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Swiss Steak with Tomatoes and Green Bell Pepper Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Bara
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Swiss Steak is a classic, comforting dish featuring tenderized beef round steak coated in seasoned flour, browned in vegetable shortening, and simmered with diced tomatoes, onions, and green bell peppers to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Traditionally served over egg noodles, this hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and brings out rich flavors and a tender texture through slow simmering.


Ingredients

For the Coating

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (2 pound) beef round steak, 1 inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • ¼ cup water, or as needed
  • 1 (8 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, minced
  • ½ green bell pepper, chopped
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all the required ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper thoroughly to create the coating for the steak.
  3. Coat Steak: Sprinkle half of the flour mixture onto one side of the round steak pieces. Pound the steak gently to help the flour coating adhere and absorb. Flip the steak and repeat with the remaining flour mixture on the other side, pounding again to absorb the coating fully.
  4. Cut Steak: Cut the coated steak into 6 pieces for individual portions and easier cooking.
  5. Brown Steak: Heat vegetable shortening in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the steak pieces into the hot shortening and cook them until browned, about 7 to 10 minutes per side. Browning adds significant flavor and texture to the steak.
  6. Simmer until Tender: Cover the browned steak pieces and reduce heat to low. Let them simmer gently for about 1 hour, adding water as needed to maintain moisture and prevent burning. This slow simmering tenderizes the meat thoroughly.
  7. Add Vegetables and Season: Turn the steak pieces over in the skillet. Add the canned diced tomatoes, minced onion, and chopped green bell pepper. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Simmer Vegetables: Continue simmering the mixture for about 30 more minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
  9. Serve: Serve the Swiss steak hot, traditionally over cooked egg noodles or your preferred side dish to enjoy the rich tomato-based sauce.

Notes

  • For a more robust flavor, you can increase the diced tomatoes to a 15 ½-ounce can.
  • Adding a full green bell pepper and a teaspoon of paprika can enhance the taste.
  • This dish is best served over egg noodles, but mashed potatoes or rice also pair well.
  • Monitor the water level during simmering to keep the steak moist and prevent the sauce from drying out.
  • Using a meat mallet to pound the steak helps tenderize it and ensures the flour coating sticks well.