Heavenly Spoon Tender Round Steak Stew
This delightful dish, known for its remarkable tenderness, turns any dining experience into a heartwarming gathering. The round steak melts in your mouth, making it so tender that you can easily cut it with a spoon. As it simmers, it creates a rich and flavorful tomato gravy that makes the perfect complement for fluffy rice. Feel free to elevate this dish by adding vibrant vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and fresh mushrooms, which not only enhance the flavor but also add color and nutrition. This comforting meal is ideal for family dinners or special occasions, promising to leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Round steak
3 lbs (Cut into medium-sized chunks)
Canned tomatoes
29 ounces (Mashed with juice)
Garlic cloves
3 (Chopped)
Medium onion
1 (Chopped)
Lipton Onion Soup Mix
2 ounces (Packaged)
Dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (Whole)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (Whole)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Flour
as needed (For dredging)
Olive oil
for browning (As needed)
Water
1/2 cup (As needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the round steak chunks generously with salt and pepper, then coat them lightly in flour to create a nice crust during cooking.
2
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured steak chunks in batches and brown them on all sides, ensuring a rich flavor develops.
3
Once all the steak is nicely browned, transfer it to a medium-sized pot with a lid. This pot will be the heart of your stew.
4
Next, pour in the can of mashed tomatoes along with their juice. Add the chopped garlic, onion, Lipton onion soup mix, rosemary, and thyme. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Add approximately 1/2 cup of water to the pot to enhance the stew’s richness, and mix everything again to incorporate.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing it to simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally, checking for tenderness.
7
The stew is ready when the meat is so tender that it almost falls apart. Serve this heavenly concoction over a bed of fluffy rice, or enjoy it on its own for a heartwarming meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Spoon Tender Round Steak Stew?
It is a comforting, hearty dish featuring round steak that becomes exceptionally tender as it simmers in a rich, flavorful tomato gravy.
Why is it called spoon tender?
The dish is called spoon tender because the round steak is slow-cooked until it is soft enough to be easily cut with a spoon.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 3 lbs of round steak, cut into medium-sized chunks.
How do I prepare the steak for cooking?
Season the steak chunks generously with salt and pepper, then coat them lightly in flour before browning.
Is browning the meat necessary?
Yes, browning the steak in olive oil over medium-high heat helps develop a rich flavor and creates a nice crust.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the gravy?
The recipe calls for 29 ounces of canned tomatoes, mashed with their juice.
What vegetables can I add to this stew?
You can elevate the dish by adding carrots, bell peppers, and fresh mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
What seasonings are required?
The stew is seasoned with garlic, onion, Lipton onion soup mix, dried rosemary, and dried thyme.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The stew should simmer gently on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy rice to complement the tomato gravy.
How much water should I add?
Add approximately 1/2 cup of water to the pot to enhance the richness of the stew.
Do I need to cover the pot while cooking?
Yes, once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 chopped garlic cloves.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, while the instructions specify a pot on the stove, the tags indicate it is suitable for slow cooking.
What size onion is recommended?
One medium-sized onion, chopped, is needed for the base of the stew.
What is the purpose of the flour coating?
The flour helps brown the meat and acts as a thickening agent for the tomato gravy.
How much Lipton Onion Soup Mix is used?
One 2-ounce package of Lipton Onion Soup Mix is used for seasoning.
Can I add fresh mushrooms to the stew?
Yes, fresh mushrooms are a recommended addition to enhance the texture and flavor.
What type of oil is used for browning the meat?
Olive oil is used to brown the steak chunks in a large skillet.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is an ideal comforting meal for family gatherings or special occasions.
How do I know when the meat is done?
The meat is ready when it is so tender that it almost falls apart and can be cut with a spoon.
Can I substitute the round steak with another cut?
While round steak is traditional, other beef stewing cuts like chuck can be used if simmered until tender.
What herbs provide the main aroma?
Dried rosemary and dried thyme provide the primary herbal aromatics in this stew.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Salt and pepper should be used to taste for seasoning the meat before cooking.
Does the recipe require a specific skillet?
A large skillet is recommended for browning the meat chunks in batches.
Should I stir the stew while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally while it simmers to check for tenderness and prevent sticking.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a rich, thick tomato-based gravy made from mashed tomatoes and meat juices.
Is the heat high or low during simmering?
The heat should be reduced to low for the 1 to 1.5-hour simmering process.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, though you may need to add more liquid or mash them thoroughly to achieve the correct gravy consistency.
How many pounds of meat are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 pounds of round steak.