Swiss Steak

Why You’ll Love This Swiss Steak

Swiss Steak is nothing short of a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels cozy and nourishing, and guess what? It’s budget-friendly too! With just one pot, you can whip up a meal that makes clean-up a breeze after a delightful dinner. The tender beef, slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infuses your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas. Plus, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner with friends. Just picture everyone gathered around the table, savoring each bite, and sharing stories. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? When you serve Swiss Steak, you’re not just putting food on the table—you’re creating lasting memories.

What is a Swiss Steak

Swiss Steak originates from the classic American home-cooked meals. It’s not Swiss in the sense of cheese or chocolate but refers to the method of tenderizing the meat, often called “swissing.” Traditionally, it features cuts of beef that are braised with a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

Unlike other beef dishes like pot roast or beef stew, Swiss Steak stands out thanks to its unique preparation. While pot roast is usually cooked whole, Swiss Steak involves slicing the meat, allowing it to soak in the sauce’s flavors thoroughly. It enjoys regional popularity across the United States, with variations more prevalent in midwestern and southern kitchens. If you’re new to the dish, get ready to fall in love!

Ingredients for Swiss Steak

• 2 pounds bottom round roast (cut into ½” thick slices)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

These ingredients create a wonderful balance of flavors, ensuring your Swiss Steak is both hearty and satisfying.

Preparing the Swiss Steak

Tenderizing the Steak

To start, take your beef slices and tenderize them using a meat mallet or fork. This step is essential as it helps to break down those tough fibers. Once that’s done, season each slice generously with salt and pepper. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps create a delicious crust when searing.

Dredging in Flour

Next up, let’s prepare a shallow bowl with the flour. Dredge each seasoned beef slice thoroughly in the flour. This helps create a nice coating that’ll hold onto the juices while cooking, adding rich texture to your finished dish.

Searing the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. It should sizzle when you add the beef. Sear the slices for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once browned, carefully remove the beef and set it aside. The skillet will soon become the base for your flavor-packed sauce.

Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the sliced onion. Sauté the onions until they become translucent, allowing their sweetness to shine through. After about 3-4 minutes, add in the minced garlic. The aroma that fills your kitchen is simply irresistible.

Building the Sauce

Now, it’s time to stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute. This intensifies the flavors of the sauce. Next, mix in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Ensure everything is combined well, as this will be the heart of your dish.

Braising the Steak

Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Return the seared beef to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 1½ hours while stirring occasionally. This allows the beef to become tender and absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Finishing and Serving

After the time is up, take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Then, garnish your Swiss Steak with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it warm, and watch how your friends and family savor each comforting bite.

Serving Suggestions

Swiss Steak shines when paired with sides that soak up its rich sauce. You can serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for an authentic experience. For something crunchy, crusty bread makes a delightful companion for dipping. And don’t forget a fresh green salad to balance the earthiness of the dish!

Tips for Success

To choose a good cut of beef, look for well-marbled options for the best results. After searing, allow the steak to rest briefly. This lock-in juice makes a huge difference in tenderness. Lastly, give the braising process the time it deserves; cooking low and slow will elevate the dish to new flavor heights.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can swap out beef for pork or chicken to mix things up. Adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can provide extra nutrition. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a delicious kick.

Storage Tips

Should you have leftovers (which might not always be a guarantee with this dish), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, do so gently on the stove to maintain the meat’s tenderness. For longer storage, freeze the dish. Just remember to thaw it before reheating!

Pairing Ideas

To elevate your meal, consider pairing it with a bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon. Alternatively, buttery noodles or polenta can provide a rich contrast to the hearty steak. Also, serve with roasted seasonal vegetables to round out the plate beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can Swiss steak be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, just sauté the beef and veggies in a pan first, then transfer to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a delicious twist.

2. Is Swiss steak gluten-free?
This recipe uses flour, but you can easily substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend for a tasty result.

3. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While bottom round roast is traditional, chuck roast or brisket work beautifully too.

4. How do I know when the Swiss steak is done?
When it’s fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, you know it’s ready.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Swiss Steak in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Swiss Steak is a comforting classic that invites everyone to the table. With its tender beef and rich, flavorful sauce, it creates warmth with every bite. Enjoy preparing this dish; it’s not just about cooking—it’s about creating moments to cherish. Happy cooking!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Cream Of Mushroom Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Potatoes
• Pioneer Woman Corned Beef Hash
• Breakfast Skillet

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Swiss Steak

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Swiss Steak is the ultimate comfort food, with tender beef braised in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners and budget-friendly!

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds bottom round roast (cut into ½" thick slices)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

• Tenderize the beef slices with a mallet or fork and season with salt and pepper.
• Dredge the seasoned beef in flour.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear beef slices for 4-5 minutes on each side.
• Sauté sliced onion in the same skillet until translucent, then add minced garlic.
• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and return beef to the skillet.
• Cover and cook for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, garnishing with parsley.

Notes

Look for well-marbled beef for best results.
Allow seared steak to rest briefly before braising.
Consider adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 600
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 12
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 30
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 35
• Cholesterol: 100