Easy Swiss Steak is a tender, juicy dish made with beef, tomatoes, and onions simmered together. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for dinner!
It’s simple to make and pairs great with mashed potatoes or rice. I love that it cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash later! Who doesn’t like that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Round Steak: This is the star of the dish! Round steak is economical and becomes tender when simmered. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with flank steak or chuck steak, but be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Vegetable Oil: This oil helps sear the steak and cook the veggies. You can swap it with olive oil or even butter for added flavor, just be careful not to burn the butter as it has a lower smoke point.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a great base for the sauce. Fresh tomatoes can work too, especially if you need to use them up! Just chop them finely and consider adding a bit of sugar to balance the acidity.
Mushrooms: They add earthiness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out. You can also use canned mushrooms if you prefer, but they do lack the texture of fresh ones.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Steak in Swiss Steak?
The key to perfectly tender steak is a low and slow cooking method. You want to allow the tougher cuts of meat to break down over time.
- Start with a good sear to develop flavor but don’t skip the simmering part!
- Make sure to cover your skillet after adding the steak back; this keeps moisture in.
- Check the meat periodically to ensure it’s not drying out.
Patience is key here! You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is fork-tender. Enjoy the amazing aroma while it cooks!
How to Make Easy Swiss Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 4 pieces of round steak (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Vegetables and Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green or red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Swiss Steak recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 1 to 1½ hours of simmering. Total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes until your delicious meal is ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by seasoning the round steak pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess flour. This will help create a tasty crust when you brown the steak.
2. Brown the Steak:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the floured steak pieces and brown them on both sides until they are nicely seared, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-5 minutes, or until they start to soften and become fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, water or beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
5. Simmer the Steak:
Return the browned steak back to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1½ hours. This slow cooking time is where the magic happens—your steak will become tender and melt in your mouth!
6. Final Seasoning:
After the simmering time, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. You want it to be flavorful!
7. Serve:
When you’re ready to eat, serve the Swiss steak hot over cooked rice or a fluffy pile of mashed potatoes. Spoon some of that rich tomato and vegetable sauce over the top, and enjoy this hearty and comforting dish!
Dig in and savor your meal! 😋
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat for Swiss Steak?
Absolutely! While round steak is traditional, you can also use chuck steak or flank steak. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so ensure the meat is tender before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Diced Tomatoes?
If you don’t have canned diced tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes chopped finely or crushed tomatoes as an alternative. Just adjust the liquid amount slightly to maintain the desired sauce consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the Swiss steak for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the steak and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a perfectly tender Swiss steak!
