Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe
When you sink your teeth into this Old Fashioned Swiss Steak, you’ll instantly understand why it’s a beloved classic. The tender beef, simmered to perfection, envelops your senses with rich flavors.
Each bite transports you back to family dinners, where comfort food reigns supreme. I love how the savory sauce, infused with tomatoes and spices, melds beautifully with the meat.
It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. Plus, it’s simple enough for any home cook to master.
Trust me, once you try it, this Swiss Steak will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients of Old Fashioned Swiss Steak
When it comes to whipping up a classic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, Old Fashioned Swiss Steak is hard to beat. This recipe not only brings back fond memories of family dinners, but it also fills the house with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone gather around the table.
The ingredients are straightforward, and they come together to create a hearty meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll feel like a pro when you see how this simple list transforms into a comforting dish.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Swiss Steak:
- 3/4 lb boneless beef top round steak
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (5 1/2 ounce) can tomato juice
- 1/2 cup canned tomatoes, diced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients for a moment. The beef steak is the star of the show; it’s what gives this dish its heartiness and flavor. If you want to be a little adventurous, you could experiment with different cuts of meat, but top round is a classic choice.
As for the canned tomatoes and tomato juice, they help create that rich sauce that’s so comforting. And don’t forget the onion; it adds a layer of sweetness and depth.
Lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce? They’re like the secret agents of flavor, enhancing everything without stealing the spotlight. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a cooking adventure that’s sure to delight!
How to Make Old Fashioned Swiss Steak
Making Old Fashioned Swiss Steak is like taking a delicious trip down memory lane. It starts with 3/4 lb of boneless beef top round steak. Now, before you get too excited and plunge into it, cut that steak into two pieces. Give it a good sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper. These little flavor bombs might seem small, but they set the stage for a juicy and delicious dish.
Next, grab 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and coat those steak pieces. Here’s a little tip: using a mallet to pound the flour into the meat not only helps with flavor, but it also tenderizes the steak. Feel free to channel your inner chef, but just don’t take out any frustrations on the meat; it deserves better.
Now, let’s get cooking. Heat up 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully place your steak into the skillet. Brown it on both sides—that’s where the magic happens. Once browned, transfer the steak to a shallow 1-quart baking dish that you’ve sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
In the same skillet, toss in a chopped medium onion and sauté it in the delicious drippings until it becomes tender and sweet. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; no one likes burnt onions, right?
After your onions are all set, it’s time to bring the sauce to life. Stir in the rest of the ingredients: 1 (5 1/2 ounce) can of tomato juice, 1/2 cup of diced canned tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of mustard. This is where the flavors come together, creating a rich, comforting sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pour this delightful mixture over the steak in the baking dish, cover it up, and pop it in the oven at 350 degrees. Let it bake for about 1 1/2 hours. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time will make you feel like a culinary wizard.
When the time is up, check if the steak is tender, and if it is, congratulations! You’ve just made a classic Swiss Steak that’s bound to warm both hearts and bellies.
Old Fashioned Swiss Steak Substitutions & Variations
Although I love the traditional flavors of Old Fashioned Swiss Steak, there’s always room to get creative with substitutions and variations to suit personal tastes or dietary needs.
For a healthier twist, I often swap the beef for turkey or chicken, which still soaks up all those delicious flavors. If you’re vegetarian, you can use portobello mushrooms or a hearty plant-based protein.
Instead of tomato juice, try using vegetable broth for a lighter base, and experiment with adding different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
Each variation brings a unique flair while keeping the spirit of this comforting dish alive.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Swiss steak turns out perfectly every time, I recommend keeping a few key tips in mind.
First, make sure to pound the flour into the meat; it helps create that tender texture.
Don’t rush the browning process; a good sear adds flavor.
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
For a richer taste, let the dish sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge before baking.
Finally, always check for tenderness before serving; it should easily fall apart with a fork.
Enjoy your meal!