Baked Round Steak

Baked Round Steak Recipe with Cream of Mushroom and Onion Soup Mix

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Baked Round Steak is a classic comfort food recipe that has been cherished by families for generations. This dish is known for its tender, flavorful steak that is slow-cooked in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. It's a simple yet hearty meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth creates a savory sauce that not only tenderizes the steak but also provides a delicious gravy to accompany the meat. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for an easy-to-prepare, satisfying meal that requires minimal ingredients and effort.

History

The history of Baked Round Steak can be traced back to the mid-20th century when canned soups became a popular ingredient in home cooking. The convenience and versatility of canned soups led to the creation of various recipes, including this one. The dish gained popularity for its simplicity and the ability to transform a less expensive cut of meat into a tender, flavorful meal. Over the years, it has become a staple in many households, passed down from generation to generation as a beloved family recipe.

Ingredients

2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
0.5 package of dry onion soup mix
1 large round steak
0.5 cup of beef broth

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300° F.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth.
Place the round steak in a casserole dish and pour the soup mixture over the steak.
Bake for 3 hours. Serve with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Variations

There are several ways to vary this recipe to suit your taste preferences or to use what you have on hand:
Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the casserole dish to make it a one-pot meal.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results when preparing Baked Round Steak, consider the following tips and tricks:

- For added flavor, sear the round steak on both sides in a hot skillet before placing it in the casserole dish. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds a nice browned crust to the meat.

- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the soup mixture before pouring it over the steak.

- Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, onions, or carrots to the casserole dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

- Make sure to cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil before baking to keep the moisture in and ensure the steak becomes tender.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Round Steak is best served hot, accompanied by a side of your choice. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or a simple green salad. The creamy mushroom gravy pairs wonderfully with these sides, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is slow baking, which allows the round steak to become tender and absorb the flavors of the soup mixture. Covering the casserole dish tightly with foil helps to trap moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dry onion soup mix, you can substitute it with a combination of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Additionally, beef broth can be replaced with vegetable broth or water in a pinch, although this may slightly alter the flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply assemble the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Presentation Ideas

To enhance the presentation of Baked Round Steak, garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chives before serving. Serving the steak and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice also makes for an appealing and hearty meal.

Pairing Recommendations

A robust red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of Baked Round Steak. For a non-alcoholic option, a rich beef broth-based soup or a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the meal well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Baked Round Steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Baked Round Steak contains approximately 250-350 calories. This makes it a moderate-calorie meal that can fit into various dietary needs, especially when served with a side of vegetables instead of higher-calorie options like noodles or mashed potatoes.

Carbohydrates

The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the cream of mushroom soup. A single serving of Baked Round Steak contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates, making it a relatively low-carb meal option. However, serving it with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, as suggested, will increase the carbohydrate content of the meal.

Fats

The fats in this recipe mainly come from the cream of mushroom soup and the round steak itself. The total fat content per serving can vary but is generally around 10-20 grams, depending on the specific cuts of meat and the type of cream of mushroom soup used (regular or low-fat versions).

Proteins

Baked Round Steak is an excellent source of protein, with each serving providing approximately 25-35 grams. The round steak itself is a lean cut of beef, making this dish a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake without consuming a lot of fat.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the beef, which is a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The addition of vegetables, if chosen, can further enhance the vitamin and mineral content, adding vitamins A and C, along with fiber.

Alergens

The main allergens to be aware of in this recipe include gluten (found in the dry onion soup mix and possibly the cream of mushroom soup) and dairy (in the cream of mushroom soup). Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should look for gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives.

Summary

Overall, Baked Round Steak is a nutritious meal option that provides a good balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is relatively low in calories and can be easily modified to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.

Summary

Baked Round Steak is a timeless recipe that offers a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a favorite among home cooks. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy. With its rich flavors, tender meat, and creamy gravy, Baked Round Steak is a hearty meal that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Baked Round Steak. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, in her cozy little kitchen. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.

As we sat at her kitchen table sipping on glasses of sweet tea, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly got up and said, "I think it's time I teach you how to make my famous Baked Round Steak." I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn one of her cherished recipes.

Mrs. Jenkins began by pulling out a large round steak from the refrigerator and placing it on a cutting board. She explained the importance of using a good quality cut of meat for this dish, as it would ensure a tender and flavorful result. She then proceeded to season the steak with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, gently rubbing the seasonings into the meat.

Next, Mrs. Jenkins heated a skillet on the stove and added a drizzle of olive oil. She carefully seared the steak on both sides until it was nicely browned, locking in the juices and creating a beautiful crust. The aroma of sizzling meat filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After the steak was seared to perfection, Mrs. Jenkins transferred it to a baking dish and poured a can of diced tomatoes over the top. She explained that the tomatoes would help keep the meat moist and infuse it with rich flavor. She then sprinkled a handful of chopped onions and bell peppers over the steak, adding a colorful and fragrant touch to the dish.

As Mrs. Jenkins placed the baking dish in the oven, she smiled and said, "Now we just have to let it bake low and slow until the meat is tender and juicy." The scent of savory steak and tangy tomatoes wafted through the kitchen, making my stomach growl with hunger.

After a couple of hours, Mrs. Jenkins pulled the baking dish out of the oven, revealing a perfectly cooked Baked Round Steak. The meat was fork-tender and practically melted in my mouth, while the tomatoes had caramelized into a rich sauce that coated the steak in savory goodness.

As we sat down at the table to enjoy our meal, Mrs. Jenkins shared with me the story of how she had learned this recipe from her own grandmother many years ago. She spoke fondly of the days spent in her grandmother's kitchen, learning the art of cooking and bonding over shared meals.

I savored every bite of Mrs. Jenkins' Baked Round Steak, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn such a cherished recipe from a dear friend. The combination of tender meat, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings was a true delight for the taste buds, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

As I bid farewell to Mrs. Jenkins that day, I felt inspired to continue exploring new recipes and sharing the joy of cooking with those around me. The memory of that summer day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen would forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of good food and good friends to bring warmth and happiness into our lives.