When it comes to hearty, home-cooked meals, nothing beats old-fashioned Swiss steak. Tender beef braised until it practically falls apart, simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy, and flavored with simple pantry staples—this dish is pure comfort on a plate. It’s the kind of timeless recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family come back for seconds.
Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Round steak | 1 ½ pounds |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Olive oil or vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Large onion, thinly sliced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Diced tomatoes, with juice | 1 (14.5 oz) can |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Beef broth or water | ½ cup |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) | For garnish |
Instructions:
Preheat Oven & Prep Steak:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Trim excess fat from the steak and cut into serving-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Steak:
Place flour in a shallow dish and dredge each steak piece, shaking off the extra. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the steak on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add sliced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
Braise:
Return steak to the skillet, laying it over the onions. Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, oregano, and thyme. Stir gently to combine.
Cook to Tenderness:
Bring everything to a simmer, cover with a lid or tightly with foil, and transfer to the oven. Cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until the steak is fork-tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
This old-fashioned Swiss steak is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, hearty, and unforgettable.