Swiss Steak Recipe

Swiss Steak is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This recipe transforms tough cuts of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that’s perfect served over mashed potatoes or rice.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef round steak, about 1-inch thick
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Trim any excess fat from the beef round steak. Cut into serving-size pieces, about 4-6 pieces.
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Brown the Steak

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the steak pieces on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Transfer browned steak to a plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Swiss Steak

1. Return browned steak pieces and any accumulated juices to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
2. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the steak is tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve

1. Discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
2. Serve Swiss Steak over mashed potatoes or rice, spooning the flavorful sauce over the steak.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Use a meat mallet to tenderize the steak pieces before dredging in flour for extra tenderness.
• For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the simmering sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion:

Enjoy this comforting Swiss Steak recipe, a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners. With tender beef and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite!