Old Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe
Imagine a savory symphony of tender beef, sweet onions, and vibrant peppers, all blanketed in a deeply flavorful tomato gravy—this is Old Fashioned Swiss Steak. This classic comfort dish transforms a humble cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece, perfect for cozy evenings or feeding a hungry crowd. Rich with nostalgia and brimming with home-cooked flavors, Old Fashioned Swiss Steak is as satisfying as it is straightforward to make, delivering heartwarming goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make Old Fashioned Swiss Steak sing, just a collection of trusty ingredients that work together like old friends. Each one plays a distinct role in creating taste, tenderness, and that unbeatable homey aroma wafting through your kitchen.
- 2 pounds boneless beef round steak: This cut becomes meltingly tender when slow-cooked, soaking up all the flavors of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Flour not only gives the beef a golden crust but thickens the tomato gravy as the dish simmers.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings out the natural flavor of the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that balances the richness of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the steak—choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best sear.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Sliced onion sweetens as it cooks, infusing the sauce with comfort-food depth.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings a splash of color and a subtle earthiness to the finished dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic perfumes the sauce and gives each bite a savory kick.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice: Use all the juices—the acidity and sweetness provide balance and body to the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the gravy’s hue.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and ensures the steak stays fall-apart tender.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Just a dash transforms the sauce, adding umami and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A pinch of thyme brings a whisper of herbal, earthy flavor that rounds out the entire dish.
How to Make Old Fashioned Swiss Steak
Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Steak
Begin by cutting your boneless beef round steak into serving-size pieces. In a shallow bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper, and then dredge the steak pieces well, pressing the flour mixture into them. This coating will help create a beautiful golden crust and start building the silky-rich texture of the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Steak
Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, brown the steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side, working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. The goal is to develop a flavorful crust for both taste and appearance. After browning, set the steak aside—you’ll come back to it soon.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and add your onions and green bell peppers to the same skillet. Let them sizzle and soften for 4–5 minutes, soaking up any browned goodness left behind by the beef. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for a minute longer, just until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now, bring everything together. Add the can of diced tomatoes (including juice), tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 5: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Nestle your browned steak pieces back into the sauce, spooning some goodness over the top so everything is nicely coated. Lower the heat, cover your skillet, and let the Old Fashioned Swiss Steak gently simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. As it cooks, the beef will become fork-tender and the sauce will deepen into a rich, tomatoey gravy. For an even thicker sauce, simmer uncovered during the last 15 minutes.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Swiss Steak
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley works wonders, adding a burst of color and a bright finish to each plate of Old Fashioned Swiss Steak. If you have fresh thyme, a tiny scattering of leaves ties in perfectly with the flavors already in the sauce. For a little extra flair, a few thinly sliced green onions on top also look (and taste) fantastic.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate comfort dinner, scoop your Swiss steak over a fluffy mountain of mashed potatoes—the creamy potatoes soak up the tomato gravy perfectly. You can also spoon it over steamed white rice or buttery egg noodles for a heartier meal. A side of simple green beans, peas, or a fresh garden salad completes this nostalgic feast beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Let Old Fashioned Swiss Steak take center stage at your table! Try serving it in mini individual casseroles or wide, shallow bowls to highlight the gorgeous sauce. For parties, ladle the steak and sauce over crusty toasted bread for a rustic, open-faced sandwich. Or, add a handful of shredded cheddar just before serving for a cozy, cheesy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old Fashioned Swiss Steak tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, so don’t be afraid to dish up leftovers with pride!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Place fully cooled steak and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight so the textures stay tender and the sauce remains deliciously cohesive.
Reheating
Gently reheat Old Fashioned Swiss Steak on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce needs loosening. Alternatively, cover and microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot throughout. Keep the heat gentle to preserve the tenderness of the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Old Fashioned Swiss Steak?
Absolutely! While round steak is traditional, you can also use chuck or even brisket for this recipe. Just be sure to cook the beef long enough for it to become tender—these cuts all shine after a nice, slow braise.
Is it necessary to brown the beef first?
Browning the beef is well worth the effort because it develops delicious flavor and gives the gravy a rich color. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, but the end result won’t have quite the same deep, savory taste as classic Old Fashioned Swiss Steak.
Can I make Old Fashioned Swiss Steak in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The long, gentle heat produces exceptionally tender steak, and you can set it and forget it while the flavors marry.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
Don’t worry! A splash of soy sauce or a touch of balsamic vinegar can stand in if you’re out of Worcestershire. The dish will still taste wonderful, though you might miss a bit of that signature umami undertone.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your sauce is on the thin side after simmering, simply remove the lid and let it cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes. The gravy will reduce and become velvety, or, for an even faster fix, stir in a slurry of flour and water.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes capture the magic of comfort food quite like Old Fashioned Swiss Steak. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something hearty and nostalgic, this recipe promises satisfaction with every forkful. Grab your skillet and give this classic a try—you’ll be surprised by how easy and rewarding it is to bring a little bit of timeless flavor to your own table.
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Old Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Old Fashioned Swiss Steak is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender beef round steak smothered in a savory tomato-based gravy. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner and pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Beef Steak:
- 2 pounds boneless beef round steak
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Flavorings:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Cut the beef into serving-size pieces. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each steak piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side, working in batches if necessary. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Return the browned steak to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
- This dish can also be made in a slow cooker—brown the beef first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
