10 Best Tenderized Round Steak Recipes to Try in 2025

Tenderized round steak, often referred to as “cube steak,” is a versatile and budget-friendly cut of beef that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes.

Whether you’re looking for comforting classics or innovative twists, these recipes will elevate your cooking game in 2025.

From hearty stews to crispy fried delights, each recipe offers unique flavors and textures while keeping the preparation simple enough for home cooks of all skill levels.

1. Classic Southern Fried Tenderized Round Steak

This classic dish brings back memories of Southern comfort food with its crispy golden crust and juicy interior. Perfectly seasoned flour coats the tenderized round steak before it’s pan-fried to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each piece of steak into the beaten eggs, ensuring an even coating, then dredge it through the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.
3. Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the steaks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crispiness.
5. Transfer the fried steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with mashed potatoes and gravy.

2. Swiss Mushroom Round Steak Casserole

A creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with tenderized round steak, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese. This one-dish wonder is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Place the tenderized round steak at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Pour the mushroom mixture over the steak.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir in the sour cream, and sprinkle the Swiss cheese on top.
6. Return to the oven uncovered for another 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

3. Teriyaki Glazed Round Steak Stir-Fry

An Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring tenderized round steak marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. Paired with colorful vegetables, this dish is quick, healthy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Steak: Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add the steak slices and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Sear the marinated steak for 2-3 minutes, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Return the steak to the pan and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving over steamed rice.

4. Slow Cooker Round Steak Stew

A slow-cooked stew brimming with tender chunks of round steak, root vegetables, and rich broth. The long cooking time ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the steak pieces on both sides, then transfer them to a slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, rosemary, salt, and pepper, stirring well.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the steak in the slow cooker. Add the carrots and potatoes.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm with crusty bread.

5. Mexican-Inspired Round Steak Tacos

Transform tenderized round steak into flavorful taco filling with a blend of spices and fresh toppings. These tacos are vibrant, zesty, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Corn tortillas
• Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the steak evenly with the spice mixture and let it marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Grill or pan-sear the steak over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
3. Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or microwave.
4. Assemble the tacos by placing slices of steak on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and queso fresco. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

6. Herb-Crusted Round Steak with Garlic Butter

Elevate your round steak with a crunchy herb crust and a drizzle of garlicky butter. This elegant yet straightforward recipe is ideal for special occasions or weeknight indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
3. Brush each steak with the beaten egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat.
4. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the coated steaks for 2 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the steaks are cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a small pan with minced garlic. Drizzle the garlic butter over the finished steaks and serve with lemon wedges.

7. Creamy Mushroom Round Steak Skillet

A luscious skillet dinner where tenderized round steak meets a velvety mushroom sauce. It’s cozy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms, onion, and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, beef broth, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer.
4. Return the steak to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

8. Spicy Korean BBQ Round Steak Bowls

Inspired by Korean barbecue, these bowls feature spicy-sweet glazed round steak served over rice with pickled vegetables and a fried egg.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak
• ¼ cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Cooked white rice
• Pickled radishes and cucumbers
• Fried eggs
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate the steak for 1 hour.
2. Grill or pan-sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side. Slice thinly against the grain.
3. Assemble bowls by layering rice, sliced steak, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

9. Red Wine Braised Round Steak

Slow-braised in red wine and aromatics, this dish boasts tender meat and a deeply flavorful sauce. Pair it with polenta or crusty bread for a sophisticated meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Sear the steak in olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic in the same pan until softened.
3. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up any brown bits. Add the broth, rosemary, and bay leaf.
4. Return the steak to the pan, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours. Serve with polenta or bread.

10. Cheesy Round Steak Enchiladas

Roll up tenderized round steak in tortillas, smother with enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly and cheesy. A Tex-Mex favorite!

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of tenderized round steak
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Flour tortillas
• Enchilada sauce
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the steak with taco seasoning. Shred and mix with some enchilada sauce.
2. Fill tortillas with the steak mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
3. Cover with more sauce and cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

These recipes showcase the versatility of tenderized round steak while offering something for every palate. Enjoy experimenting with these dishes in 2025!