Description
Looking for the perfect hearty, homestyle meal to bring everyone to the table? This Old Fashioned Swiss Steak is a timeless dish that turns inexpensive cuts of beef into a fork-tender, flavor-packed supper
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef round steak (cut ¾–1 inch thick)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the meat
Trim excess fat from the steak and cut into serving-size portions. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl. Dredge each piece of meat in the seasoned flour.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Brown the steak on both sides in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
Add onions, peppers, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Build the sauce
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juice, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Return beef to pan
Nestle the browned steak into the sauce. Spoon a bit of sauce over the top. Cover with lid or foil.
Step 6: Cook low and slow
Simmer on the stovetop over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or transfer to a 325°F (160°C) oven and bake covered for the same amount of time. The meat should be very tender when done.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up that delicious gravy.
Notes
Use beef round or chuck steak—tough cuts work best because they become tender during braising.
Pound the meat lightly with a meat mallet to break down fibers and ensure even cooking.
Don’t skip the browning step. It adds deep flavor to both the beef and the sauce.
Let it cook low and slow. Rushing will result in chewy meat instead of fork-tender goodness.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine or an extra spoonful of tomato paste.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Swiss
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
Keywords: Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak