How to Cook Juicy and Tender Beef Bottom Round Steak in the Oven

Beef bottom round steak can be a delicious and affordable cut of meat, but it does require some special handling to turn out tender and flavorful. While it’s lean with good beefy flavor, bottom round can be tough if not cooked properly. Luckily, using a few simple tricks and the dry, ambient heat of the oven allows you to transform inexpensive bottom round into a mouthwatering steak dinner.

Follow this guide to learn how to cook bottom round steak in the oven to achieve the perfect balance of savory crust and juicy interior every time. We’ll provide tips on choosing the right steak, preparations for best results, recommended cook times and temperatures, and serving suggestions to take your oven-baked beef to the next level.

Why Cook Bottom Round Steak in the Oven?

There are a few advantages to using your oven when cooking bottom round steak:

• Oven provides ambient heat from all sides to cook meat evenly

• Dry heat of oven helps form a flavorful, brown crust.

• Oven roasting gives great results without needing a grill.

• Easy to monitor and adjust cook time as needed.

• Convenient and simple cleanup

While the stove-top and grill can also be used for steak, the oven provides a fool-proof route to perfection.

Picking the Best Steak for Oven Cooking

When selecting a bottom round steak for the oven, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose steaks 1-1.5 inches thick for best results.

• Pick steaks that are bright red and evenly colored.

• Look for some marbling throughout for flavor and tenderness.

• Ensure steaks are trimmed of excess fat and sinew.

• Allow for 4-6 oz of meat per person.

Thicker steaks hold up better to oven cooking, while the marbling provides crucial moisture and beefy flavor.

Pre-Cooking Prep for Perfect Results

Properly preparing bottom round steak before oven cooking makes a big difference:

• Let steak sit at room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.

• Generously season all over with salt, pepper, garlic, etc.

• Coat steak lightly in olive oil to help browning.

• Preheat oven to 400°F to quickly sear and cook steak.

• Place steak on rack in broiler pan for air circulation.

• Insert meat thermometer horizontally into thickest part.

These simple steps pave the way for a flavorful crust and tender, juicy interior.

How to Cook Bottom Round Steak in the Oven

Follow these easy guidelines for oven-cooked steak success:

• Sear steak on high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

• Finish cooking in a 375°F oven until desired doneness.

• For medium-rare steak, cook to an internal temp of 135°F.

• Check temperature often to prevent overcooking.

• Smaller steaks take 10-15 minutes, larger cuts 15-25 minutes.

• Remove from oven 5°F before final target temp for carryover cooking.

• Allow steak to rest 5-10 minutes after baking.

Letting the steak rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute evenly for a tender, mouthwatering result.

Handy Tips for Oven-Baked Bottom Round Perfection

• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.

• Try a flavorful spice rub for more complex flavors.

• Add herbs like rosemary, thyme or oregano when cooking.

• Try topping with garlic-herb butter for added richness.

• Slice against the grain for improved tenderness.

• Pair steak with roasted veggies for a full meal.

Serving Your Oven-Cooked Bottom Round Steak

There are endless options for serving your succulent oven-baked bottom round steak:

• Grilled asparagus or Brussels sprouts
• Loaded baked potatoes
• Creamy scalloped potatoes
• Quinoa or brown rice pilaf
• Mixed greens salad
• Roasted root vegetables
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Fresh dinner rolls or crusty bread

For a special occasion, turn your steaks into an elegant steak au poivre by coating them with coarse black peppercorns before oven cooking. Serve with a rich red wine reduction sauce for an incredible restaurant-worthy dish.

With its deep beefy flavor and satisfying texture, oven-prepared bottom round steak makes for a hearty, protein-packed meal. The oven’s ambient heat transforms this budget-friendly cut into a delicious dinner the whole family will request again and again. Give this easy preparation a try soon for your next steak night at home.