Description
Swiss Steak is a classic, hearty dish featuring tenderized beef rump roast cooked slowly in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions and green peppers. The meat is dredged in flour, browned in butter, then simmered until meltingly tender, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Coating
- 2 pounds rump roast, cut into 2½ inch squares, ½ to 1 inch thick
- ½ cup flour
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup sliced onions
- ½ green pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Cut the rump roast into pieces that are approximately 2½ inches square and between ½ inch to 1 inch thick for even cooking and tenderization.
- Mix Flour and Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper to create the coating mixture.
- Coat the Meat: Dip each piece of meat into the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated to help form a flavorful crust when browned.
- Tenderize the Meat: Transfer the coated meat onto a cutting board and gently pound it using a wooden potato masher or the edge of a heavy meat mallet to break down the muscle fibers, which aids in tenderness.
- Melt Butter in Skillet: Place the butter in a large skillet and melt it over medium heat to prepare for browning the meat.
- Brown the Meat: Add the tenderized meat pieces to the melted butter and brown them on all sides until they develop a rich, golden crust, enhancing flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Introduce the sliced onions, finely chopped green pepper, boiling water, and tomato sauce into the skillet with the meat, creating a stew-like mixture.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet tightly and reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for about 2 hours until the meat becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary before serving the Swiss Steak hot.
Notes
- Tenderizing the meat is essential to achieve the signature soft texture of Swiss steak.
- Using boiling water helps maintain the cooking temperature when adding liquid to the skillet.
- Simmer gently and avoid uncovering the skillet frequently to retain moisture and flavor.
- Serve Swiss steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
