Introduction

There’s something magical about a recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is one of those timeless dishes that instantly transports you to cozy Sunday dinners at home, where the kitchen smells of slow-cooked beef, rich gravy, and love in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table a little faster.

 

This easy dinner recipe is a true comfort food classic—tender, fall-apart steak simmered in a hearty tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and mushrooms. The slow baking process lets all the flavors meld together, creating a rich gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or warm buttered rice.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty weekend meal or a slow cooker dinner you can set and forget, this Swiss steak recipe delivers every time. It’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and filled with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy households and anyone craving a nostalgic taste of home.

 

 

What You’ll Need

For the Steak:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 lbs cube steak or round steak, sliced
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1–2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Pinch of celery seed (optional)

For Thickening (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water

 

 

How to Make Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak

1. Prep & Sear: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Coat steak in the mixture. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and brown steak on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, cook onion, celery, pepper, and mushrooms until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
3. Build Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, sugar, and celery seed. Return steak to pot, submerging in sauce.
4. Bake: Cover and bake 1 ½–2 hours until steak is fork-tender.
5. Thicken (Optional): Mix cornstarch with water and stir into sauce, simmering until thickened. Serve hot.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender & Flavorful: Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable cuts of beef without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Works in the oven or slow cooker.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Loved by kids and adults alike.

 

 

Tips for Success

• Browning the meat first adds depth of flavor—don’t skip it.
• For extra richness, replace ½ cup of the beef broth with red wine.
• If using a slow cooker, reduce broth to 1 cup and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
• Serve with buttery mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort pairing.

 

 

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Herb Lovers: Stir in fresh parsley or rosemary before serving.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots or parsnips for a heartier stew-like version.

 

 

FAQs

1. Can I use chuck steak instead of cube steak?
Yes, but increase baking time until tender.

2. Is Swiss steak actually from Switzerland?
No, it refers to the “swissing” technique (tenderizing), not the country.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, up to 3 months in an airtight container.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging.

5. What’s the best side dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.

6. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and tastes richer the next day.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, substitute 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes.

8. Will it work with chicken?
Yes, but reduce baking time to 45–60 minutes.

9. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, replace part of the broth with dry red wine.

10. How do I thicken without cornstarch?
Simmer uncovered until sauce reduces naturally.

 

 

Health Benefits

While Swiss steak is a comfort food, it offers nutritional benefits like protein for muscle health, vegetables for fiber and vitamins, and the option to use lean cuts of beef to reduce fat.

 

How to Serve

Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, with crusty bread to soak up the gravy.

 

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare up to 2 days before serving and reheat gently.
• Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.