Round Steak Recipe

4.92 from 12 votes

This easy round steak recipe makes juicy, pan-seared steak smothered in creamy cognac sauce. It's a one pan dinner that's ready in 20 minutes!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, French

Keyword: round steak recipe

Servings: servings

1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
4 garlic cloves smashed
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (you can also use dried basil, dried oregano, etc.)
1½ pounds bottom round steaks thinly sliced to about 1/4-inch (cut them against the grain) and tenderized
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons paprika
1 tablespoon butter divided

Preheat the skillet. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use the heaviest skillet that you do have. Add vegetable oil and heat until shimmering.
Season the steaks. In the meantime, prepare the steaks by seasoning them with coarse salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and paprika. Rub in the seasoning with your fingers.
Melt the butter. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter to the skillet and stir in the Italian seasoning and smashed garlic.
Cook the steaks. Add the steaks to the skillet and sear the steaks in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Use the remaining butter only if needed to finish cooking the second batch of steaks.
Keep the steaks warm. Transfer the steaks to a plate and keep them covered. Discard the garlic from the pan, but don't discard the pan juices.
Make the cognac sauce. Return the skillet to the stove and set it over medium heat; carefully stir in the beef broth and cognac, and scrape up all the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce the liquid by half.
Make it creamy. Whisk in the heavy cream and continue to whisk until completely incorporated. Cook for 3 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and creamy. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
Put it all together. Return the steaks to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the steaks and serve.

Where to buy: You can buy round steaks already sliced in the steaks/beef section at the supermarket.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.