Easy Swiss Steak

4.7
(38)
30 Reviews
10 Photos

This Swiss steak recipe is from my mom. The beef is simmered in a delicious tomato sauce with bell peppers. Serve with potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Submitted by nixxie
Updated on December 13, 2023
10
10
10
10
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 5 mins
Servings:
6
Jump to Nutrition Facts

This swiss steak recipe is the perfect old-fashioned comfort food to satisfy your cravings.

What Is Swiss Steak? 

Swiss steak, despite what you may have been told, is not actually from Switzerland. Instead, the dish gets its name from the culinary technique of “swissing,” or tenderizing a tough cut of meat. The beef round steak in this recipe is tenderized by slow cooking in a tomato sauce. 

My Mother's Swiss Steak

Swiss Steak vs. Salisbury Steak

Swiss steak is made with actual steak, while Salisbury steak is made from ground beef that has been formed into a patty. That’s not all: Swiss steak is cooked in a tomato mixture, while Salisbury steak is topped with gravy. 

How to Make Swiss Steak

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Swiss Steak Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade swiss steak recipe: 

  • Flour: Coat the steaks in all-purpose flour before browning. 
  • Seasonings: Simply season the steak with salt and ground black pepper, then flavor the sauce with onion powder (plus more salt and pepper). 
  • Beef: Two pounds of beef round steak (cut 1-inch thick) should serve six. 
  • Oil: Sear the floured steak in two tablespoons of vegetable oil. 
  • Canned tomatoes: You’ll need a can of diced tomatoes for the sauce. 
  • Bell pepper: Cook a minced green bell pepper with the tomato sauce. 

How Do You Make Swiss Steak? 

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this old-fashioned Swiss steak: 

  1. Coat the meat in flour, season with salt and pepper, and sear in vegetable oil. 
  2. Reduce heat to low, pour in water, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender.
  3. Mix the tomatoes, pepper, onion powder, and remaining salt and pepper until combined.
  4. Pour the tomato sauce over the steak and simmer until the sauce has thickened.

What to Serve With Swiss Steak

Complete your meal with one of these side dishes that pairs perfectly with swiss steak: 

How to Store Swiss Steak

Store your leftover swiss steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 2 pounds beef round steak, cut 1-inch thick

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • ¼ cup water, or as needed

  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • ½ cup minced green bell pepper

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Stir flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl until combined; sprinkle over steak. Pound flour mixture into meat with a mallet or the edge of a sturdy plate.

  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook floured steak in hot oil until browned on both sides, about 15 minutes. Reduce heat to low and pour in water. Cover the skillet and simmer until meat is tender, about 1 hour. Add more water to the skillet if needed to prevent burning.

  3. Mix together tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl until combined; pour over steak in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes.

60 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

262 Calories
12g Fat
7g Carbs
29g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 262
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 76mg 25%
Sodium 549mg 24%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 29g 57%
Vitamin C 15mg 17%
Calcium 32mg 2%
Iron 4mg 24%
Potassium 496mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.