Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak

Introduction

Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is a classic comfort food that delivers fork-tender beef smothered in a savory tomato-based gravy, slow-cooked with onions, celery, and bell peppers. This timeless dish is celebrated for its homestyle taste, making it the ultimate centerpiece for family meals and cozy dinners alike.

What sets this recipe apart is its ability to transform a humble cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth delight, richly infused with flavor and nostalgia. Not only is this meal economical, but it’s also easy to prepare ahead, so you can enjoy hearty, delicious results any night of the week.

Why Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is a Family Favorite

Swiss Steak stands out for its combination of juicy braised beef and aromatic, tender vegetables. Its sauce is thick, robust, and perfect for ladling over mashed potatoes or rice. Slow-cooking tenderizes even tougher cuts, so you’re rewarded with succulent meat and a deeply flavorful sauce. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that brings everyone back for seconds.

Preparing the Steak and Vegetables

Start with a flavorful, budget-friendly cut like round steak. For perfectly diced onions, celery, bell pepper, and carrots, save time with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which simplifies prepping veggies and ensures even cooking.

Once your steaks are cut into manageable pieces, pound them lightly and dredge them in seasoned flour—this helps create the flavorful crust and thickens the gravy while braising. Sear steaks in a hot pan to deepen the color and flavor before the slow braise.

Cooking the Classic Swiss Steak

After searing the steaks, sauté the onions, celery, carrots, and peppers in the same pan, then layer the vegetables and beef in a heavy oven-safe skillet. Add canned tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. For a superb sear and reliable heat distribution, use a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet.

Next, cover the skillet and transfer to the oven for a long, slow cook. This cooking method is what gives Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak its signature tenderness and succulence.

Serving Suggestions for an Hearty Meal

Serve Swiss Steak over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice for the perfect pairing. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day—divide portions into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy weekday lunches.

For a rustic presentation, lay out a disposable Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth and serve straight from your cast iron skillet to evoke a homespun family dinner vibe.

Nutrition and Serving Size

This recipe serves 6 generous portions. Each serving usually contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the cut of beef and serving accompaniments. The dish is high in protein and supplies plenty of satisfying vegetables—true comfort food in every bite.

Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak (Recap)

Transform budget cuts of beef into a showstopping, fork-tender centerpiece. With its irresistible gravy, hearty vegetables, and homestyle flavors, Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll keep on rotation.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. On a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board, trim excess fat from the steak. Pound steak pieces lightly to tenderize.
3. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each steak piece in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet over medium-high. Working in batches, brown steak pieces on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
5. Add onions, celery, carrots, and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Using a Farberware Nylon Meat and Potato Masher makes it simple to stir and break up veggies while cooking.
6. Return steak to skillet, nestling it in the vegetables. Pour diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth over the steak. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
7. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil. Transfer to oven and bake for 2 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
8. Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Food Storage Containers for easy reheating.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes