Swiss steak is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a family dinner. This dish is made from tenderized beef that is cooked slowly in a rich tomato and onion gravy, resulting in a flavorful and tender meal. Swiss steak is a popular dish in many households because it is easy to prepare and budget-friendly.
To start, you will need to gather the following ingredients: beef round steak, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, vegetable oil, onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Begin by tenderizing the beef round steak by pounding it with a meat mallet. This will help to make the steak more tender and flavorful.
Next, season the flour with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the steak in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the steak on both sides. This will help to seal in the juices and give the steak a nice golden-brown color.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Add in the canned tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and return the steak to the skillet.
Cover the skillet and let the steak simmer in the tomato and onion gravy for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the meat is tender. The longer you simmer the steak, the more tender it will become. Once the steak is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
To serve Swiss steak, slice the steak against the grain and spoon the tomato and onion gravy over the slices. This dish goes well with mashed potatoes or rice, and a side of steamed vegetables. Enjoy this hearty and delicious meal with your family and friends!
Ingredients for Swiss Steak
2 pounds beef round steak, cut into serving-size pieces |
1/2 cup all-purpose flour |
1 teaspoon salt |
1/4 teaspoon black pepper |
2 tablespoons vegetable oil |
1 onion, thinly sliced |
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced |
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes |
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce |
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce |
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme |
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano |
1/4 teaspoon dried basil |
Preparing the Meat
Before you begin cooking Swiss steak, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to ensure a tender and flavorful result.
1. Choose the Right Cut
Start by selecting a well-marbled cut of beef, such as round steak or top round. These cuts are ideal for Swiss steak as they will become tender when cooked low and slow.
2. Tenderize the Meat
Using a meat mallet or a tenderizing tool, pound the steak on both sides to help break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender. This will also help the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
Note: If you prefer a less tenderized steak, you can skip this step.
3. Season the Meat
Season the meat with salt and pepper on both sides, or use your favorite steak seasoning for added flavor. You can also add other spices or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Tip: For an extra kick of flavor, you can marinate the meat in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Seasoning the Steak
Before cooking the swiss steak, it is important to season it properly. This will not only enhance the flavor but also tenderize the meat.
Start by generously sprinkling both sides of the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will ensure that the steak is well seasoned from the inside out.
For added flavor, you may also want to consider adding some other seasonings to the steak. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary. You can either use these seasonings individually or create a blend according to your preference.
Once you have seasoned the steak, gently press the seasoning into the meat using your fingertips. This will help the flavors penetrate the steak and create a more flavorful end result.
After seasoning the steak, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and the salt to further tenderize the meat.
In addition to seasoning the steak, you may also want to consider marinating it for a few hours or overnight. This can add even more flavor to the meat and help to further tenderize it. There are many marinade options available, ranging from simple combinations of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs to more complex blends with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and other ingredients.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to thoroughly coat the steak with the seasoning or marinade. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
Cooking Swiss Steak in the Oven
Swiss steak is a classic dish that is both tender and flavorful. It is traditionally made by tenderizing a tough cut of beef and cooking it slowly in a flavorful sauce until it becomes fork-tender. One popular method of cooking Swiss steak is in the oven. This method allows the steak to fully absorb the flavors of the sauce and results in a deliciously tender and juicy dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of beef round steak
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the round steak in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the round steak and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Return the round steak to the skillet, covering it with the sauce mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the steak is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the Swiss steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Swiss steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and spoon the sauce over the top.
This oven-baked Swiss steak is a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. The tender beef, flavorful sauce, and aromatic vegetables make for a truly satisfying dish that your whole family will love.
Cooking Swiss Steak on the Stove
Swiss steak is a delicious and tender meat dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. While it can be cooked in various ways, cooking Swiss steak on the stove is a simple and effective method. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this classic dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds of round steak, tenderized
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- In the meantime, season the tenderized round steak with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge the seasoned steak in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Return the browned steak to the skillet, submerging it in the tomato mixture.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the steak simmer for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it becomes tender.
- Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the Swiss steak from the skillet and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Pour the tomato and vegetable mixture over the steak.
- Serve the Swiss steak hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy your homemade Swiss steak cooked on the stove with its tender meat and flavorful tomato sauce!
Serving and Enjoying Swiss Steak
Once your Swiss steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Follow these tips to make the most out of your meal:
1. Plating: Place a generous scoop of Swiss steak on a warm plate. Make sure to include plenty of the flavorful tomato sauce that the steak cooked in.
2. Sides: Swiss steak pairs well with various side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles. These options will help soak up the delicious sauce from the steak.
3. Garnish: If desired, garnish the Swiss steak with fresh parsley or chopped chives. This will add a touch of freshness and enhance the overall presentation of the dish.
4. Bread: Serve some crusty bread on the side to mop up any remaining sauce or to enjoy with each bite of the tender steak.
5. Wine Pairing: If you’re a wine enthusiast, consider pairing your Swiss steak with a glass of red wine, such as merlot or cabernet sauvignon. The rich flavors of the wine will complement the meat and sauce beautifully.
6. Enjoy: Finally, sit back, relax, and savor each bite of your delicious Swiss steak. Don’t forget to take in the comforting aromas and flavors that this classic dish has to offer.
Whether you’re serving Swiss steak for a family dinner or hosting a special gathering, following these serving tips will elevate the dining experience and leave your guests satisfied and impressed.
Enjoy your Swiss steak!
Questions and answers
What is swiss steak?
Swiss steak is a classic dish made by tenderizing a tough cut of beef, such as round or chuck, and then braising it in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
How do you tenderize the beef for swiss steak?
To tenderize the beef for swiss steak, you can use a meat mallet to pound the beef until it is about 1/4 inch thick. This helps to break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.
What ingredients are needed to make swiss steak?
The ingredients needed to make swiss steak include beef, flour, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
What is the cooking method for swiss steak?
The cooking method for swiss steak involves dredging the beef in flour, searing it in a hot pan, sautéing onions and garlic, adding tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, and then simmering the meat in the sauce until it is tender.
How long does it take to cook swiss steak?
The cooking time for swiss steak varies depending on the size and thickness of the meat, but it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cook. The meat should be tender and easily shredded with a fork when it is done.
What is Swiss steak?
Swiss steak is a dish made with tenderized round steak, which is then cooked slowly in a sauce until it becomes tender. It is typically served with mashed potatoes or rice.
How do I tenderize round steak for Swiss steak?
To tenderize round steak for Swiss steak, you can use a meat mallet to pound the steak until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Another method is to marinate the steak in a mixture of vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices for a few hours before cooking.