Swiss Steak Recipe

This Swiss steak recipe is classic comfort food made simple. Tender beef is slow-cooked in a rich tomato and onion sauce until it’s fork-tender and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes everyone excited for dinner.

Why Make This Recipe

Swiss steak is perfect when you want an easy, hearty meal without complicated steps. It uses affordable ingredients, cooks mostly hands-off, and tastes even better the next day. It’s great for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights at home.

How To Make Swiss Steak

Ingredients:

For the steak

• 2 pounds round steak
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the sauce

• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 cup beef broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Steak: Cut steak into serving-size pieces. Pound to about ½-inch thickness. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika, then dredge the steak in the seasoned flour.
2. Brown & Build the Sauce: Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Brown steak on both sides, then remove. Add onions and bell pepper to the same pan and cook until softened. Add garlic, then stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and broth.
3. Simmer: Return steak to the pan, cover, and simmer on low for 1½ hours, until tender. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 1 hour 45 minutes to cook, for a total time of just over 2 hours. It serves 6 people, and each serving has around 385 calories, with a good balance of protein and comforting flavor.

How To Serve Swiss Steak

Serve Swiss steak hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles so the sauce can soak in. Add a simple green vegetable or salad to complete the meal.

How To Store Swiss Steak

Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.

Tips To Make Swiss Steak

• Pound the meat well for extra tenderness
• Brown the steak in batches for better flavor
• Keep the simmer low and slow for best results
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Swiss steak is a good source of protein and iron, and the tomato-based sauce adds vitamins and antioxidants. Using lean beef and serving it with vegetables makes it a balanced and satisfying meal.

Variation (If Any)

• Slow cooker: Cook on low for 7–8 hours
• Oven: Bake covered at 325°F for 1½ hours
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch
• Lower carb: Serve over mashed cauliflower

FAQs

1. Why is it called Swiss steak? The name comes from the “swissing” (tenderizing) method, not from Switzerland.
2. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, chuck or bottom round works well.
3. How do I make it more tender? Pound the meat and cook it low and slow.
4. Can I make Swiss steak ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
5. Can I freeze Swiss steak? Absolutely. Freeze up to 3 months.
6. Why is my sauce thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
7. What sides go best with Swiss steak? Mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or crusty bread are all great.

Swiss Steak

A simple and hearty Swiss steak dish slow-cooked in a rich tomato and onion sauce, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 385

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the steak

• 2 pounds round steak Cut into serving-size pieces
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour For dredging the steak
• 1 teaspoon salt To season the flour
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To season the flour
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika To season the flour
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil For browning the steak

For the sauce

• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 cup beef broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cut steak into serving-size pieces and pound to about ½-inch thickness.
2. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Dredge the steak in the seasoned flour.

Cooking

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Brown steak on both sides, then remove.
2. Add onions and bell pepper to the same pan and cook until softened.
3. Add garlic and stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, and beef broth.
4. Return steak to the pan, cover, and simmer on low for 1½ hours, until tender.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve Swiss steak hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the sauce. It can also be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly.