Dinner

Swiss Steak Recipe

ByElara Stone February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Introduction

Swiss steak is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tenderized beef simmered in a flavorful tomato and vegetable sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice. This classic recipe is simple to prepare and delivers rich, savory flavors in every bite.

A round bowl with two main layers fills the frame: one side with creamy, smooth mashed potatoes, light beige in color with a few small lumps and sprinkled with green parsley bits, and the other side with a thick, rich red tomato-based sauce covering chunks of meat and diced orange carrots, also topped with some green herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with part of another white bowl and golden forks blurred in the background, and a dark gray cloth partly visible at the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 the onion powder, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, pepper, and flour. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the steak pieces and brown them on both sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Transfer the browned steak to a plate.
Step 3: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and green bell pepper with ½ teaspoon salt for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 4: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Return the steak to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the steak is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Serve your Swiss steak hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the tomato sauce during simmering.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a teaspoon of tomato paste while cooking the vegetables.
Swap out green bell pepper for red or yellow for a sweeter taste.
Use a meat mallet to tenderize the steak before dredging to ensure maximum tenderness.

Storage

Store leftover Swiss steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors often improve after a day, making it a great make-ahead meal.

How to Serve

A white pot filled with thick red tomato sauce containing six pieces of cooked beef layered evenly inside, with visible bits of diced orange carrots and green herbs mixed throughout the sauce. The surface of the sauce glistens with oil and is garnished with small green herb leaves scattered on top. To the left of the pot is a small wooden bowl with chopped green herbs, and below that a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a grey and white striped cloth wrapped partly under the right handle of the pot. A spatula with a wooden handle and grey blade lies on the right side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Swiss steak?

Yes, tougher cuts like chuck or round steak work best as they become tender during the slow cooking process. Avoid very lean cuts as they may become dry.