The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

This Smothered Swiss Steak recipe is a nostalgic dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe features tender cubed steak braised in a rich tomato gravy, complemented by mushrooms, peppers, and onions. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty Flavor – The combination of beef broth, tomatoes, and spices creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
• Simple Preparation – With easy steps, this recipe allows you to whip up a delicious meal without fuss.
• Versatile Serving Options – Pair it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly – It’s a dish the whole family will enjoy, making it ideal for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Swiss Steak recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Large resealable plastic bag
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for slurry

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy pot: This tool is essential for browning the meat and simmering the gravy evenly.
• Large resealable plastic bag: Perfect for coating the steak with flour without making a mess in your kitchen.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Coating

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic

For the Steak

• 2 pounds cubed steak or round steak (cut into serving-size pieces if necessary)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or other high-temperature cooking oil)

For the Vegetables and Sauce

• 1 onion, diced
• 1-2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced or stewed tomatoes (or use 1 pint of home-canned tomatoes)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 pinch celery seed (optional)

For Thickening the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons of water + 2 tablespoons cornstarch

How to Make The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. This initial step ensures that your Swiss steak cooks evenly throughout.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak Coating

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic.
2. Add cubed steak pieces to the bag in batches. Shake gently to coat each piece evenly with the flour mixture.

Step 3: Brown the Steaks

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
1. Brown steaks on both sides until a golden crust forms.
2. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and add onion, celery, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the same pot.
1. Sauté vegetables for about 6–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add more oil if needed and stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, sugar, and celery seed into the pot.
1. Stir gently to mix while scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Return browned steaks back into the pot so they are submerged in sauce.

Step 6: Bake Until Tender

Cover your pot and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 1½ to 2 hours until the meat is fork-tender.

Step 7: Thicken Gravy

Once done baking:
1. Carefully remove pot from oven; transfer steaks to a plate leaving gravy behind.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
3. Stir this mixture into gravy on stovetop over medium heat until it thickens.

Step 8: Serve

Serve steaks generously topped with gravy alongside mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or cooked white rice for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

Serving the best old-fashioned Swiss steak can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides that complement its rich flavors and comforting texture.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice, providing a smooth texture that absorbs the savory gravy perfectly.

Over Buttered Noodles

• Serve Swiss steak over buttered egg noodles for a delightful meal. The noodles soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite memorable.

Alongside Cooked White Rice

• Cooked white rice is another great option, offering a neutral base that balances the robust flavors of the steak and gravy.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pairing Swiss steak with steamed vegetables adds freshness to your plate. Consider broccoli or green beans for a colorful and nutritious side.

On a Bed of Polenta

• For something different, try serving the steak on creamy polenta. This Italian-inspired side adds richness and complements the dish beautifully.

With Crusty Bread

• A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful gravy. It adds a rustic touch to your meal and enhances the overall dining experience.

How to Perfect The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

Perfecting this recipe ensures every bite is full of flavor and tenderness. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:

• Choose quality meat: Use fresh cubed steak or round steak for better tenderness and flavor.
• Brown properly: Ensure you brown the meat well for added depth in taste. This step creates a delicious crust that enhances the overall flavor.
• Don’t rush the cooking process: Slow braising is key to achieving fork-tender meat, so avoid skipping or shortening this step.
• Customize seasoning: Feel free to adjust herbs like thyme or add bay leaves for extra flavor according to your taste preferences.
• Use homemade broth: If possible, use homemade beef broth for richer flavor compared to store-bought options.
• Thicken wisely: Mix cornstarch and water thoroughly before adding it to the gravy to avoid clumps and ensure smooth consistency.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Swiss steak enhances your meal’s overall satisfaction. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make for an irresistible pairing.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts add a sweet crunch, balancing the richness of the steak.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a fresh contrast to the hearty flavors of Swiss steak.
4. Sweet Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness that complements savory gravy perfectly.
5. Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed with honey offer a touch of sweetness alongside savory dishes.
6. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Rich macaroni and cheese makes an indulgent side that kids will love too.
7. Sautéed Green Beans Almondine: Nutty green beans provide both flavor and texture, enhancing your meal’s appeal.
8. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is light yet satisfying when served with rich gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Not browning the steak properly: Skipping the browning step can lead to less flavor. Take your time to achieve a nice crust on each side for richer taste.
• Overcooking or undercooking the meat: Cooking the steak for too long can make it tough, while not cooking it enough may result in chewy meat. Aim for fork-tenderness by checking periodically.
• Ignoring the importance of sautéing vegetables: Failing to sauté vegetables before adding them can leave them bland. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant for better flavor infusion.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry step: Neglecting to thicken the gravy means a watery sauce. Always combine cornstarch with water before adding it to ensure a smooth gravy.
• Using low-quality broth: A weak broth will diminish the overall flavor of your dish. Opt for a high-quality beef broth or homemade stock for depth and richness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with dates!

Reheating The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and reheat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe that might help you out:

How do I make The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider using homemade beef broth and adding fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley.

Can I use chicken instead of beef in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute cubed chicken breast or thighs; just adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken cooks faster than beef.

What sides pair well with The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe?

This dish goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed green beans.

Can I prepare The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

The Best Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Recipe is a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it perfect for family dinners. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices!