This easy Swiss Steak recipe is a classic comfort dish the whole family will love. Pair this tender steak smothered in tomato gravy with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
Swiss steak is where tender beef meets a rich and savory tomato-based gravy! This classic dish has been a family dinner favorite for generations, and it’s no wonder why. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth meat and hearty sauce is simply irresistible.
I remember my mom making this as a kid and it was always a favorite in our house. It’s a great way to add some variety to your weeknight meal rotation and it’s also budget-friendly.
You can also make this dish in a slow cooker for an even easier preparation. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this easy Swiss Steak recipe!
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Swiss Steak Ingredients
- Steak: For this recipe, I used top round steak, but you can also use chuck steak. Just make sure they are at least 1 inch thick to ensure tenderness.
- Flour: Used to coat the steak before browning.
- Seasonings: I used salt, black pepper, thyme, sage and marjoram.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the steak, and sautéing onion and garlic. You could also use vegetable or canola oil.
- Onion: Yellow, white, red or sweet onion will work in this recipe.
- Garlic: One clove, minced adds a delicious savory flavor to the dish.
- Tomatoes: I used pureed tomatoes to add a rich and smooth texture to the gravy. You could also use diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
How to Make Swiss Steak
Tenderize the steak with a meat mallet.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
In a small bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Coat steaks with flour mixture. Sear steaks in the pan for 5 minutes on each side until browned.
In another pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook onions and garlic for 3 minutes until soft.
In a medium bowl, combine pureed tomatoes, thyme, sage, and marjoram.
Place seared steaks over the sauted onions then pour tomato mixture over them.
Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours.
Remove from heat and enjoy!
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Swiss Steak
- Choose the right cut of beef: To achieve a tender result, opt for a tougher cut of meat like round or chuck steak.
- Tenderize the meat: Before cooking, use a meat mallet or fork to gently pound or pierce the surface of the steak. This helps to further tenderize the meat and allows flavors to penetrate.
- Season generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Use the same seasonings I used or feel free to add your own blend of seasonings.
- Sear before simmering: In order to lock in those juices and add depth of flavor, sear each side of your steaks in a hot skillet with oil until browned.
Recipe Variations
- Add colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms, to your swiss steak for added texture and flavor.
- Melt some Swiss or Gruyere cheese on top of your cooked swiss steak just before serving for an extra layer of richness.
- Experiment with different herbs based on your preference like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to infuse the flavors into your tomato-based gravy.
How to Cook Steak in the Slow Cooker
I’m not sure if this will necessary save you time but if you want to cook it low and slow you can follow the instructions below for the crock pot method.
- Tenderize the steak with a meat mallet.
- Season the steaks with the seasonings listed in the recipe card below.
- Coat steaks with flour and sear on both sides.
- Transfer the browned steak to the crockpot.
- Add sliced onions, garlic and tomatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
What to Serve with Swiss Steak
When it comes to serving up a delicious Swiss steak, the possibilities are endless for what you can pair it with.
Some ideas to complement your dish are fresh green salad, crusty bread, mashed potatoes, butter noodles, roasted or steamed vegetables.
How to Store
Store steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for Swiss steak?
While traditionally Swiss steak is made with round steak, you can use chuck steak. I like to use meat that is one inch but if you use a thicker piece of meat the cooking time may vary.
Can I make Swiss steak ahead of time?
Absolutely! Swiss steak actually tastes even better when it’s reheated, as the flavors have had more time to meld together. You can make it a day in advance and reheat before serving.
More Dinner Ideas
- Food Court Bourbon Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas
- Southwest Chicken and Rice
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks and Vegetables
- Taco Hashbrown Casserole
Recipe
Swiss Steak
Ingredients
- 2 (1 inch) thick top round steak about 2 – 2 ½ pounds worth
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp sage
- 2 tsp marjoram
- 2 cups pureed tomatoes
Instructions
- Tenderize the steaks with a meat mallet.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Coat steaks with flour mixture. Sear steaks in the pan for 5 minutes on each side until browned.
- In another pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook onions and garlic for 3 minutes until soft.
- In a medium bowl, combine pureed tomatoes, thyme, sage, and marjoram.
- Place seared steaks over the sauted onions then pour tomato mixture over them.
- Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, etc.
Notes
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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