how to make swiss steak in the oven
Swiss steak, also known as Swiss-style steak or cube steak, is a type of steak that is typically made from a tougher cut of beef, such as top round or top sirloin. It is usually pounded thin to make it more tender and then cooked in a flavorful sauce. Here’s a recipe for oven-baked Swiss steak:
Ingredients:
* 1-2 cube steaks (about 1-1.5 pounds total)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Dredge the cube steaks in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cube steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside.
5. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Return the cube steaks to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top of each steak.
8. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
9. Bake the Swiss steak for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until it’s tender and the sauce has thickened.
10. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
11. Serve the Swiss steak hot, spooning some of the sauce over the top of each steak. You can also serve the steak with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips and Variations:
* You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the cube steaks and cook the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
* If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce before baking.
* You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to give it more flavor and texture.
* To make the dish more indulgent, you can top each steak with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of grated cheese before serving.