The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

This is the Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe you’ll find! Smothered in a rich tomato gravy, this dish features tender cubed steak paired with flavorful mushrooms, peppers, and onions. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, delivering comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty Comfort Food: This Swiss Steak recipe offers a warm and filling meal that brings back nostalgia.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice to suit your family’s preferences.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is straightforward for cooks of all levels.
• Flavorful Gravy: The savory tomato gravy enhances the meat’s flavor, creating a deliciously rich sauce that’s hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Using the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot
• Large resealable plastic bag
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron Dutch oven: Retains heat well for even cooking and is perfect for browning meat before braising.
• Large resealable plastic bag: Ideal for coating the steak evenly without making a mess in your kitchen.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

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Ingredients

For this flavorful Swiss steak dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Coating

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic

For the Steak

• 2 pounds cubed steak or round steak (cut into serving-size pieces if necessary)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or other high-temperature cooking oil)

For the Vegetables

• 1 onion, diced
• 1-2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced or stewed tomatoes (or use 1 pint of home-canned tomatoes)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 pinch celery seed (optional)

For Thickening the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons of water + 2 tablespoons cornstarch

How to Make The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak Coating

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic.
– Add cubed steak pieces a few at a time to coat evenly.
– Shake gently until all pieces are well coated. Set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Steaks

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
– Brown steaks on both sides until they form a nice crust.
– Transfer them to a plate once browned.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Lower heat to medium and add onion, celery, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the same pot.
– Sauté vegetables for about 6–7 minutes until they soften.
– Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, sugar, and optional celery seed into the pot.
– Stir gently while scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
– Return browned steaks back into the pot ensuring they are submerged in sauce.

Step 6: Braise in Oven

Cover and bake in preheated oven for 1½ to 2 hours until meat is fork-tender.
– Carefully remove from oven when done; transfer steaks to a plate while leaving gravy in pot.

Step 7: Thicken the Gravy

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
– Stir this slurry into remaining gravy in pot.
– Place pot back on stovetop over medium heat; bring gravy to gentle boil while stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 8: Serve Your Swiss Steak

Serve steaks generously topped with rich gravy alongside mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or cooked white rice for a fulfilling meal. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

Serving the best old-fashioned Swiss steak is all about pairing it with complementary sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth texture that absorbs the savory gravy beautifully, making every bite satisfying.

Over Buttered Egg Noodles

• Serve the Swiss steak over buttered egg noodles for a comforting dish that adds a delightful chewiness, perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Accompanied by Steamed Vegetables

• Fresh steamed vegetables such as green beans or broccoli add a pop of color and balance the richness of the steak.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top adds brightness and an aromatic touch, enhancing both presentation and flavor.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with warm crusty bread to mop up the delicious gravy, ensuring not a drop is left behind!

How to Perfect The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

Perfecting this classic dish requires attention to detail and a few helpful techniques. Here are some tips to make your Swiss steak truly shine.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef will greatly enhance the flavor of your dish.
• Brown the meat well: Achieving a good sear on your steaks creates depth of flavor through caramelization.
• Slow braise for tenderness: Allowing the steak to braise slowly ensures it becomes tender and flavorful as it absorbs all the savory juices.
• Don’t skip the slurry: Adding a cornstarch slurry at the end thickens the gravy without clumping, ensuring a silky texture.
• Adjust seasoning as needed: Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking for a perfectly balanced dish.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Swiss steak can elevate your meal significantly. Here are some fantastic options that complement this hearty recipe.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes infused with garlic create a rich side that pairs perfectly with savory gravy.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy Brussels sprouts add a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the tender steak.
3. Honey-Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots provide a refreshing sweetness, balancing out the savory notes of the dish.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity, brightening up each bite of rich Swiss steak.
5. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf cooked in broth complements the dish while absorbing any extra gravy.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn enhances comfort food vibes and adds color to your plate.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes – These add natural sweetness and make for an appealing contrast against hearty meat dishes.
8. Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad with vinaigrette offers freshness and lightness alongside your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe, small missteps can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the flour coating: Not coating the steak in flour can lead to less flavorful crust and a thinner gravy. Always ensure each piece is well-coated.
• Overcrowding the pot: Placing too many steaks in the pot at once can lower the temperature, preventing proper browning. Brown in batches for better results.
• Neglecting to scrape the bottom: Failing to scrape browned bits off the pot can result in missing essential flavors. Make sure to stir well after adding liquid.
• Not using enough broth: Using insufficient broth may lead to a dry dish. Always measure accurately to ensure there’s enough moisture for braising.
• Ignoring cooking times: Undercooking or overcooking can affect tenderness. Keep track of time and check meat regularly for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Swiss steak in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

• Allow the steak to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the steak in a covered baking dish. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place portions on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.

Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?

You can definitely substitute cubed chicken or turkey for beef if desired, adjusting cooking times as needed since poultry cooks faster.

What sides pair well with Swiss steak?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice which complement the rich gravy beautifully.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

To make a lighter version, use less oil for browning and incorporate more vegetables into the sauce for added nutrients without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare and cook it ahead of time, then store it in the refrigerator or freezer before reheating when ready to serve.

What is the best way to thicken the gravy?

Using cornstarch mixed with water creates an excellent slurry that thickens your gravy without affecting its flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe is a delightful blend of tender meat simmered in savory gravy that families love. Its versatility allows you to customize it easily with different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!