Top Round Steak Recipes | Easy, Tender & Flavorful Ideas
When it comes to cooking with top round steak, I love how versatile and budget-friendly it is. This lean cut of beef might not be as naturally tender as a ribeye or filet mignon. Still, with the right marinades, seasonings, and cooking methods, you can transform it into a mouthwatering dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.
In this recipe collection, I’ll walk you through the best Top Round Steak Recipes, from grilled, broiled, and smoked to slow-cooked comfort food classics. Each recipe highlights a different cooking technique, making it easy for you to pick the one that fits your mood, occasion, and taste preferences.
Steak Preparation
Cooking top round steak requires a little love to make it tender and flavorful. Here’s how I like to prepare it:
Step 1: Marinate or Season the Steak
Since top round steak is lean, marinating helps break down the muscle fibers and infuse flavor. I often use a mix of:
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs
- Citrus juice (like lime or lemon)
If I’m short on time, a simple dry rub with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder works wonders.
Step 2: Rest Before Cooking
After marinating (anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight), I let the steak rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout.
Step 3: Choose the Cooking Method
Depending on the recipe, I either:
- Grill or Pan-Sear: For a quick, charred finish.
- Broil: Fast and great for weeknights.
- Slow-Cook: For fork-tender comfort food.
- Bake or Roast: For even cooking with minimal effort.
Stir-Fry: Thinly sliced for quick, high-heat meals.
Step 4: Cook to Desired Doneness
Using my meat thermometer, I check for doneness:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-Rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Well-Done: 160°F+
I prefer medium-rare to medium, which keeps the steak juicy without being tough.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
After cooking, I always let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes. Then, I slice it against the grain to keep it tender.
Step-by-Step Cooking Variations
One of the things I love most about top round steak is how many different ways you can prepare it. Here are my favorite methods, complete with easy step-by-step instructions:
Grilled Top Round Steak
Best for: Outdoor barbecues or a summer dinner.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the steak with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness (135°F for medium-rare).
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Broiled Top Round Steak
Best for: Quick weeknight dinners.
- Set your oven to broil and place the rack 6 inches from the heat source.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it.
- Season the steak with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Broil for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Rest, slice, and serve with roasted veggies.
Slow-Cooked Round Steak (Smothered or Stroganoff)
Best for: Comfort food lovers.
- Season the steak with Cajun spices or a simple salt-pepper mix.
- Sear the steak in a skillet until browned on both sides.
- Transfer to a slow cooker, adding onions, bell peppers, garlic, or mushrooms.
- Pour in beef broth or cream-based sauce (for Stroganoff).
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours until fork-tender.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Oven-Baked Top Round Steak (Amish Style)
Best for: Tender, home-style meals.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Place the steak in a baking dish and season generously.
- Add sliced onions, garlic, and tomatoes on top.
- Cover tightly with foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake for 2–2.5 hours until tender.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Top Round Steak Stir Fry
Best for: Quick, colorful, and healthy dinners.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain.
- Marinate in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for 30 minutes.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Stir-fry beef for 2–3 minutes, then remove.
- Add veggies (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots) and cook until crisp-tender.
Return beef to the wok, toss with stir-fry sauce, and serve over rice or noodles.
Smoked Top Round Steak
Best for: Bold, smoky flavor lovers.
- Preheat smoker to 225°F.
- Rub steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning.
- Place in the smoker and cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (medium-rare).
- Slice thinly and serve with BBQ sauce or chimichurri.
With these methods, you’ll never get bored with cooking top round steak. Each variation highlights a different flavor profile, from smoky and bold to tender and comforting.
Serving Suggestions
When I serve top round steak, I like to balance the hearty beef with sides that complement its flavor. Here are some of my go-to pairings:
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy – Classic comfort food combo.
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or carrots bring freshness.
- Rice or Quinoa – Perfect for stir-fry or smothered steak dishes.
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast – Great for soaking up sauces.
- Fresh Salad – A crisp garden salad or tangy coleslaw keeps the meal light.
For sandwiches, I pile the steak high on a toasted hoagie roll with caramelized onions and mushrooms, sometimes topping it with melted provolone.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerating Leftovers
If you have leftover steak, slice it thinly and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or cover with foil and place in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Freezing Top Round Steak
To keep steak longer, I freeze portions in freezer bags with the air pressed out. It keeps well for up to 2 months. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Top Round Steak Recipes
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When I cook top round steak, I always make sure I have the right tools ready. Having these essentials makes the process easier and helps me get the perfect results every time:- Sharp Chef’s Knife – For trimming excess fat and slicing steak evenly.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy wooden or plastic board for prepping the meat and veggies.
- Mixing Bowls – To prepare marinades and seasoning mixes.
- Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan – Ideal for searing, grilling, or pan-frying steak.
- Tongs – To flip the steak without piercing it and losing juices.
- Meat Thermometer – Ensures the steak is cooked perfectly to your desired doneness.
- Slow Cooker or Crock Pot – If you’re preparing comforting, slow-cooked recipes.
- Oven-Safe Baking Dish – Perfect for Amish-style oven-baked steak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is top round steak a good cut of beef?
Yes! Top round steak is lean, affordable, and versatile. While it’s not as tender as ribeye or filet mignon, it becomes delicious when marinated, slow-cooked, or sliced thinly against the grain.
How do I make top round steak tender?
The best ways to tenderize top round steak are:
- Marinating it in acidic ingredients like citrus juice or vinegar.
- Cook it low and slow in a crock pot or oven.
- Slicing it thinly against the grain after cooking.
Can I grill top round steak?
Absolutely! Just marinate it first, grill it over medium-high heat, and cook it to no more than medium doneness. Grilling brings out smoky flavors while keeping it juicy.
What is the best way to cook top round steak?
It depends on your taste! For quick meals, pan-searing or broiling works well. For fork-tender results, slow cooking or oven-baking is best. If you love bold flavor, smoking the steak is an excellent option.
Can I use top round steak for stir fry?
Yes, it’s perfect for stir fry! Slice it thinly against the grain, marinate it for at least 30 minutes, then cook it quickly over high heat with vegetables and sauce.
How long should I marinate the top round steak?
For best results, marinate it for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For deeper flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight in the fridge.
Is top round steak healthy?
Yes! Since it’s leaner than many other cuts, top round steak is an excellent option for those watching fat and calorie intake while still getting high-quality protein.
Conclusion
Cooking top-round steak recipes is all about unlocking the potential of this lean and affordable cut of beef. Whether you choose to grill it for a smoky char, broil it for a fast weeknight dinner, slow-cook it for tender comfort food, or slice it into a colorful stir fry, you’ll find that each method brings out something unique and delicious.
I’ve personally enjoyed experimenting with these variations, and I encourage you to do the same. Try marinating it overnight for extra flavor, pair it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
So the next time you’re craving a satisfying steak dinner without spending a fortune, reach for top round steak. With these recipes, you’ll have endless ways to make it shine, from family-style comfort meals to quick weeknight favorites.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
