Description
This classic Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak recipe features tender cube steak simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy with aromatic vegetables. Slow-baked to perfection, it offers a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners. Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Steak and Coating
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 lbs cube steak or round steak (sliced)
Vegetables and Sauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1–2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp sugar
- Pinch of celery seed (optional)
Optional Thickening
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for slow baking the steak in a covered pot.
- Prepare and Brown Steak: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Coat each piece of steak in this mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat, then brown the coated steaks on both sides. Once browned, remove the steaks and set them aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until they start to soften. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 1–2 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the can of diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, sugar, and optional celery seed to the pot. Stir everything to combine the flavors well. Return the browned steaks to the pot, submerging them in the sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, until the steak is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Thicken Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the pot and simmer on the stovetop until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Swiss steak hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to enjoy the hearty, flavorful sauce.
Notes
- You can use either cube steak or round steak; cube steak is preferred for tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of vegetables to your liking or availability.
- For thicker sauce, the cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended.
- Leftover Swiss steak reheats well and flavors improve overnight.
- Serve with your preferred side such as mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
