Al’s Baked Swiss Steak

Introduction

Al’s Baked Swiss Steak is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to any dinner table. With tender beef, rich vegetables, and a delicious cheesy topping, this recipe is sure to be a favorite in your home. It’s an easy-to-make meal that combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for families and gatherings.

Why Make This Recipe

This Swiss steak recipe is not just about great flavor; it’s also about convenience. It uses affordable cuts of beef and common pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly option for any night of the week. Plus, the long bake time ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, leaving you with a delicious meal that feels like a lot of effort without being complicated.

How to Make Al’s Baked Swiss Steak

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless beef round steak
• 0.5 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as LAWRY’S®)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed
• 0.25 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 0.5 cup chopped carrots
• 0.25 cup chopped celery
• 0.25 cup beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a shallow baking dish.
2. Cut the beef into four portions; pound each to 1/4-inch thickness. Season with seasoned salt, salt, and black pepper; coat evenly with about 1 tablespoon of flour.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef; cook until browned completely, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, reserving the drippings in the skillet.
4. Add tomatoes, onion, green bell pepper, carrots, celery, beef broth, garlic, 1 tablespoon of flour, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Pour this mixture over the beef. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until the beef is completely tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Sprinkle cheese over the beef and return to the oven uncovered until the cheese is melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Serve Al’s Baked Swiss Steak

This dish is best served hot, straight from the oven. A side of mashed potatoes or fresh bread pairs wonderfully, allowing you to soak up the savory juices. You can also add a green salad or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.

How to Store Al’s Baked Swiss Steak

Leftover Swiss steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at a low temperature or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Al’s Baked Swiss Steak

• For added flavor, you can marinate the beef overnight with the seasonings.
• Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have available. Mushrooms or zucchini can be a great addition!
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more flour gradually while cooking the vegetable mixture.

Variation

For a different twist, consider using different kinds of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. You can also try adding some spicy elements like jalapeños for a kick or experimenting with different herbs and spices.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck steak or flank steak, but be mindful of cooking times, as they may vary.

Q: Is it possible to cook this dish in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! You can brown the meat first in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.