If you’re searching for a nostalgic comfort food that brings together tender beef, savory tomato gravy, and a medley of vegetables, this Swiss Steak Recipe is about to become a cherished favorite at your table. Every bite is infused with rich flavors that simmer together until the beef practically melts in your mouth, making it a perfect dish for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests with something simple yet deeply satisfying. The slow-cooked sauce, vibrant with bell pepper and onion, clings to the steak and makes every mouthful unforgettably delicious—classic home cooking at its finest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Swiss Steak Recipe relies on a handful of humble ingredients that work together to create an extraordinary dish. Each element is essential—bringing its own unique flavor, texture, or color to the final meal, making every bite a little celebration.
- Beef round steak (1 1/2 pounds, cut into 1/2-inch pieces): Choose a cut with a bit of marbling for the most tender and flavorful result after slow cooking.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): This helps create a golden crust on the steak and thickens the sauce as it simmers.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for browning the steak without overpowering its flavor.
- Yellow onion, sliced (1 medium): Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- Green bell pepper, sliced (1): Adds a subtle tang and a pop of color to the finished dish.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic base note.
- Diced tomatoes with juice (1 can, 14.5 ounces): The tomatoes form the heart of the sauce, adding both acidity and richness.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Gives the gravy extra body and an intensified tomato flavor.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Deepens the savory notes and ensures the steak stays moist during the long simmer.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Lends an earthy, herbal background that complements the beef and vegetables.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and a lovely red hue to the sauce.
How to Make Swiss Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Steak
Start by slicing your beef round steak into 1/2-inch thick pieces. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of steak in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure a good coating all over—this is what will help develop that irresistible crust and thicken the sauce later on.
Step 2: Brown the Steak
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the coated steak pieces in a single layer. Brown them on both sides, letting each side cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until you see a golden crust develop. Remove the steak and set it aside—you’ll return it to the pan soon for its slow, saucy transformation.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and take on a little color. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which will add even more flavor to your Swiss Steak Recipe. The sauce should look vibrant and smell absolutely mouthwatering at this point.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Return the browned steak pieces to the pan, nestling them in so they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, checking occasionally to make sure it’s bubbling softly. By the end, the steak will be fork-tender and the sauce will have thickened into a rich gravy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, give the sauce a quick stir and taste for seasoning. Spoon the steak and plenty of sauce over a bed of mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles for a meal that will warm you from the inside out.
How to Serve Swiss Steak Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish can make your Swiss Steak Recipe look as good as it tastes! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little extra cracked black pepper over the top. For a rustic touch, add a few thinly sliced green onions or even a pinch of smoked paprika to highlight the sauce’s rich color.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with classic sides. Mashed potatoes are a top choice—the creamy texture soaks up the savory tomato gravy perfectly. You can also serve it over steamed white rice or wide egg noodles, both of which catch all that luscious sauce. Round out your meal with steamed green beans, buttered peas, or a crisp garden salad for a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Swiss Steak Recipe in individual bowls or small cast iron skillets for a rustic, bistro-inspired presentation. Or, spoon the steak and sauce over toasted sourdough bread for an open-faced sandwich that’s equal parts comforting and impressive. If you’re hosting a casual dinner, set up a “build your own” station with various bases—mashed potatoes, rice, and noodles—so guests can customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Swiss Steak Recipe tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to include plenty of sauce to keep the steak moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Allow the Swiss Steak Recipe to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce needs thinning. Alternatively, microwave single portions in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Just be sure not to overheat, as this can dry out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Swiss Steak Recipe?
Absolutely! While round steak is traditional, you can also use chuck steak or even cube steak. Just be sure to choose a cut that will become tender with slow, moist cooking, as tougher cuts benefit most from this method.
Is it possible to make this Swiss Steak Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, it’s a fantastic option! After browning the steak and sautéing the vegetables as directed, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful.
How can I make this Swiss Steak Recipe gluten-free?
It’s easy to adapt—just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your beef broth and tomato products are also certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with a gluten allergy.
What’s the best way to ensure the steak stays tender?
The key is to cook the steak low and slow, fully submerged in the sauce. Avoid boiling or cooking over high heat, which can toughen the meat. The long simmer allows the collagen in the beef to break down, yielding a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the Swiss Steak Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in sliced carrots, celery, or even mushrooms for a heartier stew-like version. Just add them when you add the tomatoes and broth so they have plenty of time to get tender and soak up the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Swiss Steak Recipe is pure comfort food magic—simple ingredients, slow-cooked to tender perfection, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table. Give it a try the next time you crave something cozy and satisfying, and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your family’s regular meal rotation!
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Swiss Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic American comfort food, Swiss Steak features tenderized beef round steak simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, and aromatic spices. This hearty dish is perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds beef round steak, cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the steak pieces in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Brown the steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the coated steak pieces and brown on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the browned steak and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add tomato base and seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, dried thyme, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer the steak: Return the browned steak pieces to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and cook over low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the Swiss steak hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- This recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker by browning the steak and sautéing the vegetables on the stovetop, then transferring all ingredients to a slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging.
- Adjust seasoning as needed; additional herbs like rosemary or oregano can complement the flavors well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
