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.