Dive into the heartwarming flavors of yesteryear with our Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak – a timeless classic that brings together tender round steak, savory seasonings, and a rich tomato-based sauce for a comforting meal that’s sure to evoke nostalgia and satisfy your cravings. This recipe is perfect for those cozy family dinners or when you’re craving a hearty, soul-soothing dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. So, let’s step back in time and rediscover the simple joy of homemade comfort food with this beloved recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds of round steak (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup of beef broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak: Season the round steak generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the steak in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Brown the Steak: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the round steak and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Saute the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), Worcestershire sauce, beef broth or water, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Simmer the Steak: Return the browned steak to the skillet, nestling it into the tomato sauce mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the steak simmer gently in the sauce for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the steak is tender and cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Spoon the tomato sauce over the steak and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy!: Serve the Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak hot, alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Dig in and savor the comforting flavors of this classic dish!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Tenderize the Steak: For extra tender steak, you can use a meat mallet to pound the round steak before dredging it in flour.
- Add More Veggies: Enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the sauce along with the onion and garlic.
- Make it Spicy: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Substitute the dried oregano and thyme with fresh herbs if available, adjusting the quantities as needed.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe? A: While round steak is traditionally used for Swiss steak, you can also use cube steak or even flank steak if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness and tenderness of the cut.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can certainly adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply brown the steak and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
Q: Is Swiss steak gluten-free? A: This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to dredge the steak, and ensuring that all other ingredients used are gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, Swiss steak freezes well. Allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour for dredging the steak to keep it low in carbs.
- Serve the Swiss steak with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional starches for a keto-friendly meal.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of onion used in the recipe to lower the carb count.
- Replace the diced tomatoes with fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce with no added sugar to reduce the carb content of the sauce.
Experience the nostalgia and comfort of homemade cooking with our Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak recipe. From its tenderized round steak to its savory tomato-based sauce, every bite is a taste of pure comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests with a timeless classic, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and cherished memories with this beloved dish!
