How To Cook Beef Top Round Steak In The Oven? A Full Guide

Are you tired of cooking top round steak that turns out dry and tough? Look no further!

In this article, we will share tips and tricks for cooking a delicious and tender beef top round steak in the oven. Whether you prefer medium-rare or medium doneness, we’ve got you covered.

From simple marinades to baking with gravy, we’ll explore different methods to achieve the perfect steak. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

How To Cook Beef Top Round Steak In The Oven?

There are several ways to cook beef top round steak in the oven, but we’ll focus on two methods: broiling and baking with gravy.

For broiling, preheat your broiler and place the steak on a broiler pan with a rack. Cook for 26-30 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. If you don’t have a broiler pan, you can achieve similar results by flipping the steak halfway through cooking.

For baking with gravy, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the steak with salt and pepper and sear it in a skillet with olive oil. Saute onions until tender and add cream of chicken soup, beef broth, pepper, and water to make the gravy. Pour the gravy over the steak in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 2 hours until the steak is tender.

Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef Top Round Steak

When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef top round steak, there are a few things to keep in mind. Top round is a lean and tough cut of meat, which makes it less expensive compared to other cuts. However, it can still be flavorful if cooked correctly.

If you plan on grilling the steak, it’s best to cook it medium-rare and slice it thinly against the grain. This will prevent the steak from being too tough and chewy. Top round is perfect for making deli meat (roast beef) for sandwiches or a London broil. For a London broil, marinate a thick slab of top round and grill it quickly over high heat.

If you plan on using the oven, broiling is a great option. Make sure to use a broiler pan with a rack or flip the steak halfway through cooking if you don’t have one.

Another option for cooking in the oven is baking with gravy. This method involves searing the steak in a skillet with olive oil and then making a gravy with cream of chicken soup, beef broth, pepper, and water. Pour the gravy over the steak in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil before baking for about 2 hours until the steak is tender.

It’s important to note that top round is usually more tender than bottom round cuts. Bottom round cuts are often used for roasts and are also used to make ground beef and deli meat. Eye of round is a bit tougher than bottom and top round cuts and is best sliced up thin for sandwiches. The Sirloin Tip can make a good steak or roast but may be rather chewy unless carefully braised.

Preparing The Steak For Cooking

Before cooking your beef top round steak in the oven, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak develop a crispy crust.

Next, season the steak generously on both sides with kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices to your liking, such as garlic powder or rosemary.

If you have time, consider dry brining the steak in the fridge for a few days. This process reduces moisture content and intensifies the flavor of the meat.

If you haven’t dry brined your steak, rub it with a little olive oil and let it come to room temperature before cooking. This will help prevent the meat from sticking to the pan or broiler and ensure even cooking.

For broiling, place the steak on a broiler pan with a rack and leave it at room temperature until cooking. For baking with gravy, sear the steak in a skillet with olive oil before placing it in a baking dish.

It’s also important to note that cooking steak in the oven can produce a fair amount of smoke, so be sure to open a window or start a ventilation fan before cooking.

No matter which method you choose, remember to let your steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy end result.

Marinating The Steak For Optimal Flavor

Marinating your beef top round steak before cooking can add an incredible depth of flavor to your dish. There are several different marinades you can use, but we’ll focus on three popular options.

The first marinade is a classic combination of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lemon, herbs, and spices. This marinade takes just 5 minutes to put together and adds tons of flavor to any cut of beef. Simply mix all the ingredients together and pour over the steak in a plastic bag or container. For the best results, marinate the steak for at least 8 to 12 hours and up to 24 hours.

Another popular marinade is the “Best Steak Marinade in Existence,” which includes soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, basil, pepper, cayenne, and parsley. This marinade is packed full of flavor and doesn’t use any crazy ingredients. Marinate all day for maximum flavor!

If you prefer a sweeter marinade, try a balsamic vinegar-based recipe. Combine balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder in a plastic bag or container with the steak. For the best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 8 to 12 hours and up to 24 hours.

No matter which marinade you choose, be sure to turn the bag of steaks a few times while in the fridge to ensure that each side is evenly coated. When it’s time to cook your beef top round steak in the oven, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels before proceeding with your chosen cooking method.

By taking the time to marinate your steak beforehand, you’ll be rewarded with a tender and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Baking The Steak In The Oven

Another way to cook beef top round steak in the oven is by baking it. Baking the steak in the oven is a great option if you want to achieve a juicy and tender steak without the need for constant flipping and turning.

To start, remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a large skillet in the oven while it’s heating up. Once the oven is heated, remove the skillet from the oven and place it on the stove over high heat.

Dry the steak with a paper towel and rub it with oil. Generously season it with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is very hot, place the steak into the pan. Let each side cook for 1 minute or until seared, using tongs to flip. Place the skillet in the oven for 4-6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes.

Check the center of the steak with a meat thermometer or slice with a knife to check for doneness. For a medium steak, remove it from the oven when its temperature is about 5°F lower than your desired temperature as it will continue to rise while resting. Using an oven mitt, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes before serving.

For thicker steaks that are around 1 1/2 inches thick, cook at 450°F for medium doneness by searing for 2 minutes on each side then baking for 16-19 minutes in total. For thinner steaks that are around 1 inch thick, cook at 450°F for medium doneness by searing for 2 minutes on each side then baking for 8-10 minutes in total.

Baking your beef top round steak in the oven is a simple and easy way to achieve a deliciously juicy and tender steak. Don’t forget to let it rest before serving to allow its juices to redistribute evenly throughout.

Adding Gravy For Extra Moisture And Flavor

If you want to add extra moisture and flavor to your beef top round steak, consider making a delicious gravy to pour over it. Gravy can be made using a variety of ingredients, but for this recipe, we recommend using beef broth, cream of chicken soup, onions, and water.

To make the gravy, start by sauteing finely chopped onions in a skillet with olive oil until they are tender. Then, add in the cream of chicken soup, beef broth, and water. Stir the mixture together until it is well combined and bring it to a simmer.

Once the gravy has reached a simmer, pour it over the seasoned steak in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 hours. The result will be a tender and flavorful steak that is infused with the rich flavors of the gravy.

If you find that your gravy is too thin or lacks flavor, you can add additional seasonings or thickeners to adjust the consistency and taste. Consider adding umami-rich ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or aged cheese to give your gravy an extra punch of flavor.

Checking The Steak For Doneness

When cooking beef top round steak, it’s important to check for doneness to ensure that it’s cooked to your liking. There are several methods to test for doneness, including using a meat thermometer or the hand test.

To use the hand test, gently press down on the steak with your pointer or index finger. Poke a few areas to get a general idea of how soft or firm it is. Then, open your other hand, extending all your fingers but letting them relax. Compare the feeling of the steak to the flesh on the palm of your hand at the base of your thumb.

If the steak feels soft and you notice an indentation when you press it, it’s similar to how a piece of rare or raw steak feels. If it feels slightly firmer when you touch your index or pointer finger against your thumb, it matches how a medium-rare steak should feel. As you progress from your index to pinky finger, the flesh becomes less soft and more firm, just like a steak does as it cooks. When your palm feels firm, this is what a well-done steak feels like.

It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and everyone’s hands may feel slightly different. Additionally, different cuts of beef may have varying levels of firmness at different stages of cooking. Using a meat thermometer is always the most accurate way to check for doneness, but the hand test can be a useful alternative when a thermometer isn’t available.

By using these methods to check for doneness, you can ensure that your beef top round steak is cooked to perfection in the oven.