Introduction
Easy Swiss Steak is a timeless comfort dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal. Known for its fork-tender beef and deeply flavorful tomato-based gravy, this recipe is a staple in home kitchens for good reason. I often make Swiss steak when I want something dependable and warming, especially on cooler days when slow-cooked meals feel most comforting. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Tougher cuts of beef become incredibly tender through gentle braising, while the sauce develops layers of savory flavor as it simmers. Despite its name, Swiss steak is not Swiss at all, but rather a classic American dish rooted in practical, home-style cooking. Served with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this recipe delivers comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction in every bite.
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Easy Swiss Steak – Tender, Hearty, and Classic Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
An easy Swiss steak made with tenderized beef simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy with onions, creating a comforting and flavorful classic dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lb round steak or cube steak
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Cut steak into serving-size pieces.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge steak pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown steak on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until softened, then add garlic.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar if using.
- Return steak to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low for 1 1/2 hours until tender.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- Low and slow cooking makes the beef extra tender.
- Can be made in a slow cooker after browning.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for slow cooking. It delivers tender beef, rich gravy, and classic flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Round Steak
Round steak is a lean, economical cut that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in sauce.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour coats the steak and helps thicken the gravy as it cooks.
Salt
Salt seasons the meat and enhances all the savory flavors.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and balances the richness of the sauce.
Vegetable Oil
Oil is used to brown the steak, adding depth of flavor.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and builds a flavorful base for the gravy.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory profile and adds aromatic depth.
Diced Tomatoes
Tomatoes provide acidity and body, forming the foundation of the sauce.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce deepens flavor and creates a smooth, rich gravy.
Beef Broth
Beef broth adds richness and ensures the steak cooks gently and evenly.
Paprika
Paprika adds subtle warmth and classic Swiss steak flavor.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the round steak with salt and black pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the steak on both sides until golden, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and paprika. Return the steak to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until the steak is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 1½ to 2 hours.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
Swiss steak is easy to adapt based on preference. For extra vegetables, add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or celery to the sauce. Mushrooms are also a natural addition and blend well with the tomato gravy.
If you prefer a richer sauce, add a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine. For a slightly spicier version, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works well.
This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. Brown the steak first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low until tender.
Serve Swiss steak over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides protein from beef and carbohydrates from the tomato-based sauce. It is naturally dairy-free and can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free flour.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Tenderizing
Pound the steak lightly before cooking for extra tenderness.
Low and slow
Gentle simmering ensures the meat becomes fork-tender.
Flavor depth
Brown the meat well before simmering to build richer flavor.
FAQs
Why is it called Swiss steak?
The name comes from the tenderizing process, not from Switzerland.
What cut of meat works best?
Round steak is traditional and works very well.
Can I make Swiss steak in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is excellent for slow cooking.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Cook it slowly and avoid high heat.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, many vegetables work well in this dish.
Is Swiss steak the same as Salisbury steak?
No, Swiss steak uses a tomato-based sauce.
Can I freeze Swiss steak?
Yes, it freezes well for up to three months.
Why is my steak tough?
It likely needs more cooking time.
Can I use canned crushed tomatoes?
Yes, they can replace diced tomatoes.
What should I serve with Swiss steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles are classic pairings.
Conclusion
Easy Swiss Steak is a classic comfort-food recipe that delivers tender beef and rich, savory sauce with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals, it is a dependable dish that brings warmth and tradition to the table every time.
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