Swiss Steak Recipe
Introduction
Swiss steak is a comforting, slow-cooked dish featuring tender round steak simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty family meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds round steak (sliced into 6-8 rectangular pieces)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp salt (divided)
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ⅓ cup beef broth (add more as needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together onion powder, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, pepper, and flour. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the steak pieces and brown on both sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Step 3: Transfer the browned steak to a plate. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Then add the chopped onion, carrots, bell pepper, and ½ tsp salt. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Return the steak to the skillet, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes until the steak is fork tender.
- Step 6: Serve the Swiss steak hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak with the spices for 30 minutes before dredging in flour.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for deeper richness.
- Use leftover Swiss steak in sandwiches or wraps for a delicious second meal.
- If you prefer, cook the dish in a slow cooker after searing the steak and sautéing the vegetables for a hands-off option.
Storage
Store leftover Swiss steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, other tougher cuts like chuck steak or round tip steak work well as they become tender during the slow cooking process.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the steak.
PrintSwiss Steak Recipe
Swiss Steak is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tenderized round steak slow-cooked in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce. The beef is dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, seared to lock in flavors, and then simmered with onions, carrots, and bell peppers until fork-tender. Ideal for a family dinner, this classic American recipe pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds round steak, sliced into 6–8 rectangular pieces
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ cup flour
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ⅓ cup beef broth (add more as needed)
Instructions
- Dredge the steak: In a shallow dish, whisk together onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and flour. Dredge each piece of round steak thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Sear the steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the dredged steak pieces in the skillet and brown each side until a crust forms. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Sauté the vegetables: Remove the seared steak to a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add chopped onion, carrots, chopped green bell pepper, and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors.
- Boil the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil to meld the flavors.
- Simmer and slow cook: Lower the heat to a simmer. Return the seared steak to the skillet, submerging it in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid, and cook on low heat for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the steak becomes fork-tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, serve the Swiss steak hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust beef broth quantity to maintain desired sauce consistency while simmering.
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak with seasoning for 30 minutes before dredging if time permits.
- Using a heavy-bottomed skillet helps prevent scorching during the simmering process.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Keywords: Swiss steak, round steak recipe, braised beef, tomato sauce steak, comfort food, easy dinner, stovetop steak

