Introduction

Swiss Steak is a beloved classic comfort food that’s been around for generations. Tenderized beef is slowly simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Despite its name, this dish isn’t from Switzerland—it’s an American creation named after the “swissing” method of tenderizing meat. Perfect for family dinners, this hearty meal pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 2 lbs (about 900 g) round steak or chuck steak
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak: Trim any excess fat from the steak and cut it into serving-size pieces. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge each piece of steak in the seasoned flour, coating both sides evenly.
2. Brown the Steak: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown the steak pieces on both sides until nicely seared. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Build the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Simmer the Steak: Return the browned steak to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1½ to 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. (You can also bake it in the oven at 325°F / 160°C for the same time.)
6. Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, and spoon plenty of the tomato-vegetable sauce over the top.

Description

This Swiss Steak is rich, savory, and hearty—everything you want in a classic comfort dish. The long simmering time transforms a tougher cut of beef into tender, flavorful bites infused with tomato and onion goodness. Each mouthful delivers home-cooked warmth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or Sunday dinners.

Correction

Don’t confuse Swiss Steak with Salisbury Steak—they’re different! Swiss Steak is simmered in a tomato-based sauce, while Salisbury Steak is made with ground beef and brown gravy.