Beef Collops is a classic comfort dish that celebrates the hearty flavors of tender beef, cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful sauce. This recipe hails from a time when simple yet satisfying meals were prepared using wholesome ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Beef Collops showcases the essence of comfort food, where the savory beef collops are paired with sippets of toast, croutons, mashed potatoes, or plain boiled rice to create a warm and fulfilling meal.

The term “collops” refers to thin slices of meat that are typically sautéed or fried. This culinary technique has been used for centuries to create dishes that are both flavorful and easy to prepare. Beef Collops, in particular, gained popularity in British and European cuisines, where thinly sliced meat was often a practical choice for creating economical yet satisfying meals.

As an adaptation of this traditional method, Beef Collops showcase the use of ground beef, or hamburg steak as it was commonly known, as the main ingredient. Ground beef was a convenient and versatile option for creating flavorful and filling dishes, and Beef Collops allowed cooks to transform it into a delightful and comforting meal.

The addition of onions, seasonings, and a rich sauce elevated the simple hamburg steak into a flavorful delicacy. The use of Worcestershire sauce or mushroom catsup hints at the era when flavorful condiments were prized for their ability to enhance the taste of dishes.

Beef Collops represent the essence of home cooking, where humble ingredients are transformed into heartwarming meals that bring comfort and satisfaction to the dining table.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. hamburg steak (ground beef)
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 tablespoonfuls Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• 1 cupful water or stock
• 1 tablespoonful flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoonful mushroom catsup or Worcestershire sauce
• Sippets of toast or croutons
• Mashed potatoes or plain boiled rice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by melting the Crisco in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and the hamburg steak to the saucepan, and fry them until they turn light brown.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and onions, and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the water or stock, followed by the mushroom catsup or Worcestershire sauce.
5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and stir everything together.
6. Cover the saucepan and allow the contents to simmer very gently for approximately forty-five minutes. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
7. While the Beef Collops are simmering, prepare the accompaniments. You can choose to serve the collops with sippets of toast or croutons, a border of hot mashed potatoes, or plain boiled rice.
8. Once the Beef Collops are ready, arrange them on a hot platter, and if desired, create a border of your chosen accompaniment around the collops.
9. Serve the Beef Collops hot, bringing the comfort and flavors of this classic dish to your table.

Enjoy the wholesome and satisfying flavors of Beef Collops, a dish that captures the essence of traditional home cooking and the comfort of a well-prepared meal.