Swiss Steak Bake

1 1/2 pounds beef top round steak
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups sliced onions (2 medium)
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) beef broth
4 medium potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), peeled, cut into quarters
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut steak into 4 pieces. Combine 1/4 cup flour and salt. Sprinkle flour mixture over steak. Pound steak with meat mallet, working flour into surface, to a 1/4-inch thickness. Repeat on other side of steak.

Heat oil in a 4-quart Dutch oven. Add steak; cook over medium-high heat until steak is browned on both sides, about 4 minutes. Top steak with onions. Add beef broth; bring to a boil.

Cover pot; bake steak 1 hour. Add potatoes. Cover; continue baking until potatoes are tender and steak is fork-tender, about 30 minutes longer.

Remove steak, potatoes and onions from pot; place on a serving plate. Combine remaining flour with water in a small bowl; mix until smooth. Stir into liquid in pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour gravy over steak, potatoes and onions.

Makes 4 servings


Helpful Tips

Pounding beef with a meat mallet tenderizes the beef by breaking down the tough fibers. A rolling pin will work if you don't have a meat mallet.

Mix 'n' Match

To turn this into a stew, cut the steak into cubes. Brown steak cubes and continue as directed. Add 1 cup sliced carrots with the potatoes.