Swiss Steak

Why Make This Recipe

Swiss Steak is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its tender meat and rich, flavorful sauce, it’s a dish that not only pleases the palate but also fills the belly. It’s perfect for family dinners or comforting meals on chilly nights. The combination of simple ingredients makes it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

How to Make Swiss Steak

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. bottom round or top round steak, pounded 1/2 inch thick
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 yellow onion, sliced in half moons
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups low sodium beef broth
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Directions:

1. Tenderize the round steak with a meat mallet.
2. Generously salt and pepper both sides of the beef.
3. Add the flour to a shallow bowl and dredge the beef in it, shaking off any excess flour.
4. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or heavy stock pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on both sides and then remove it to a plate.
5. In the same pot, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, cooking until the onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
7. Add the tomato paste, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, marjoram, thyme, paprika, and the browned beef. Gently scrape the bottom of the pot to remove the brown bits.
8. Cover the pot and place it in the oven at 350 degrees for 2 hours or until the meat is very tender.
9. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. If desired, serve over mashed potatoes, white rice, or egg noodles with the meat and sauce ladled over the top.

How to Serve Swiss Steak

Swiss Steak is best served warm, paired with mashed potatoes, white rice, or egg noodles. The delicious sauce can be drizzled over the side dishes for added flavor. A simple green salad on the side can add a fresh touch to balance the meal.

How to Store Swiss Steak

Store any leftover Swiss Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Tips to Make Swiss Steak

• Ensure the steak is well-pounded for even cooking and tenderness.
• Don’t skip the browning step; it adds a lot of flavors to the dish.
• Adjust the vegetables based on your preference; peppers or potatoes can be great additions.
• If you like more sauce, feel free to add extra beef broth or tomatoes.

Variation

You can add different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of Swiss Steak. Consider adding a bay leaf during cooking or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. You can also experiment with different types of broth, like vegetable broth for a milder taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use other cuts of meat for Swiss Steak?
Yes, while bottom or top round steak is traditional, you can use other cuts like chuck roast. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Is Swiss Steak gluten-free?
No, Swiss Steak as described contains flour for dredging. You can use a gluten-free flour alternative to make it gluten-free.

3. Can I cook Swiss Steak on the stovetop instead of in the oven?
Yes, you can simmer the Swiss Steak on the stovetop over low heat until the meat is tender. Just make sure to maintain a gentle simmer and cover the pot to prevent drying out.