This recipe for Swiss steak is a family favorite, passed down from my mother. It's a classic American dish that is hearty, flavorful, and tender. The steak is slow-cooked with a rich tomato sauce, onions, and bell peppers until it's fork-tender. Serve it over a bed of mashed potatoes or with a side of steamed vegetables for a delicious and comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for Sunday dinners or when you want to impress your guests. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of nostalgia!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds round steak, tenderized
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the round steak in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere the flour to the meat.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the steak and brown on both sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Return the browned steak to the skillet, submerging it in the tomato sauce mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and cook for 2 hours, or until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the Swiss steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Swiss steak over mashed potatoes or with a side of steamed vegetables. Spoon the tomato sauce over the steak and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Swiss steak is a misnomer as it does not have any Swiss origin. It is an American dish that has been popular since the early 1900s.
Tenderizing the round steak before cooking helps to break down the tough muscle fibers and results in a more tender and flavorful steak.
This recipe can easily be adapted for slow cooker or Instant Pot cooking methods. Simply follow the same steps until step 6, then transfer everything to your chosen cooking device and cook according to its instructions.