Old Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly straddles the line between hearty comfort and retro charm, Old Fashioned Swiss Steak is here to sweep you off your feet. Imagine fork-tender beef cooked low and slow, smothered in a rich tomato gravy dotted with sweet onions and bell peppers—the kind of meal that immediately feels like home. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday supper or an impressive dish to share with friends, Old Fashioned Swiss Steak brings warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction to the table in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old Fashioned Swiss Steak lies in its humble ingredients, each one helping to build a deeply savory, memorable meal. From pantry staples to fresh produce, these basics transform into pure comfort with just a little love and patience:
- Beef Round Steak (2 lbs, ½ inch thick): Opt for round steak—it becomes deliciously tender after simmering, making it the classic choice for this dish.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Used to lightly coat the meat, the flour helps thicken the sauce and develop a golden crust on the steak.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and seasons the steak straight to its core.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle bite and enhances the dish’s savory depth.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for browning the steak and coaxing out those irresistible flavors in the pan.
- Onion, thinly sliced (1 medium): Brings a subtle sweetness and lovely aroma as it cooks down into the sauce.
- Green Bell Pepper, sliced (1): Offers a fresh pop of color and a sweet, vibrant crunch to the stew.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Delivers an essential punch of savory flavor that melds beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Diced Tomatoes with Juice (1 can, 14.5 oz): Core to the rich gravy, the tomatoes break down and soak into every bite.
- Beef Broth (1 cup): Provides rich depth; use a good-quality broth for best results.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Lends a touch of tang and umami that takes the whole sauce to the next level.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): A gentle warmth and subtle color, perfectly complementing the savory flavors.
- Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): Fragrant and earthy, this is the secret to a sauce that tastes like it simmered all day.
How to Make Old Fashioned Swiss Steak
Step 1: Tenderize and Prep the Steak
Start by laying out your beef round steak on a sturdy surface and giving it a good pounding with a meat mallet. This not only helps break down any toughness but also sets the stage for the most melt-in-your-mouth Old Fashioned Swiss Steak you’ve ever had. Slice the steak into manageable, serving-sized pieces next—think of it as prepping each one for a glorious bath in tomato gravy.
Step 2: Create the Flour Dredge
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of steak in this mixture, making sure both sides get a generous—but not clumpy—coating. This is the secret to building a crust that will soak up all the flavors and thicken your sauce to perfection.
Step 3: Brown the Steak
Grab your favorite large skillet or Dutch oven and heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the floured steak pieces on both sides, working in batches if needed so the pan isn’t crowded. Searing the meat here adds a crucial depth to the final Old Fashioned Swiss Steak, giving you those flavor-building bits at the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Once you’ve removed the steak, toss the onions and bell peppers into the same pan. Let them sizzle, stirring occasionally, until they begin softening and pick up a bit of color—about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic last and cook just 30 seconds more, letting its aroma fill your kitchen but not letting it burn.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and thyme. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits left from browning the steak. This medley will create the signature robust, saucy base that defines Old Fashioned Swiss Steak.
Step 6: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Slide the steak pieces back into the pan, nestling them under and around the vegetables. Spoon some of the sauce over the top, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it all gently bubble away for 1 and a half to 2 hours. Stir from time to time, and don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth if things look dry. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and the kitchen smells impossibly inviting.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Swiss Steak
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle your Old Fashioned Swiss Steak with a little freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Both brighten the plate and bring out the dish’s color. A crack of black pepper or dusting of paprika also adds a gentle, aromatic lift to each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is all about comfort, so lean into creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery egg noodles as a base. Their mild flavors let the saucy steak shine and soak up every last drop of gravy. For extra color and freshness on the plate, add simple green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp side salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Old Fashioned Swiss Steak family-style in a large, rustic casserole dish for a casual feast, or plate individual portions atop a bed of mashed potatoes with the sauce artfully drizzled. For a special twist, spoon it over toasted sourdough or fold into a warm sandwich roll for the ultimate open-faced comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Old Fashioned Swiss Steak should be cooled, then transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. It’ll keep happily for up to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or busy-night dinners when you really need a quick taste of home.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Old Fashioned Swiss Steak! Once cool, package portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure they’re well sealed. The dish keeps its lovely texture and rich flavor for up to 3 months—just label and date for easy meal planning.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth and preserve that tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Old Fashioned Swiss Steak?
Yes! While round steak is traditional for this recipe, you can also use chuck or even cube steak for a similarly tender and flavorful result. Just be sure to tenderize tougher cuts for best results.
Is it necessary to dredge the steak in flour?
The flour coating is important for both browning the meat deliciously and thickening the tomato gravy as the dish simmers. Skipping this step will result in a thinner sauce and less of that iconic texture, so try not to miss it!
Can Old Fashioned Swiss Steak be made in a slow cooker?
Definitely! After browning the steak and sautéing the vegetables as outlined, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. The flavors meld beautifully and the beef becomes even more tender—an ideal make-ahead method.
What can I do if my sauce seems too thick?
If the sauce reduces more than you’d like during simmering, simply add a splash or two of beef broth or even water until you reach your ideal consistency. The gravy should be rich but pourable, perfect for ladling over your chosen side.
How do I add even more flavor to my Old Fashioned Swiss Steak?
Consider tossing in a splash of red wine, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a few mushrooms with the onions and bell peppers. These additions layer in lovely depth and complexity to the sauce without losing the dish’s old-school charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about cooking up a batch of Old Fashioned Swiss Steak—it feels like giving your family a big, delicious hug at the end of a long day. If you love classic comfort food as much as I do, I hope you try this recipe soon. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your table will be full, and you’ll be craving leftovers before you’ve even finished your first plate!
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Old Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Swiss Steak recipe is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender round steak smothered in a savory tomato-based gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef round steak, ½ inch thick
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Tenderize and Coat Steak: Pound the round steak to tenderize, then cut into portions. Mix flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge steak in flour.
- Brown Steak: Brown steak in oil in a skillet. Set aside.
- Saute Veggies: Cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Add tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme.
- Simmer: Return steak to skillet, simmer covered for 1½ to 2 hours.
- Serve: Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Notes
- Enhance with red wine or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Can be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop (or Slow Cooker)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of steak with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
