If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Classic Round Steak & Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe. It’s a cozy, hearty dish that brings together tender slices of round steak bathed in a luscious, savory onion and mushroom gravy. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or craving a nostalgic meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. The combination of simple ingredients transforms into a dish that’s packed with flavor and comforting textures, making every bite truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Classic Round Steak & Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe. Each component has a special role, contributing either rich flavor, tender texture, or that beautiful savory aroma that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Round steak (4 to 6 slices, about 2 lbs): The star of the show, round steak is affordable and becomes wonderfully tender when cooked slowly in gravy.
- Onion gravy mix (2 pouches): A convenient shortcut that delivers deep onion flavor and thickens the gravy perfectly.
- Hot water (2 cups): To dissolve the gravy mix and create a rich sauce that coats the steak beautifully.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, sliced): Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy as it cooks down.
- Mushrooms (2 cups, diced): Provide earthiness and a lovely texture contrast that elevates the dish.
- Garlic cloves (3, peeled and smashed): Infuse the gravy with a warm, aromatic punch that complements the onions.
- Butter (2 tbsp, divided): Enhances richness and helps sauté the vegetables to caramelized perfection.
How to Make Classic Round Steak & Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melting 1 tablespoon of the butter. Toss in the sliced onions, smashed garlic cloves, and diced mushrooms. Cook them gently until the mushrooms turn golden brown and the onions become soft and fragrant. This process unlocks their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for the gravy.
Step 2: Add the Steak and Gravy Mixture
Once the veggies are perfectly sautéed, nestle the round steak slices right on top. In a separate bowl, mix the two packets of onion gravy mix with 2 cups of hot water, stirring until completely dissolved. Pour this savory mixture over the steak and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated and ready to soak up those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Dish
Seal your Instant Pot lid and set the cooker to the “Meat” or “High Pressure” setting for 20 minutes. This slow-cooked method transforms the round steak, which can be a tougher cut, into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness while the gravy thickens beautifully. When the timer goes off, carefully release the steam before opening the pot.
Alternative Method: Crock Pot Cooking
If you prefer to set it and forget it, simply add all ingredients into your slow cooker. Cook everything on low heat for about 8 hours. This low-and-slow method allows the flavors to meld perfectly while making the steak incredibly tender.
Alternative Method: Oven Baking
You can also bake this dish in a covered roasting pan at 350°F for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is fork-tender. This technique is great if you love the aroma of a slow roast filling your kitchen during colder days.
How to Serve Classic Round Steak & Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Bring your presentation to life by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the gravy just before serving. These green herbs not only add a pop of color but also introduce a fresh contrast that balances the rich, savory sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Classic Round Steak & Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe pairs amazingly well with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the gravy perfectly. You can also serve it alongside buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice for a soul-satisfying meal that hits all the comfort notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the steak and mushroom gravy over toasted crusty bread slices as an open-faced sandwich. Alternatively, layer the steak and gravy over roasted root vegetables or a bed of sautéed greens for a colorful, hearty plate that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second serving just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Place the steak and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a ready-made comfort meal on hand anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can dry out the meat and upset the gravy’s texture. A slow, gentle warm-up will bring the dish back to its full, delicious glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While round steak is ideal for its affordability and flavor, cuts like chuck steak or sirloin tip roast will also work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the dish in a covered roasting pan in the oven at 350°F for about 2 to 2.5 hours. This method yields tender meat and flavorful gravy too.
Can I substitute fresh onions for the onion gravy mix?
You can, but the onion gravy mix helps thicken the sauce and adds concentrated onion flavor easily. If using fresh onions only, you may need to add a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch.
What’s the best way to thicken the gravy if it turns out too thin?
Mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering gravy until it thickens to your liking. This is a quick and effective fix.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Carrots, green beans, or peas can be added for extra color and nutrition. Just be mindful of cooking times, adding vegetables that need less cooking later in the process.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Classic Round Steak & Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe. It carries the warmth and comfort of home-cooked goodness with every tender bite soaked in rich, savory gravy. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and a true crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together at the table.
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Classic Round Steak & Mushroom Onion Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (Instant Pot), 8 hours (Crock Pot), 2 to 2.5 hours (Oven)
- Total Time: 35 minutes (Instant Pot), 8 hours 15 minutes (Crock Pot), 2 hours 45 minutes (Oven)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Round Steak & Gravy recipe delivers tender, flavorful round steak cooked to perfection with a rich onion and mushroom gravy. Using versatile cooking methods including Instant Pot, slow cooker, and oven, it’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 to 6 slices of round steak (approximately 2 lbs)
- 2 pouches onion gravy mix
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cups diced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
Instructions
- Sauté in the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, then sauté the sliced onions, smashed garlic cloves, and diced mushrooms until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender, enhancing their flavor.
- Add Ingredients: Place the seared round steak slices into the Instant Pot on top of the sautéed vegetables. In a separate bowl, mix the two pouches of onion gravy mix with 2 cups of hot water, stirring well to dissolve any lumps. Pour this gravy mixture evenly over the steak and vegetables.
- Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to “Meat” or “High Pressure” mode for 20 minutes. Once the cooking time has elapsed, carefully release the steam according to your Instant Pot’s instructions. The steak should be fork-tender and infused with the savory gravy flavors. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can choose between three cooking methods: Instant Pot for quick cooking, crock pot for a hands-off slow cook, or oven baking for traditional roasting.
- For the crock pot, simply combine all ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours for optimal tenderness.
- When baking, use a covered roasting pan at 350°F and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is tender.
- Brown the steak beforehand for added flavor if desired, especially for oven or crock pot methods.
- Adjust seasoning as needed since the gravy mix contains salt.
