Ranch Swiss Steak
Ranch Swiss Steak offers tender, flavorful beef with a savory ranch twist, perfect for hearty family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts seeking a classic, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the round steak into 6 pieces and pound the flour into the meat.
- Brown the meat well in shortening.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add crushed garlic and sliced onion.
- Continue cooking until the onion is tender and browned.
- Add water and remaining ingredients, then cover.
- Bake in a 375°F oven until the meat is tender, about 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender steak, consider marinating the round steak in a mixture of vinegar and water for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of garlic, garlic powder can be a quick substitute. For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or even a bit of red wine to the water. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ranch Swiss Steak hot, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad can add a nice contrast. For a comforting meal, consider pairing it with crusty bread, perfect for mopping up the delicious gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Ranch Swiss Steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the steak in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, covered, to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranch Swiss Steak contains roughly 390 calories, with 33g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1254mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while round steak is traditional, you can substitute with other cuts like chuck roast or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the cut you choose, so adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
What can I do if I don't have shortening?
If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable oil, butter, or even lard. Each option will impart a slightly different flavor, but they will all work well for browning the meat.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves during the baking process. You can also incorporate diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onion for added depth. For a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred into the gravy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).