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Classic Swiss Steak

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Swiss steak is the ultimate comfort food—tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with savory smells, making it the perfect dish for cozy evenings or family dinners.

Despite its name, Swiss steak is simple to make. The beef is seasoned, lightly dredged in flour, and seared before being simmered in a flavorful sauce until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. The tomato sauce is rich and savory, with the perfect balance of spices to complement the beef. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

What makes Swiss steak so great is its versatility. You can make it for a weeknight dinner, or even prep it for a special occasion. The recipe is hands-off once it’s simmering, allowing you to focus on other things while the flavors meld together. If you love comfort food that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, this Swiss steak is for you.

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 boneless beef round steaks (about 1 inch thick)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes

1/2 cup beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Steaks:

    • Start by seasoning the beef steaks with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each steak in flour, shaking off any excess.

  • Brown the Steaks:

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the steaks and brown them on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Once browned, remove the steaks from the pan and set them aside.

  • Make the Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

    • Add the stewed tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, and paprika. Stir to combine.

  • Simmer:

    • Return the browned steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the steaks simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and easily cut with a fork.

  • Serve:

    • Serve the Swiss steaks hot, spooning the tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Why You’ll Love This Swiss Steak Recipe:

  • Comfort in a Dish: It’s the perfect hearty meal to enjoy on a chilly day or when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.

  • Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples like tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours of effort.

  • Tender, Flavorful Beef: Slow cooking the beef ensures that it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce.

  • Versatile Side Pairings: Whether you love mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, Swiss steak is the perfect dish to pair with your favorite sides.

  • Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe easily converts to a slow-cooker version, making it even easier to enjoy this comfort food without much hands-on time.

Fun Fact:

The name “Swiss steak” can be a bit misleading, as the dish isn’t actually from Switzerland. The term “Swiss” refers to the method of tenderizing the beef. Traditionally, Swiss steak involves using a meat mallet or a tenderizer to break down the tougher cuts of beef, making them more tender and easier to cook. Some believe it’s called “Swiss” because of the Swiss method of tenderizing, which involves mechanically puncturing or “swissing” the meat. While the exact origin is debated, the name has stuck, and now Swiss steak is a beloved comfort food across many households.

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://joyistalife.com/recipe/classic-swiss-steak/