This Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is a true comfort food, with tender beef smothered in a rich, savory gravy made from onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The slow simmering process ensures the meat is fall-apart tender and infused with incredible flavor, making each bite a delight.
Served with mashed potatoes or a side of steamed vegetables, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for a family meal that will please everyone at the table. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that evokes the nostalgia of home-cooked meals and promises comfort in every bite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 beef round steaks (about 1-inch thick)
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2 tablespoons flour
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 cup beef broth
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 bay leaf
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
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Begin by tenderizing the beef round steaks with a meat mallet, then sprinkle both sides of each steak with flour, salt, and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
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Return the steaks to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each one. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the steaks are tender and the flavors have melded together.
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Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and discard. Stir in butter until melted, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve the Swiss steak with the rich gravy, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Is Swiss Steak?
Swiss steak, often confused with Salisbury steak, is a dish typically made from beef round steaks, which are braised in a rich gravy until the meat becomes tender and flavorful. The name “Swiss steak” comes from the process of “swissing,” which refers to tenderizing the meat by pounding it with a meat mallet or a tenderizer. While the dish does not actually come from Switzerland, it’s a simple yet flavorful way to cook beef that has been popular in American homes for generations. This recipe calls for beef round steaks, though other cuts of beef such as chuck steaks can also be used.
What makes this dish stand out is the gravy. It’s made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings, creating a rich and savory sauce that complements the beef perfectly. The long cooking time allows the beef to absorb the flavors of the gravy, making each bite tender and full of taste. The dish is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
The History of Swiss Steak
Swiss steak has a long history in American cooking, dating back to the early 20th century. It is often considered comfort food, a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Its origins can be traced back to the need to make tougher cuts of beef more palatable, and swissing the meat was an effective technique to break down its fibers, making it more tender. While the name suggests Swiss origins, the dish is actually an American creation, developed out of necessity to create a meal that was both affordable and hearty.
Over the years, Swiss steak has evolved with different variations across the United States, but the core concept remains the same: tender beef cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. It became a staple in households during the mid-20th century due to its simplicity and the fact that it could be made using inexpensive cuts of beef. Even today, it remains a beloved dish that continues to be passed down through generations.
Why You Should Make Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak
Swiss steak is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious balance of rich flavors and tender meat. This dish is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for an easy, satisfying meal. The beauty of Swiss steak lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a meal that feels like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen. It’s an ideal recipe for a Sunday family dinner or for any occasion when you want to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen.
One of the best aspects of Swiss steak is its versatility. While the traditional version calls for beef round steaks, you can easily substitute other cuts of beef like chuck steaks or flank steaks. These cuts tend to be tougher, but the slow braising process makes them incredibly tender. The dish is also incredibly forgiving. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, add extra vegetables like carrots or mushrooms, or even use a different type of broth to create your own unique version.
Perfect Pairings for Swiss Steak
Swiss steak is best served with classic side dishes that complement the rich, savory flavor of the beef and gravy. The most popular pairing is mashed potatoes, as they provide a creamy base to soak up the flavorful sauce. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider serving the Swiss steak with buttered rice or egg noodles. A side of steamed green beans, carrots, or peas adds a touch of color and freshness to balance out the richness of the dish.
For those who love a crusty side, fresh bread or dinner rolls are a great choice to mop up every last bit of gravy. You could even serve Swiss steak with a simple salad to provide a light contrast to the richness of the meat. With these classic side dishes, you’ll have a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.
Tips for Making the Best Swiss Steak
To get the most out of your Swiss steak, there are a few tips to keep in mind. The first is to use a meat mallet to tenderize the beef before cooking. This process breaks down the fibers in the meat, allowing it to absorb more flavor from the gravy and become more tender as it cooks. Don’t skip this step, as it’s key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Another important tip is to be patient while cooking the Swiss steak. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. If you’re in a rush, you could speed up the process by using a pressure cooker or slow cooker, but the traditional method of braising the steak on the stovetop or in the oven creates the best results.
Be sure to taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed. Adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce, sugar, or extra herbs can bring out the flavors and make the gravy even more delicious. You can also experiment with adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the gravy to enhance the flavor and texture.
Why Swiss Steak Is Perfect for Meal Prep
Swiss steak is not only great for a family dinner, but it also makes for a fantastic meal prep dish. The flavors only improve the next day as the beef continues to soak up the savory gravy. If you’re looking to make the most of your cooking time, this recipe can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The leftovers are just as delicious, making this a great option for quick meals throughout the week.
Additionally, Swiss steak can be frozen for later use. Simply store the cooked steak and gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and comforting meal.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is a classic dish that has stood the test of time, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal for any occasion. With tender beef cooked in a savory, flavorful gravy, it’s the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing it ahead of time for meal prep, Swiss steak is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. The versatility of the dish means you can make it your own by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, Swiss steak is the perfect recipe to add to your collection of home-cooked classics.