Classic Comfort from the Oven

If you’re in the mood for a stick-to-your-ribs, slow-simmered comfort meal, then you’ll fall in love with this Hearty Homestyle Swiss Steak. Tenderized beef steaks are braised low and slow in a rich tomato-onion gravy, creating that classic diner-style dish that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

I love this recipe because it’s budget-friendly, made with simple ingredients, and transforms even tough cuts of meat into fork-tender bites. It’s the kind of meal you serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and sop up every last bit of that savory sauce.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: What is Swiss steak, and is it Swiss?

Despite the name, it’s not from Switzerland. The term “Swiss” refers to the method of tenderizing meat by pounding and slow-cooking it in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

Q: What kind of meat should I use?

Traditionally made with round steak or cube steak, but chuck steak or bottom round also works well once tenderized.

Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! After searing the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker or pressure cooker and cook until the meat is tender.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely. Carrots, celery, and mushrooms are classic add-ins that make it even heartier.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! It tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What You Need to Make Hearty Homestyle Swiss Steak

• 1½ to 2 lbs beef round steak (or cube steak), tenderized
• Salt & pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup beef broth

How to Make Hearty Homestyle Swiss Steak

Step 1: Prep and Tenderize the Steak

1. Pat the steak dry and cut into serving-size pieces.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and dredge in flour.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

5. In the same pan, add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

6. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, paprika, thyme, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer or Bake Until Tender

7. Return the steak to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
8. Cover and simmer on low for 1½ to 2 hours, OR bake covered at 325°F (165°C) for the same time.

Step 6: Serve

9. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles with a ladle of that savory tomato gravy on top.

Tips for the Best Swiss Steak

✔ Pound the meat if using round steak—it tenderizes and helps absorb flavor.
✔ Brown the meat first for deeper flavor.
✔ Don’t rush the simmering—slow cooking is what makes it melt-in-your-mouth.
✔ Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic.
✔ Make it in bulk and freeze for busy nights—Swiss steak reheats beautifully.

Reader Reviews

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “Tastes just like my grandma’s! The steak was so tender and the sauce was perfect with mashed potatoes.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “This is a new staple in our house. I added mushrooms and it was incredible.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Super flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. Total comfort food win!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Made it in the Instant Pot—so good and quick! Love the tomato-onion gravy.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “My picky eaters went back for seconds. Enough said!”

Printable Recipe

Hearty Homestyle Swiss Steak

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

This Hearty Homestyle Swiss Steak is classic comfort food! Tenderized beef slow-simmered in a rich tomato-onion gravy until melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

Print

Ingredients

• 1½ to 2 lbs beef round steak (or cube steak), tenderized
• Salt & pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Tenderize the Steak

1. Pat the steak dry and cut into serving-size pieces.
   
2. Season with salt, pepper, and dredge in flour.
   

Step 2: Sear the Meat

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
   
2. Sear the steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
   

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pan, add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
   

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, paprika, thyme, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
   

Step 5: Simmer or Bake Until Tender

1. Return the steak to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
   
2. Cover and simmer on low for 1½ to 2 hours, OR bake covered at 325°F (165°C) for the same time.
   

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles with a ladle of that savory tomato gravy on top.

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