Imagine a dish so tender it falls apart with just a fork, smothered in a rich, hearty tomato sauce that brings pure comfort to your dinner table. Swiss Steak isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. Get ready to unlock the secrets of this classic American comfort food that promises to elevate your home cooking game and create memories around the dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs round steak
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the steak by patting the round steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the steak generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides, pressing the seasonings into the meat.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the steak to about 1/2-inch thickness, which will help tenderize the meat and ensure even cooking.
- Cut the steak into 4 equal portions that will fit comfortably in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the seasoned steak pieces into the hot skillet and brown for 3-4 minutes on each side, creating a nice golden crust.
- Remove the browned steak and set aside on a plate temporarily.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the browned steak pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the steak is very tender.
- Check the steak periodically, adding a little more beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Once the steak is fork-tender, remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, spooning the tomato sauce and vegetables over the steak. Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Use round steak and take time to tenderize it thoroughly for the most succulent results.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with your seasonings—press them firmly into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
- Browning Matters: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to create a golden-brown crust, which adds depth to the overall taste.
- Low and Slow is the Secret: The extended simmering time breaks down tough muscle fibers, guaranteeing melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- Sauce Consistency: Monitor your sauce during cooking, adding beef broth if it becomes too thick to prevent burning.
- Resting Time: Always let the meat rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.Pro Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep or entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 428kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 50g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 140mg
