Easy Swiss Steak

Swiss Steak is a timeless comfort food that brings tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato gravy together in one dish. This easy Swiss Steak recipe is perfect for family dinners, offering a cozy and flavorful meal that can be cooked in the oven or in a slow cooker. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds round steak
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (more as needed)
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
• 10 ounces beef broth (1 can)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Pound steak to about ½-inch thickness.
3. Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Dredge steak in flour mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown steaks on both sides and set aside.
5. Place onions and carrots in the pot, then layer browned steaks on top.
6. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours, until beef is tender.
7. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the gravy before serving.
8. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Swiss Steak pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice. Add a side of roasted green beans, peas, or fresh salad for balance.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the oven at 325°F. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to keep the sauce rich and smooth.

Variations

1. Crockpot Swiss Steak with Potatoes
Place browned steak, carrots, onions, and diced potatoes in the slow cooker. Add broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook on low for 7–8 hours. The potatoes soak up the flavors and make this a complete one-pot meal.

2. Smothered Swiss Steak with Gravy
Instead of tomatoes, use beef broth and cream of mushroom soup to create a rich brown gravy. Add sautéed onions and mushrooms for extra depth. This version is especially comforting over mashed potatoes.

3. Italian-Style Swiss Steak
Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 cloves minced garlic, and a splash of red wine. Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes and finish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan before serving. Perfect over pasta.

4. Tex-Mex Swiss Steak
Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon cumin. Add sliced bell peppers and top with cheddar cheese before serving. Serve with rice or tortillas for a fun twist.

5. Swiss Steak with Red Wine and Rosemary
Replace half of the beef broth with red wine and add a sprig of fresh rosemary. This gives the dish a deep, savory flavor similar to beef bourguignon.

6. Creamy Swiss Steak
After cooking, stir in ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream for a velvety sauce. This version is especially good with egg noodles.

7. BBQ Swiss Steak
Mix ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce with the tomatoes and broth. This adds a sweet-smoky flavor that pairs well with baked beans, cornbread, or coleslaw.

8. Low-Carb Swiss Steak
Skip dredging the steak in flour and simply season with paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper before browning. Thicken the sauce with xanthan gum or reduce naturally by simmering uncovered for the last 15 minutes.

9. Swiss Steak with Bacon
Fry 3–4 strips of bacon until crisp, remove, and brown the steak in the bacon fat. Add the bacon back into the sauce before baking or slow cooking for a smoky, savory boost.

10. Garden Vegetable Swiss Steak
Add zucchini, celery, peas, or green beans along with carrots and onions. This makes the dish lighter and more colorful while sneaking in extra vegetables.

FAQs

1. What cut of meat is best for Swiss Steak?
Round steak is traditional, but chuck steak also works well since it becomes tender with slow cooking.

2. Can I make Swiss Steak ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully. Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and warm before serving.

3. Do I have to pound the steak?
Yes, pounding tenderizes the meat and helps it cook evenly.

4. Can I skip browning the beef?
Browning adds flavor, but if short on time, you can skip it and cook directly in the sauce.

5. How do I thicken the gravy?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in at the end of cooking.

6. Can I add potatoes directly to the dish?
Yes, cut into chunks and add during cooking, but reduce the liquid slightly.

7. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

8. What sides go best with Swiss Steak?
Mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

9. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but use about 4–5 fresh tomatoes and add a little extra beef broth for liquid.

10. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, then allow a natural release.

This Easy Swiss Steak recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. With tender beef, rich tomato gravy, and versatile serving options, it’s a classic comfort food worth making again and again. Whether you cook it in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, Swiss Steak is a meal that everyone will love.

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