Easy Swiss Steak Recipe

If you’re in search of a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and flavorful for everyone, consider making this easy Swiss Steak recipe. 

Best Cooking Method for Making Swiss Steak

Swiss steak is a classic comfort food that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. For Swiss steak, the best cooking method involves searing the meat on both sides on a skillet and then simmering it in a flavorful tomato-based sauce using an Instant Pot. This braising technique ensures tender meat with a rich, savory taste.

Tips for Perfect Swiss Steak

• Pick the right cut of meat: Swiss steak is traditionally made using a tough cut of beef, such as round steak. When slow-cooked, this meat gets really tender and juicy.
• Tenderize properly: Before cooking, tenderize the meat using a meat mallet to help break down the tough fibers and ensure a tender result. If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use other similar kitchen tools.
• Sear for flavor: Searing the meat before slow-cooking adds depth to the flavor and creates a caramelized crust that has its own beautiful flavor.
• Use a flavorful liquid: A combination of beef broth and diced tomatoes can add a rich and savory taste to your Swiss steak. The acidity also helps tenderize the meat.
• Low and slow cooking: Swiss steak is best cooked using low heat for an extended period. This slow cooking method tenderizes the meat and infuses the meat with all the wonderful flavors.

How to Season Swiss Steak for Best Flavor

To season Swiss steak for the best flavor, consider the following:

• Salt and pepper: Season the meat generously with salt and pepper before searing and if you’re aiming for a stripped down yet delicious version.
• Garlic and onions: Sauté minced garlic and sliced onions to add aromatic depth to the dish.
• Herbs and spices: Consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves for a fragrant aroma and to add some freshness to the dish.
• Worcestershire sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami flavor of the dish, incorporating new layers of flavor.

Classic Swiss Steak Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds round steak, cut into serving-size pieces
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Season the round steak pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear all the steak pieces until they’re browned on both sides. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the skillet. Mix well.
5. Return the seared steak pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture.
6. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the Swiss steak gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. You can also use an Instant Pot if you have no time to watch the steaks as they cook.
7. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and discard.
8. Serve the Swiss steak over your preferred side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, spooning the flavorful tomato and onion sauce over the top.

Notes

• For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
• Customize the seasoning and herbs according to your taste preferences.
• Refrigerate the leftovers and reheat for another delicious meal.

Conclusion

This easy Swiss steak recipe provides a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. The slow-cooked meat becomes tender and infused with the delicious tomato and onion sauce. So don’t wait any longer, enjoy this classic comfort food!

Classic Swiss Steak

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Course Main Course

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs round steak, cut into serving-size pieces
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; for dredging
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

 

• Season the round steak pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess.
• In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear all the steak pieces until they're browned on both sides. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the skillet. Mix well.
• Return the seared steak pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture.
• Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the Swiss steak gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. You can also use an Instant Pot if you have no time to watch the steaks as they cook.
• Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and discard.
• Serve the Swiss steak over your preferred side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, spooning the flavorful tomato and onion sauce over the top.

Notes

• For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
• Customize the seasoning and herbs according to your taste preferences.
• Refrigerate the leftovers and reheat for another delicious meal.

*Photo by Richard Melton licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0