Swiss Steak, a classic comfort food, is known for its tenderized beef smothered in a luscious tomato-based gravy. Cooking Swiss Steak to perfection requires the right technique and method to ensure the meat is tender and bursting with flavor. In this article, we will explore the best ways to cook a Swiss Steak, from traditional stovetop methods to modern cooking techniques that will elevate this beloved dish to new heights.
Stovetop Method:
The stovetop method is the most traditional way to cook a Swiss Steak. This method involves tenderizing the tough cut of beef, coating it in flour, searing it in a hot pan, and then simmering it in a flavorful tomato-based gravy.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef round steak, tenderized and cut into serving-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Season the tenderized beef with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the beef in the flour, coating both sides.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef pieces to the pan and sear them on both sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Return the seared beef to the pan, and add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaf, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Swiss Steak over mashed potatoes or rice, and spoon the flavorful tomato-based gravy over the top.
Slow Cooker Method:
The slow cooker method is a convenient and hands-off way to cook Swiss Steak. This method allows the beef to cook slowly, resulting in incredibly tender meat and a rich, flavorful gravy.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef round steak, tenderized and cut into serving-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Season the tenderized beef with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the beef in the flour, coating both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the floured beef pieces on both sides until browned. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaf, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Swiss Steak over mashed potatoes or rice, and spoon the delicious tomato-based gravy over the top.
Instant Pot Method:
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can speed up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef round steak, tenderized and cut into serving-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Season the tenderized beef with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the beef in the flour, coating both sides.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Heat the vegetable oil in the Instant Pot and sear the floured beef pieces on both sides until browned. Remove the beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 25 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, and remove the bay leaf. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Swiss Steak over mashed potatoes or rice, and ladle the delectable tomato-based gravy over the top.
Oven Method:
If you prefer a hands-off approach and want to achieve a caramelized crust on your Swiss Steak, the oven method is an excellent choice.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef round steak, tenderized and cut into serving-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the tenderized beef with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the beef in the flour, coating both sides.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the floured beef pieces on both sides until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Return the seared beef to the skillet.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Remove the lid or foil, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Swiss Steak over mashed potatoes or rice, and pour the scrumptious tomato-based gravy over the top.
Experimenting with Swiss Steak Variations:
While the traditional Swiss Steak is undoubtedly delicious, you can add your own creative twist to the dish by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Adding Vegetables: To make Swiss Steak even heartier and more nutritious, consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish.
- Wine-infused Gravy: For an extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Herbaceous Blend: Experiment with different herb combinations, such as using fresh basil and thyme, to elevate the taste of the dish.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy spicy flavors, add a touch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a bit of heat.
Conclusion:
Cooking a Swiss Steak to perfection requires the right technique and a little bit of patience. Whether you choose the stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven method, the key to a tender and flavorful Swiss Steak lies in the slow cooking process and the rich tomato-based gravy.
So, the next time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal, try cooking a Swiss Steak using one of these methods. With its tender meat and mouthwatering gravy, this classic dish is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to comfort food for years to come. Happy cooking!