How to Make Delicious Homemade Swiss Steak
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, Swiss steak is a must-try. Despite its name, this classic dish isn’t from Switzerland—it’s an American creation named after the process of "swissing," which refers to tenderizing the beef. This recipe takes inexpensive cuts of beef, transforms them into fork-tender bites, and simmers them in a rich, savory sauce.
Let’s dive into how to make this hearty meal at home.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Steak:
2 lbs of top round or London broil, cut into 8 pieces
½ cup all-purpose flour (may need more depending on beef thickness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Neutral oil for frying (like avocado or olive oil)
For the Sauce:
2 large onions, chopped
1 large carrot (or 2 medium), chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 can (28 oz) plum tomatoes, crushed
1 ¼ cups low-sodium beef stock
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare and Tenderize the Beef
Start by cutting the top round or London broil into 8 equal pieces. This makes the steaks easier to tenderize and cook.
Place each piece between plastic wrap and pound them to about ¼ to ½ inch thick using the flat side of a meat mallet. This process breaks down the fibers, making the meat more tender.
Once tenderized, season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Coat and Sear the Beef
Dredge each steak lightly in flour, shaking off the excess. This coating helps create a delicious crust when seared.
Heat a non-stick, stainless steel, or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat with a neutral oil.
Sear each piece for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if needed and set the seared steaks aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 10 to 15 minutes until softened, adding a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in 1 ¼ cups of low-sodium beef stock and bring it to a boil for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Add the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and a teaspoon of coarse black pepper.
Bring everything to a lively simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Braise the Beef
Nestle the seared steaks back into the sauce, along with any juices they released.
Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 90 minutes to 2 hours, flipping the steaks every 30 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or extra beef stock to loosen it up.
Optional: You can also braise the dish in the oven at 275–300°F if you prefer hands-off cooking.
Final Touches and Serving
Once the beef is fork-tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed. If the dish feels too rich, a splash of white wine, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice can add brightness.
Serve the Swiss steak over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive cuts of beef and simple pantry ingredients.
Rich and Flavorful: The long, slow braise brings out deep, savory flavors.
Versatile: Pairs well with rice, potatoes, or noodles.
This homemade Swiss steak is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a cozy night in or a hearty Sunday dinner, this dish delivers every time.
Enjoy!
Would you like more comforting beef recipes like this? Let us know in the comments!
