Nothing beats the simplicity and robust flavor of a beautifully cooked beef bottom round steak. Often overlooked in favor of more expensive cuts, the bottom round offers rich beefiness and a satisfying chew when cooked properly. In this guide, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of making the most out of this humble cut—perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week.

Beef Bottom Round Steak Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Total Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To get started with your beef bottom round steak, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools that will make the process smoother and ensure your steak turns out just right. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cast iron skillet or heavy frying pan
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need for this recipe. Make sure all your ingredients are of the highest quality to bring out the best in your beef bottom round steak.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Beef bottom round steak | 4 pieces (8 oz each) |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Kosher salt | To taste |
Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
Dried thyme | 1/2 teaspoon |
Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Did you know? The bottom round comes from the rear leg of the cow and is leaner, making it ideal for slow cooking methods to tenderize the meat.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Steak
Before cooking, take your beef bottom round steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This small step helps the steak cook more evenly.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
- Rub each steak with olive oil.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
Make sure your skillet is screaming hot before you add the steaks. This will help achieve a perfect sear.
Step 2 – Sear the Steak
Heat your skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the steaks to the skillet without overcrowding.
- Cook each steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred doneness.
- Use tongs to flip the steaks gently to avoid piercing the meat, which can cause juices to escape.
A good sear on your beef bottom round steak not only adds flavor but also helps lock in those tasty juices.
Step 3 – Rest Your Steak
After cooking, transfer your steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
- Tent the steaks loosely with foil to keep them warm.
Patience is key! Resting your steak is crucial for a juicy outcome.
Additional Tips
- Temperature Matters: For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing your steak to rest after cooking is essential for a juicy steak.
- Thinly Slice Against the Grain: This will help break up the muscle fibers and make your steak more tender.
Pairing Suggestions
For a meal that feels complete, try pairing your beef bottom round steak with these sides:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- A crisp garden salad
Beef bottom round steak makes a robust, flavorful meal that doesn’t need much to shine.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 300 |
Total Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Cholesterol | 90mg |
Sodium | 65mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 0g |
Dietary Fiber | 0g |
Sugars | 0g |
Protein | 38g |
Note: These values are approximate. Nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Dietary Information
This recipe is ideal for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. For a gluten-free diet, ensure all your seasonings are free from gluten.
FAQs about Beef Bottom Round Steak
What is the best way to cook beef bottom round steak to keep it tender?
Slow cooking methods like braising are fantastic, but a quick sear on high heat can also yield delicious results if you let the steak rest properly afterward.
Can I marinate beef bottom round steak?
Absolutely! Marinating the steak for several hours or even overnight can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with more flavor.
What are some good marinades for this cut?
A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works well. For something different, try a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger for an Asian twist.
How do I know when my steak is cooked to medium-rare?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Look for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) before resting the steak.
Can beef bottom round steak be cooked from frozen?
It’s best to thoroughly thaw your steak in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking this steak?
Overcooking is a common issue. This cut is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium. Also, make sure not to cut into the steak immediately after cooking—letting it rest is essential.
How can I use leftover beef bottom round steak?
Leftovers make great additions to stir-fries, salads, or sandwiches. Slice the steak thinly and reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
Conclusion
This beef bottom round steak recipe offers a straightforward approach to a delicious, hearty meal. Remember, a good sear and proper resting are your tickets to a perfect steak every time. Enjoy the deep flavors and satisfying textures of this economical cut.
Feel free to share your experiences, tweaks, or questions below. Your feedback helps us all learn and improve our cooking game!
Check out some more delicious main dish recipes:
- Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
- Lima Beans Recipe
- Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Naked Breasts Recipe
- Tacos de Lengua Recipe
- Brace Rice Recipe

Beef Bottom Round Steak Recipe
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or heavy frying pan
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 4 pieces 8 oz each Beef bottom round steak
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- To taste Kosher salt
- To taste Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- For garnish Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Steak
- Before cooking, take your beef bottom round steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This small step helps the steak cook more evenly.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
- Rub each steak with olive oil.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
- Make sure your skillet is screaming hot before you add the steaks. This will help achieve a perfect sear.
Step 2 – Sear the Steak
- Heat your skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the steaks to the skillet without overcrowding.
- Cook each steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred doneness.
- Use tongs to flip the steaks gently to avoid piercing the meat, which can cause juices to escape.
- A good sear on your beef bottom round steak not only adds flavor but also helps lock in those tasty juices.
Step 3 – Rest Your Steak
- After cooking, transfer your steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
- Tent the steaks loosely with foil to keep them warm.
- Patience is key! Resting your steak is crucial for a juicy outcome.
Notes
- Temperature Matters: For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing your steak to rest after cooking is essential for a juicy steak.
- Thinly Slice Against the Grain: This will help break up the muscle fibers and make your steak more tender.
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