Zesta Steak
Zesta Steak is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef coated in seasoned cracker crumbs, then baked with a rich tomato and chili sauce. The combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors makes it perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. round steak ⓘ
- 1/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 16 soda crackers, crushed fine ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chili sauce ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the beef into 8 pieces.
- Combine flour, crushed soda crackers, garlic salt, onion salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Mix the beaten egg with Worcestershire sauce.
- Dip each piece of steak into the egg mixture, then into the cracker mixture, coating well.
- Fry the coated steak pieces in oil in a skillet until browned.
- Place the fried steak in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and layer with sliced onions.
- Combine tomato sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, and vinegar to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the steak and onions.
- Top with sliced green peppers.
- Cover the dish and bake at 325°F for 2 hours or until the steak is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the steak in the Worcestershire sauce for a few hours before breading. If you don’t have soda crackers, crushed cornflakes or panko can be great alternatives. Adjust the spiciness by adding more chili powder or incorporating hot sauce into the sauce mixture. Using lean cuts like eye of round will keep the dish tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Zesta Steak with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables make for a great complement as well. For a comforting meal, pair it with Skillet Meat Loaf for a hearty dining experience. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the steak and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 300°F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave portions for quick meals, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesta Steak contains roughly 2254 calories, with 63g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 195g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (126% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 908mg per serving (39% 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 type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute round steak with other cuts like sirloin or flank steak. Just be aware that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the meat. Ensure that it's tender and cooked through before serving.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the sauce. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish or serve it with spicy condiments for those who prefer extra kick.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, assemble it in the baking dish, and then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.
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).