Swiss steak is a timeless, comforting dish that combines tender, braised beef with a rich, savory tomato sauce. This dish has been a favorite in households for generations, thanks to its simple ingredients and hearty flavors. It’s the perfect meal for those looking for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make, yet full of robust flavors. If you’ve never tried Swiss steak, or if you’re looking for a way to elevate your usual beef recipes, this is the one for you!
What Is Swiss Steak?
Swiss steak is a classic American dish made from a cut of beef, typically round steak, that is tenderized, seared, and then simmered in a flavorful sauce until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Despite the name, Swiss steak has nothing to do with Switzerland—it actually refers to the “swissing” process of tenderizing the meat. The steak is usually pounded with a meat mallet or seared to break down the fibers, making it more tender.
What sets Swiss steak apart is the tomato-based sauce that accompanies it. The sauce is often made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and seasonings, which infuse the meat with rich flavor during the long simmering process. The result is a comforting, savory meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this flavorful Swiss steak recipe, you’ll need:
For the Swiss Steak:
- 2 lbs (900g) round steak (or another tough cut of beef)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Swiss Steak
Step 1: Tenderize the Steak
Start by preparing the steak. If you’re using round steak, it may be a bit tough, so tenderizing it is crucial. Use a meat mallet to pound the steak until it’s about 1/2-inch thick. This step helps break down the fibers in the meat, making it more tender during cooking. Once tenderized, cut the steak into individual serving pieces (usually about 3-4 pieces depending on the size of your steak).
Step 2: Dredge the Steak in Flour
In a shallow dish, combine the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. This will help create a light crust when the steak is seared and also thicken the sauce as it simmers.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured steak pieces and sear them on both sides for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. You’re not trying to cook the steak through at this point—just give it a nice sear to lock in flavor and texture. Remove the seared steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent. This step builds the base of the sauce and helps bring out the sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 5: Add the Tomato Sauce and Broth
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and intensify in flavor. Then, add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer the Steak
Return the seared steak pieces to the skillet, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened. Occasionally check the skillet to ensure the sauce isn’t reducing too much, adding more beef broth if necessary to keep the steak covered.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Once the steak is tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a little more flour or cornstarch (mixed with water) and simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve the Swiss steak with the rich tomato sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetable side.
Why Make Swiss Steak at Home?
Swiss steak is an ideal dish for those who love comfort food that doesn’t require a lot of complicated steps. It’s made with inexpensive cuts of beef that, when slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce, turn incredibly tender and juicy. This makes Swiss steak a great choice for budget-friendly meals that still feel like a special dinner.
Another reason to make Swiss steak at home is the ability to control the ingredients. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, add extra vegetables, or even experiment with different herbs and spices. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making Swiss steak a great option for meal prep or as part of a family dinner.
Tips for Perfect Swiss Steak
- Use a tough cut of beef: Round steak, chuck, or shoulder cuts work best for Swiss steak. These tougher cuts become tender when braised in liquid.
- Don’t skip the searing: Searing the steak before simmering locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust on the meat.
- Adjust the sauce: You can make the sauce spicier by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or make it richer by adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar.
- Let it simmer low and slow: For the best results, allow the steak to cook gently at a low temperature for a long time. This breaks down the muscle fibers, making the meat incredibly tender.
- Try different vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes to the dish for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Swiss steak is the ultimate in hearty, comforting meals. With tender beef, a rich tomato-based sauce, and the addition of savory spices, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping a special meal for guests, Swiss steak is sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and let the comforting flavors of this classic dish take you back to the good old days of home-cooked meals.
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