There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a dish that brings back memories of Sunday dinners and family gatherings. Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is one such nostalgic treasure. With its tender beef smothered in a rich tomato-based gravy, studded with onions, peppers, and sometimes celery, this dish is the very definition of comfort food. Served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, Swiss steak is a timeless recipe that has stood the test of generations.
🥩 What is Swiss Steak?
Despite the name, Swiss steak doesn’t originate from Switzerland. The term “Swiss” refers to the tenderizing process known as “swissing,” where meat is pounded and then braised slowly. This old-fashioned technique transforms tougher cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Swiss steak is usually made from round steak or chuck, dredged in flour, browned, and then slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce until fork-tender.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak:
- 2 pounds beef round steak, about 1-inch thick
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil for searing
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes for heat
🍳 How to Make Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak
✅ 1. Prepare the Meat
- Trim any excess fat from the beef.
- Pound the steak with a meat mallet to tenderize it.
- Cut into serving-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
✅ 2. Brown the Steak
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the floured steak pieces until browned on both sides. Work in batches to avoid crowding.
- Remove and set aside.
✅ 3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
✅ 4. Build the Sauce
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, sugar, and beef broth.
- Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
✅ 5. Simmer to Perfection
- Return the browned steak to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
- Cover and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Alternatively, bake covered at 325°F (160°C) for the same amount of time.
✅ 6. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
😋 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender, flavorful beef thanks to slow cooking
- Classic, hearty flavors that remind you of grandma’s kitchen
- Versatile—great for weeknight dinners or Sunday feasts
- Budget-friendly—uses inexpensive cuts of meat
💡 Tips for Success
- Pound the steak well to tenderize.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even cooking.
- Let the meat simmer gently—don’t boil.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so leftovers are even better the next day!
🕰️ Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-ahead: Swiss steak tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
🏡 A Comforting Classic
Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is the ultimate comfort food—humble, hearty, and satisfying. Whether you’re reliving cherished family traditions or introducing this retro favorite to a new generation, this dish brings warmth and joy to any table.