Oven Swiss Steak

Oven Swiss Steak Recipe - A Delicious Swiss Dish

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Oven Swiss Steak is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe features tender round steak smothered in a savory tomato sauce, onions, and mushrooms, all baked to perfection in the oven. Serve this hearty dish over a bed of hot cooked noodles for a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Swiss steak is a dish that originated in the United States, despite its name suggesting otherwise. The term "Swiss" in Swiss steak refers to the method of tenderizing the meat by pounding it with a meat mallet, a technique that is commonly used in Swiss cuisine. This cooking method helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) boneless round steak (0.5 inch thick)
0.25 tsp pepper
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 can (4 oz (113 g) size) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 can (8 oz (227 g) size) no-salt-added tomato sauce
hot cooked noodles

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Trim the beef and cut it into serving-size pieces.
Place the beef in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the beef with pepper.
Top the beef with onion, mushrooms, and tomato sauce.
Cover the dish and bake for 1.75 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Serve the beef over noodles.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots to the dish for extra flavor and color.
Use a different cut of beef, such as chuck steak or flank steak, for a different texture.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning, to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to trim any excess fat from the round steak before cooking to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

- For added flavor, you can brown the steak in a skillet before transferring it to the baking dish.

- Make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with foil to keep the meat moist while it cooks.

- If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stirring it into the sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Oven Swiss Steak over hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making tender Oven Swiss Steak is to cook it low and slow in the oven. This allows the meat to become tender and flavorful as it simmers in the tomato sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have round steak on hand, you can use another cut of beef, such as chuck steak or flank steak. You can also substitute the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes or tomato paste mixed with water.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Oven Swiss Steak ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Oven Swiss Steak with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve it in a shallow bowl over a bed of noodles for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Oven Swiss Steak pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Oven Swiss Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oven Swiss Steak contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Oven Swiss Steak contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Oven Swiss Steak contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Oven Swiss Steak contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Oven Swiss Steak is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (noodles) and soy (soy sauce) allergens.

Summary

Oven Swiss Steak is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Oven Swiss Steak is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With tender round steak, savory tomato sauce, and a medley of onions and mushrooms, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over hot cooked noodles for a satisfying meal that will warm you up on a chilly evening.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Oven Swiss Steak. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just moved into my first apartment after getting married to your grandfather. We were young and eager to start our life together, and I was determined to learn how to cook delicious meals for us.

I had always been fascinated by cooking, but I had never really had the opportunity to experiment in the kitchen before. My mother was a wonderful cook and had taught me some basic recipes, but I wanted to expand my repertoire and try new things. So, armed with a brand new cookbook and a sense of adventure, I set out to make my first ever Swiss Steak.

I had heard of Swiss Steak before, but I had never actually tasted it. The name intrigued me, and I was eager to give it a try. The recipe called for tenderized round steak, coated in flour and browned in a skillet before being smothered in a rich tomato sauce and baked in the oven until tender. It sounded delicious, and I couldn't wait to see how it turned out.

As I gathered all the ingredients and prepped the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I was about to create something new, something that would hopefully become a staple in our home. The smell of the browning meat filled the air, and I knew I was on the right track.

When the steak was finally in the oven, I waited anxiously for it to cook. The aroma that wafted through the apartment was intoxicating, and I knew I was in for a treat. As I pulled the dish out of the oven and took my first bite, I was blown away by the flavors. The meat was tender and juicy, the sauce was savory and rich, and the whole dish just melted in my mouth.

From that moment on, Oven Swiss Steak became a regular in our household. Your grandfather loved it, and I would often make it on Sundays for a cozy family dinner. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding my own twists and tweaks to make it truly my own. It became a comfort food for us, a meal that we could always rely on to warm our hearts and fill our bellies.

I never could have imagined that a simple recipe like Oven Swiss Steak would hold so much significance for me. It became more than just a dish; it became a tradition, a memory, a part of our family history. Every time I make it now, I think back to that crisp autumn day in my first apartment, and I smile at how far we've come.

So, my dear, that is the story of how I learned to make Oven Swiss Steak. It may seem like just a recipe, but to me, it's so much more. It's a reminder of my passion for cooking, my love for your grandfather, and the joy of creating something delicious and meaningful. I hope you'll carry on the tradition and make it your own someday. Enjoy!