Swiss Steak

Swiss steak is a classic slow cooker dish that results in tender, flavorful meat. In this recipe, round steak is coated in flour and browned before being cooked in the slow cooker with onions, green bell peppers, carrots, celery, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and brown sugar. The dish is cooked on low for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and falling-apart delicious. Serve this Swiss steak with mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup (31 g) flour
• 2 pounds (900 g) round steak
• 2 tablespoons (28 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (160 g) sliced onion
• 1 cup (150 g) green bell pepper strips
• ½ cup (65 g) sliced carrots
• ½ cup (50 g) chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
• 1½ cups (355 ml) low-sodium beef broth
• 2 cups (360 g) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar

PREPARATION:

1. Place the flour in a flat dish. Pound the round steak using a meat tenderizer for a few minutes, then dredge the meat in the flour and pound it in.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the flour-coated meat and brown it on both sides. Remove the meat from the skillet and transfer it to the slow cooker.
3. Add the sliced onions, green bell pepper strips, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the skillet and brown them. Transfer the browned vegetables to the slow cooker.
4. Add the beef broth to the skillet and cook over medium heat, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Add this mixture to the slow cooker.
5. Finally, add the drained diced tomatoes and brown sugar to the slow cooker.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

YIELD: 6 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Water: 324 g
• Calories: 433 (35% from fat, 51% from protein, 14% from carbs)
• Protein: 54 g
• Total Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Phosphorus: 377 mg
• Calcium: 60 mg
• Iron: 6 mg
• Sodium: 151 mg
• Potassium: 777 mg
• Vitamin A: 2017 IU
• Vitamin E (ATE): 0 mg
• Vitamin C: 30 mg
• Cholesterol: 157 mg

TIP: To complete the meal, serve the Swiss steak with mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes will pair well with the tender meat and flavorful sauce.

In conclusion, Swiss steak is a comforting and flavorful dish that has stood the test of time. With its tenderized and slow-cooked beef, hearty tomato-based sauce, and comforting blend of vegetables, Swiss steak offers a satisfying and homestyle dining experience.

The key to Swiss steak is the meat preparation. Typically, a tougher cut of beef, such as round steak, is tenderized by pounding or using a meat tenderizer. This helps break down the muscle fibers and ensures a tender result. The meat is then coated in flour and seared, creating a delicious crust that adds depth of flavor.

The hallmark of Swiss steak is the tomato-based sauce. The beef is simmered in a savory sauce that usually includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices. The sauce infuses the meat with rich flavors as it slowly cooks, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hearty taste that is loved by many.

Swiss steak often includes a medley of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers, which add both color and texture to the dish. These vegetables cook alongside the meat, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and complementing the beef perfectly.

Swiss steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, which help soak up the flavorful sauce. Additionally, a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and comforting flavors of the dish.

In summary, Swiss steak is a timeless and satisfying meal that brings together tenderized beef, a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and a medley of vegetables. Its comforting and homestyle qualities make it a beloved choice for family dinners or when seeking a hearty and delicious meal. Whether served with potatoes, rice, or noodles, Swiss steak is a classic dish that is sure to please and leave you longing for more.