Swiss steak with gravy is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by individuals and families alike for many generations. This dish features a tender, usually slow-cooked, and juicy steak smothered in a savory brown gravy, making it the perfect hearty meal to serve at any party or simply as a nice weeknight dinner for yourself.
In this article, we will help you explore how to make a Swiss steak, gravy ideas, and even the best cooking method you can use when preparing this delicious dish. We’ll also give you access to a traditional Swiss steak recipe that’s easy to follow, so you can recreate this dish whenever and wherever you like.
Table of Contents
Preparing the Swiss Steak
Preparing a Swiss steak always begins with picking the right cut of meat. Ideally, you should use a relatively tough piece of meat like chuck or round steak for this recipe because, despite their tenderness, they are very flavorful. To ensure the steak cooks tender and even, it is important that you pound the steaks on both sides using a meat mallet. This is one of the easiest ways to tenderize the meat and guarantee that you work with uniform thickness. After all, you wouldn’t want to eat or serve steak that melts in your mouth on one side yet chewy on another.
Once properly prepared, you can proceed to season. Normally, Swiss steak recipes only require a simple combination of salt, pepper, and flour to create that crunchy and light coating. This coating should lock in the moisture and flavors while cooking and is a great way to add more flavors to the steaks.
Different Gravy Recipe Ideas
There are several variations of gravy you can choose from based on your preferences. Still, the most popular type used in Swiss steak recipes is classic savory brown gravy. This easy recipe is created by mixing beef broth, flour, and seasonings. Normally, this gravy is created using the same pan the Swiss steak was cooked in, which is also why this type of gravy perfectly complements the savory flavors of the meat.
Other popular gravy variations include onion gravy, tomato gravy, and mushroom gravy. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile that will highlight the deep beefy flavors of the steaks in different ways, so customizing the dish to your liking once you’re more comfortable is highly encouraged.
What’s the Best Cooking Method for Making Swiss Steak With Gravy?
When making Swiss steak with gravy, many people prefer the traditional braising method. Braising is the simple process of browning the steak on both sides in a hot skillet before transferring it to an oven-safe dish or slow cooker, where it will cook slowly in your gravy of choice until tender. This slow cooking process is gentle enough to allow the flavors of the gravy to infuse the meat without burning or overcooking. Browning of the meat guarantees moisture retention so the steak remains tender throughout the long cooking process.
Traditional Swiss Steak With Savory Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs round or chuck steak, cut into serving-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Season the steaks liberally with salt and pepper. Dip each piece on both sides in flour, then shake off any excess.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces on both sides until browned but not toasted, then remove from the skillet and set aside. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook until translucent and slightly browned, around 5 minutes.
- Slowly mix the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-high once the gravy bubbles.
- Place the browned steaks back into the skillet, spooning some gravy over the top. Cover with the lid and move the skillet to your preheated oven.
- Allow to cook for 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until the gravy has thickened and the steak is tender. If it’s your first time making this recipe, you can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Additional Notes
- Customize the gravy with your favorite ingredients, and don’t feel limited by recipes you find. The same applies to any additional side dishes you wish to serve with your Swiss steak.
- If you don’t have access to an oven, your Swiss steak can also be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
Conclusion
Swiss steak with gravy is a classic that will please everyone, no matter the event. By following the steps we provided in this article and our traditional Swiss steak recipe, you should be able to recreate this delicious meal and enjoy it whenever you want. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the best combination that works for you!
Traditional Swiss Steak With Savory Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 lbs round or chuck steak, cut into serving-sized pieces
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Season the steaks liberally with salt and pepper. Dip each piece on both sides in flour, then shake off any excess.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces on both sides until browned but not toasted, then remove from the skillet and set aside. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook until translucent and slightly browned, around 5 minutes.
- Slowly mix the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-high once the gravy bubbles.
- Place the browned steaks back into the skillet, spooning some gravy over the top. Cover with the lid and move the skillet to your preheated oven.
- Allow to cook for 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until the gravy has thickened and the steak is tender. If it’s your first time making this recipe, you can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Notes
- Customize the gravy with your favorite ingredients, and don’t feel limited by recipes you find. The same applies to any additional side dishes you wish to serve with your Swiss steak.
- If you don’t have access to an oven, your Swiss steak can also be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.