Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Food

 Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Food

Swiss steak is the epitome of comfort food—a classic dish that is as satisfying as it is delicious. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak features a hearty cut of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy that’s packed with flavorful vegetables. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, this dish combines tender, seared steak with a luxurious sauce that perfectly complements the meat. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple, yet offers impressive results that will make anyone feel like a professional chef.

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Why You'll Love Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak

Swiss steak is adored for a few key reasons. First, the slow cooking process tenderizes the steak to perfection, making it so soft that it almost melts in your mouth. The savory gravy, infused with garlic, onion, and other aromatic vegetables, is both rich and comforting—a classic flavor combination that feels like a hug in a bowl. This dish is also easy to make and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special Sunday meal.

The beauty of Swiss steak lies in its versatility. You can serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles to soak up the rich gravy. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, as the flavors only improve when reheated the next day.

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Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a succulent, flavorful dish. Let’s break them down:

1. 2 lbs of Steak (Round or Shoulder)

These cuts are perfect for Swiss steak because they’re hearty and become incredibly tender when braised in the gravy.

2. ¼ Cup All-Purpose Flour

The flour creates a light coating on the steak, helping it brown and adding a slight crispiness to the exterior, while also thickening the gravy.

3. ½ Teaspoon Salt & ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper

These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the steak and vegetables. Adjust to taste based on your preferences.

4. 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

Garlic powder imparts a deep, aromatic flavor to the meat and sauce, complementing the savory elements of the dish.

5. ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil

Used for searing the steak, this oil helps create a crispy, golden exterior on the meat, sealing in the juices and flavor.

6. 1 Medium Onion, Diced

Onion adds both sweetness and depth to the dish, caramelizing in the pot as it cooks and infusing the gravy with a rich flavor.

7. 1–2 Stalks Celery, Diced

Celery provides a fresh, crisp texture and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the richness of the gravy.

8. 1 Green Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced

The bell pepper adds color, texture, and a slightly sweet flavor that brightens the dish.

9. 8 oz Mushrooms, Sliced

Mushrooms bring a umami richness to the sauce, making the gravy even more savory and satisfying.

10. 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced

Fresh garlic enhances the flavor profile, adding a bit of heat and complexity to the sauce.

11. 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste

The tomato paste adds a depth of richness and slightly tangy sweetness, helping balance the savory flavors.

12. 2 Cups Beef Broth

Beef broth is the base of the gravy, imparting a hearty flavor and helping tenderize the steak as it simmers.

13. 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce enhance the savory notes of the gravy and add a subtle tang.

14. 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

Thyme infuses the gravy with a herbaceous aroma, complementing the earthy flavors of the vegetables and steak.

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How to Make Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak

Follow these easy-to-follow steps to create a mouthwatering Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak that’s guaranteed to impress.

Step 1: Prep the Steak

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.

3. Dredge the 2 lbs of steak in the flour mixture, coating it evenly on both sides. This will help develop a crispy, flavorful exterior when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

1. Heat ¼ cup vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Once the oil is hot, add the coated steaks and brown them on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is key for locking in the flavors.

3. Remove the steaks from the pot and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add onion, celery, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors.

2. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The tomato paste will caramelize and deepen the flavor of the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Gravy

1. Pour in beef broth and stir in Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

2. Return the browned steaks to the pot, nestling them into the gravy. Bring everything to a simmer.

Step 5: Braise in the Oven

1. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.

2. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the steaks are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The long cooking time ensures the steak becomes incredibly tender, and the gravy thickens beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Swiss Steak

Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Round or shoulder steaks are ideal for this dish as they benefit from slow cooking. These cuts may be tougher initially but become fall-apart tender after simmering in the gravy.

Don’t Rush the Searing: Searing the steaks creates a flavorful crust that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Be patient and let the steaks get a nice golden-brown exterior before removing them.

Adjust the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, simply simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.

Rest the Steaks: After the steaks are done cooking, let them rest in the gravy for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful gravy. Creamy potatoes are a perfect match for the rich sauce.

Pair the steak with a simple green vegetable, such as steamed green beans or sautéed spinach, to add freshness and balance to the meal.

For an extra touch, serve with a side of buttered bread to soak up every last drop of the savory gravy.

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Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Swiss Steak Recipe

This Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is a dish that’s both comforting and impressive—perfect for family dinners or when you want to make something special without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s a meal that’s easy to prepare, yet feels like it’s been simmering all day. The tender steak, flavorful gravy, and variety of vegetables make it a complete, satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal for two, this recipe promises to deliver rich, comforting f

lavors every time. Its simplicity and versatility make it the kind of meal that you’ll come back to again and again. Try it today, and let the comforting flavors of this Swiss steak win you over.