Picture this: a tender, juicy steak, seasoned with a blend of Italian tomatoes and onions, slow-cooked in an oven until it’s just right. Sounds mouth-watering, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what you get with this Oven Swiss Steak recipe. Originating from Switzerland, this dish has made its way into homes around the world, and for good reason. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s incredibly delicious. The secret to achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in slow cooking the steak in an oven. And with the addition of Italian seasoned tomatoes and Lipton onion soup mix, you get a burst of flavours that will have your taste buds dancing. I love it for its simplicity and the rich, hearty flavours it brings to the table. Plus, it’s very easy to make, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Here’s a tip: the best time to enjoy this dish is during the colder months. The warm, comforting flavours of the steak make it the perfect meal to curl up with on a chilly evening. So let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. round (or sirloin) steak, cut in pieces
- 16 oz. can Italian seasoned tomatoes
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix (dry)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 c. water
- large size oven cooking bag
Cooking Method
- Shake 1 tablespoon flour in the oven cooking bag.
- Add all ingredients to bag and squeeze to mix.
- Tie bag and place in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Slit bag with 6 (1/2″) cuts to vent.
- Bake at 325° for approximately 2 hours.
- Slit open and put back in pan to serve.
Calorie: 450
Total cooking time: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
The Chronicles of the Oven Swiss Steak
When it comes to cooking, there are few things in life that bring me more joy than the sizzling sound of a steak on a hot pan. However, today, I’m taking my steak off the stove and into the oven. That’s right, folks, it’s time to prepare the infamous Oven Swiss Steak, one that will make your taste buds do a happy jig.
The Cast of Characters
It all begins with our leading star, a 1 1/2 lb. round (or sirloin) steak, cut in pieces. Then we have the supporting cast members; a 16 oz. can of Italian seasoned tomatoes, an envelope of Lipton onion soup mix (dry, not hydrated folks, we’re not making soup here), salt and pepper to taste, and last but not least, a 1/4 c. of water. And let’s not forget our large size oven cooking bag, the unsung hero who’ll be protecting our ingredients from the harsh heat of the oven.
The Dance of the Ingredients
Now, let’s get down to business. First, we have to shake a tablespoon of flour in our oven cooking bag. This isn’t just any ordinary shake, mind you. It’s a shake that requires finesse, a shake that says, “We are ready to rumble!” Once you’ve achieved the perfect flour dusting, it’s time to invite all the ingredients to the party. Add the steak, the Italian seasoned tomatoes, the onion soup mix, the salt and pepper, and the water into the bag. Here comes the fun part, squeeze to mix! It’s like giving your ingredients a group hug, but with a bit more pressure.
Into the Oven’s Belly
Once you’ve made sure everything is mixed well, it’s time to tie the bag and place it in a 9 x 13-inch pan. But wait, we’re not done yet. Now we need to make 6 (1/2″) cuts to vent the bag. This part always gets me. We’ve just sealed the bag only to cut it open, but hey, cooking is full of such paradoxes. Next, you’ll want to slide this beauty into a preheated oven at 325°. Now, we wait for approximately 2 hours. I suggest you grab yourself a book or learn a new dance move while you wait.
The Grand Reveal
After what feels like an eternity (but is only 2 hours), it’s time for the grand reveal. Carefully slit open the bag (Watch your fingers! This isn’t a horror show), and put it back in the pan to serve. As the smell wafts up your nostrils, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a Swiss mountain chalet.
The Taste Test
Now for the best part, the taste test! Let me tell you, folks, it may not be the prettiest dish to look at, but it sure does make up for it in taste. The way the flavors of the Italian seasoned tomatoes and the onion soup mix blend together is like a symphony in your mouth. The salt adds that perfect punch, and the water, well, it was just there for the ride.
And there you have it, folks! An Oven Swiss Steak that’s easy to prepare yet packs a flavorful punch. So go on, roll up your sleeves and give it a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. And always remember, the kitchen is your stage, and you’re the star. Now go and create your culinary masterpiece!
