Description
Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is a comforting American classic featuring tenderized beef round steak simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, and aromatic seasonings. This slow-cooked, hearty dish delivers rich flavors perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef
- 1 1/2 pounds beef round steak, cut into serving pieces
Coating and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauté and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Tenderize and Coat: Pound the steak pieces with a meat mallet until tender, then dredge them thoroughly in a mixture of flour, salt, and black pepper to create a light coating that will help thicken the sauce and brown the meat.
- Brown the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the coated steak pieces and brown them on both sides until a golden crust forms. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and dried thyme into the pan. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits, which will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Simmer the Steak: Return the browned steak pieces to the pan, spoon some sauce over them, then cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and allow the steak to simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
- Serve: Once the steak is tender and the sauce rich, serve the Swiss steak hot. Spoon extra sauce over the top and enjoy with your favorite side like mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, the steak can be cooked low and slow in the oven at 325°F (163°C) instead of stovetop simmering.
- Add additional vegetables such as carrots or celery to the sauce for more variety and nutrition.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to complement and absorb the flavorful sauce.
