Whenever my husband craves this dish, I happily make it, calling it 'Hubby's Bliss'

Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly in America's Midwest and parts of the South, where comfort food is an esteemed tradition. The dish, with its name possibly derived from the process of 'swissing' or tenderizing the meat, rather than a relationship with Switzerland itself, typically involves a cut of steak being pounded, coated in flour and seasonings, then browned and slow-cooked with tomatoes and onions until it reaches a fall-apart tenderness. This hearty meal first gained popularity during the early 20th century and has since been passed down through generations as an example of home-style cooking at its finest.

When it comes to serving Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak, the dish is versatile in that it can be the centerpiece of a traditional dinner or served in a more casual setting. It's commonly accompanied by mashed potatoes, making good use of the rich tomato gravy produced during the cooking process. Other suitable sides include steamed green beans, buttered corn, or a crusty loaf of bread to sop up the flavorful juices. For a complete meal reflective of the dish's comforting nature, consider a simple side salad to add a refreshing contrast.

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 pounds of round steak (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup of beef broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Prepare the steak by trimming any excess fat and cutting the meat into serving-sized pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of steak in flour, shaking off the excess.

4. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak pieces and sear until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.

6. Return the steak to the skillet on top of the onions. Pour the diced tomatoes and their juice over the steak. Add the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, oregano, and thyme, stirring to combine.

7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid or a double layer of aluminum foil. Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the steak is tender.

8. Once the meat is fork-tender, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Serve the Swiss steak hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy a slice of culinary history with this Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak, a dish sure to conjure up feelings of nostalgia and the comforts of home cooking.