once hot, place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time based on your preferred doneness.
- Serve: Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. Drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the steak and serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Slow Cooker Bottom Round Steak
If you want to enjoy tender bottom round steak with minimal effort, the slow cooker is your best friend. This slow cooker recipe delivers flavorful and juicy steak with a delicious gravy.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bottom round steak
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Season the bottom round steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Place the steak in the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the steak.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Serve: Serve the slow-cooked steak with mashed potatoes or over rice, with the rich gravy poured on top.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Bottom Round Steak
Bottom round steak may not be as tender as some other cuts, but with the right techniques and recipes, it can be transformed into a flavorful, juicy meal. Whether you prefer it grilled, braised, or slow-cooked, these bottom round steak recipes show just how versatile and delicious this cut of beef can be. From hearty braised dishes to light, fresh meals like grilled steak with chimichurri, bottom round steak offers an affordable and tasty option for any home cook.
Try out these recipes and elevate your cooking with this flavorful cut of beef!