Are you tired of tough and dry top round steaks?
Do you want to learn how to cook this cut of beef to perfection in the oven?
Look no further!
In this article, we’ll share tips and tricks from expert chefs and home cooks alike to help you create a delicious and tender top round steak.
Whether you prefer broiling or slow cooking, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Beef Top Round Steak In Oven?
There are two main methods for cooking beef top round steak in the oven: broiling and slow cooking.
Understanding Top Round Steak
Before diving into the cooking methods, it’s important to understand what top round steak is and how it differs from other cuts of beef. Top round steak is a lean cut of beef taken from the hind legs of a cow. Its lack of natural fat makes it a tougher cut of meat, but also a healthier option for those watching their fat intake.
Top round steak is often used in dishes that require long cooking times, such as stews and chili, as well as ground beef for burgers. It can also be roasted in the oven, but it’s important to note that this method requires slow cooking at a low temperature to achieve tenderness.
When compared to other cuts of beef, top round steak has a flavor similar to top sirloin when braised or roasted slowly and sliced thin. However, it’s important to keep in mind that top round steak is not as tender as other cuts and requires more attention during the cooking process.
Preparing Top Round Steak For Oven Cooking
Before cooking, it’s important to properly prepare the top round steak for oven cooking. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Trim the excess fat: Use a sharp knife to remove any excess fat from the steak. This will help prevent flare-ups in the oven and ensure that the meat cooks evenly.
2. Tenderize the meat: Top round steak is a lean cut of meat, which means it can be tough if not prepared properly. Use a meat mallet or tenderizing tool to pound the steak and break down the muscle fibers. This will make the meat more tender and easier to chew.
3. Marinate the steak: While not necessary, marinating the steak can add flavor and help tenderize the meat even further. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own by combining ingredients like balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and Dijon mustard.
4. Preheat the oven: Before cooking, preheat your oven to 325°F for slow cooking or 400°F for broiling.
5. Use a baking dish: Place the top round steak in a baking dish that’s large enough to accommodate it without overcrowding. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly around the meat.
6. Add liquid: For slow cooking, add enough liquid (such as beef broth or red wine) to cover about 1/3 of the steak. This will help keep the meat moist as it cooks.
7. Season the steak: Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the steak, or use your favorite seasoning blend.
8. Cover with foil: For slow cooking, cover the baking dish with foil to trap in moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
9. Cook according to desired doneness: For medium-rare (145°F), cook a 1 1/2-inch top round steak for about 25-28 minutes at 325°F in a slow cooker or for about 26-28 minutes under a broiler. For medium (160°F), increase the cook time by a few minutes.
By following these steps, you can prepare top round steak for oven cooking that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite way to enjoy this versatile cut of beef.
Broiling Top Round Steak In The Oven
Broiling is a quick and easy way to cook beef top round steak in the oven. It’s perfect for those who want a delicious steak dinner without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. Here’s how you can broil top round steak in the oven:
1. Preheat your oven broiler to 550°F. Place the rack 4-6 inches from the broiler/top of the oven. The closer it is, the faster the steak will cook and the more caramelized it will get.
2. Line a small baking sheet with sides with aluminum foil.
3. Season your steaks with salt and pepper, and place them on the baking sheet.
4. Broil for 4 minutes, and then flip using tongs.
5. Broil for an additional 3 minutes to cook the other side. Be sure to remove the steaks when they are within 5 degrees of your ideal internal temperature. It will continue to cook when you remove it from the oven.
6. Remove from the oven, and transfer to a plate.
7. Cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes. This is important to redistribute the juices of the steak. If you cut it too early, all the juices will run out!
8. Once the steaks have rested, slice them and serve with your favorite sides for an at-home steak dinner!
If you don’t have a broiler pan with racks, you can achieve almost the same effect by flipping the steak halfway through cooking. However, using a broiler pan with racks ensures that the food heats evenly on all sides.
To add more flavor to your top round steak, you can marinate it before broiling. A simple marinade can be made by combining balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Put the steak in a food storage bag or bowl with the marinade ingredients and refrigerate for two to three hours before broiling.
Slow Cooking Top Round Steak In The Oven
Slow cooking beef top round steak in the oven is a great way to achieve a tender and flavorful result. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and season it with your desired spices.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the steak on both sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the steak to a baking dish and add any vegetables or aromatics you like, such as onions or garlic.
5. Pour in enough beef broth to cover the bottom of the dish, but not so much that the steak is fully submerged.
6. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top of the steak to brown slightly.
8. Let the steak rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Slow cooking the beef top round steak in the oven allows it to cook slowly in its own juices, resulting in a tender and juicy final product. This method also allows for additional flavors to be added through aromatics and spices, making it a versatile and delicious option for any meal.
Tips And Tricks For Perfectly Cooked Top Round Steak
Cooking a delicious beef top round steak can be a challenge, but with the right tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked steak every time. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Season and Marinate: The key to a flavorful steak is seasoning it well and allowing it to marinate for at least two hours. A simple marinade made with balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and Dijon mustard can work wonders.
2. Preheat Your Oven: Whether you are broiling or slow cooking your steak, it is important to preheat your oven to the right temperature. For broiling, set the oven to high heat (450°F or above). For slow cooking, set the oven to low heat (250°F to 300°F).
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare steak, aim for an end temperature of 135°F. For medium steak, aim for an end temperature of 145°F.
4. Rest Your Steak: Once your steak is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least five minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures that your steak is tender and juicy.
5. Slice Against the Grain: To make your steak even more tender, be sure to slice it against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers, which will break up any tough connective tissue and make your steak easier to chew.
By following these tips and tricks, you can cook a delicious beef top round steak in the oven that is flavorful and tender every time.
Serving Suggestions For Top Round Steak
Once your beef top round steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal:
1. Mashed Potatoes: The rich and flavorful gravy from the slow-cooked beef top round steak is a perfect match for creamy mashed potatoes. Serve the sliced meat on top of a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes, and pour the gravy over everything.
2. Rice: If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the beef top round steak with fluffy white rice. The broth from the slow-cook is perfect for flavoring the rice, making it a delicious side dish.
3. Noodles: Egg noodles or any other type of pasta make a great side dish for beef top round steak. The noodles will soak up the delicious gravy, making every bite even more flavorful.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions will add some color and nutrition to your meal. Simply toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven alongside your beef top round steak.
5. Salad: For a lighter option, serve the beef top round steak with a simple salad of mixed greens and vinaigrette dressing. The freshness of the salad will complement the rich flavors of the beef and gravy.
No matter how you choose to serve it, beef top round steak is a delicious and budget-friendly cut of meat that can be transformed into a gourmet meal with some simple cooking techniques and creative serving suggestions.