Few dishes warm the soul like Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner. Imagine tender beef, bathed in a tangy tomato gravy, simmered with sweet onions and green peppers until everything melds together in a savory embrace. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a family gathering or just a hearty home-cooked meal after a long day. This recipe takes what you love about old-school comfort food and delivers it straight to your kitchen, with simple ingredients and easy steps that guarantee mouthwatering results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner lies in its pared-down ingredient list. Each item isn’t just a supporting player, but brings its own delicious quality to the pot, from umami-rich tomatoes to aromatic thyme. Here’s what you’ll need (along with a few helpful tips for each!):
- Beef round steak (2 pounds): Go for about 1/2 inch thick cuts; the round steak becomes meltingly tender after its long simmer.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): A quick dredge helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a delicate crust.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—season both your flour and your sauce well.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth; freshly cracked is always best.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the steak—any neutral oil with a high smoke point works here.
- Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Brings gentle sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Green bell pepper (sliced): Balances the dish with a mild, earthy flavor and a pop of color.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough for a fragrant hit that really ties the sauce together.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces, with juices): The base of your gravy, giving it its signature tang and richness.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Extra savory oomph—it’s that secret ingredient that rounds out the flavor.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle smokiness and appealing color.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of earthiness that brings balance to the sauce.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Adds body and richness while ensuring the beef becomes fork-tender.
How to Make Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner
Step 1: Tenderize and Prepare the Steak
Start by trimming your beef round steak into serving-size pieces. Grab a meat mallet, and give each piece a solid pounding until they’re about 1/4 inch thick. This helps ensure the beef soaks up maximum flavor and falls apart with nothing but gentle fork pressure—one of the signature pleasures of Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner.
Step 2: Dredge in Seasoned Flour
Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Coat each piece of steak in the flour mixture, pressing so the coating sticks. This doesn’t just help brown the meat, but it also thickens the sauce later for that iconic, hearty gravy.
Step 3: Brown the Steak
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Working in batches if needed, brown the steak on both sides until beautifully golden—don’t rush this part! Browning builds a deep, meaty flavor that’ll sing through every bite.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the browned steak and set it aside for a moment. Toss sliced onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic into the same skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, just until everything gets glossy and softened, scraping up any flavorful browned bits on the pan’s bottom.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Add in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, and beef broth. Give it a quick stir to blend, making sure the tomato paste dissolves. The smells at this stage are pure, savory anticipation.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Nestle the seared steak pieces snugly back into the pan, making sure they’re mostly covered by sauce and veggies. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and lower the heat. Now comes the hands-off magic: let the steak braise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until it’s tender enough to fall apart with a fork. If you prefer, you can also cover and bake the dish at 325°F for about 2 hours.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the steak is done, remove the lid and, if you’d like a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes. Spoon your Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles and bask in pure comfort food happiness.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or snipped chives adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh zing on top of the rich stew. For a little more indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on the side can create a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
This is the kind of dinner that cries out for pillowy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to catch all that amazing sauce. Soft rolls or crusty bread work wonders too, helping mop up every delicious drop of gravy from your plate. Simple sides like steamed green beans or a crisp salad balance out the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner family-style straight from the skillet, or go upscale by plating individual portions and topping each with a swirl of sauce and a scatter of herbs. For a retro-inspired touch, serve alongside a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes in a shallow bowl, letting the flavors mingle together for maximum coziness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner stores exceptionally well. Let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors may even deepen and become more harmonious after a night in the fridge!
Freezing
If you want to save some for another time, portion cooled Swiss steak into airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. For best results, freeze the steak and sauce together, so the meat stays juicy and the flavors stay locked in.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the sauce and steak in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Or microwave gently, covered, until piping hot. Add a splash of broth if the sauce seems too thick after chilling or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef round steak is traditional for Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner, you can substitute with chuck or even cube steak if that’s what you have. Just remember, tougher cuts become melt-in-your-mouth tender once they’ve been braised long enough.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the steak and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the beef is perfectly tender. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option, especially for busy days.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
You sure can. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend or even cornstarch when dredging the steak. The sauce will thicken nicely, and you’ll keep everything safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is a bit runny at the end, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid reduces. Alternatively, you can whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water, stir it in, and simmer until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, celery, or even mushrooms can be sautéed along with the onions and peppers for extra texture and flavor. Just chop them to match the other veggies so everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner has stood the test of time—it’s swoon-worthy comfort that feels like a warm hug. I hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic, and make new memories gathered around the table with every forkful. Dig in and experience the wonderful nostalgia and rich flavors for yourself!
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Old Fashioned Swiss Steak: A Comforting Classic Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Braising
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Old Fashioned Swiss Steak is a timeless comfort food classic that features tender beef round steak simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce until fork-tender. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Beef Round Steak:
- 2 pounds beef round steak (about 1/2 inch thick)
Flour Mixture:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable Oil:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Beef Broth:
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Cut and Pound the Steak: Cut the round steak into serving-size portions and tenderize by pounding with a meat mallet.
- Dredge in Flour: Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a dish. Coat each steak piece in the flour mixture.
- Brown the Steak: Brown the steak in a skillet with vegetable oil. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, and beef broth.
- Simmer: Return the steak to the pan, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until tender.
- Serve: Serve the Swiss steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- You can bake covered at 325°F for 2 hours instead of simmering on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
