Swiss steak is a comforting, slow-cooked dish known for its tenderized beef, rich tomato-based gravy, and deep, savory flavors.
Despite the name, Swiss steak is not Swiss in origin—the term “Swiss” refers to the technique of pounding or rolling meat to tenderize it.
This classic meal has been a staple in home kitchens for generations because it transforms affordable cuts of beef into fork-tender, flavorful dinners.
Below are 13 delicious Swiss steak recipes, each offering a unique twist while staying true to the hearty essence of this beloved dish.
1. Classic Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak
This traditional Swiss steak recipe focuses on simplicity and slow cooking.
Tenderized round steak is lightly floured, seared until golden, and then simmered in a rich tomato gravy with onions and bell peppers.
As it cooks low and slow, the meat absorbs the sauce, becoming incredibly tender.
This version is perfect for those who love nostalgic, home-style meals that pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
Ingredients
- Round steak
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Onion, sliced
- Green bell pepper, sliced
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Garlic
- Beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Tenderize the Steak
Pound the round steak evenly using a meat mallet until it is noticeably thinner and tender. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then lightly coat both sides with flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Step 4: Slow Simmer
Return the steak to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 1½ to 2 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
2. Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you.
The slow cooker gently breaks down the beef fibers, resulting in exceptionally tender steak infused with tomato and onion flavors.
Ingredients
- Cube steak
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
- Onion
- Mushrooms
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Coat
Season the steak with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Place sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the steak on top.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Pour crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth over the meat.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours until the steak is tender and flavorful.
3. Oven-Baked Swiss Steak
Oven-baked Swiss steak delivers consistent heat and deep flavor. Baking allows the sauce to thicken beautifully while keeping the meat moist.
Ingredients
- Round steak
- Flour
- Paprika
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Tomato juice
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Steak
Season and flour the steak, then sear it in olive oil until lightly browned.
Step 2: Assemble for Baking
Transfer the steak to a baking dish. Add onions, peppers, garlic, and tomato juice.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover tightly with foil and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 2 hours until tender.
4. Swiss Steak with Mushrooms
This version adds earthy mushrooms that deepen the sauce and enhance the savory flavor profile.
Ingredients
- Tenderized beef steak
- Flour
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Flour and brown the steak in a skillet, then remove.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Sauté mushrooms and onions until golden.
Step 3: Simmer Together
Add tomato sauce, broth, thyme, and steak. Simmer gently until tender.
5. Swiss Steak with Red Wine Sauce
This elegant variation uses red wine to add depth and richness, making it perfect for special dinners.
Ingredients
- Beef round steak
- Flour
- Onion
- Garlic
- Red wine
- Crushed tomatoes
- Beef stock
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Season the flour, and sear it until browned.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pan
Add red wine to the pan, scraping up browned bits.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Add tomatoes, stock, and steak. Simmer until tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Swiss Steak with Carrots and Celery
This hearty version includes vegetables that cook down into the sauce, adding sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
- Beef steak
- Flour
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Tenderize, season, and flour the steak.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Sauté carrots, celery, and onion before adding sauce ingredients.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Return the steak and cook slowly until the vegetables are soft and the meat is tender.
7. Spicy Swiss Steak
This bold recipe adds heat while keeping the comforting texture intact.
Ingredients
- Beef steak
- Flour
- Chili flakes
- Onion
- Jalapeño
- Tomato sauce
- Garlic
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season with Spice
Add chili flakes to the flour before coating the steak.
Step 2: Build Heat
Sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeño.
Step 3: Slow Simmer
Add sauce and steak, cooking until tender.
8. Creamy Swiss Steak
A creamy twist that blends tomato and dairy for a rich sauce.
Ingredients
- Beef steak
- Flour
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
- Heavy cream
- Butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Steak
Flour and sear the steak until golden.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Combine tomato sauce with cream and butter.
Step 3: Cook Gently
Simmer steak in sauce until tender and creamy.
9. Swiss Steak with Italian Herbs
This version brings Mediterranean flair using aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- Beef steak
- Flour
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
- Basil
- Oregano
- Garlic
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Meat
Add dried herbs to the flour before coating.
Step 2: Cook Aromatics
Sauté onion and garlic.
Step 3: Simmer with Herbs
Add sauce, herbs, and steak, then cook until tender.
10. Swiss Steak with Brown Gravy
A non-tomato alternative that’s rich and savory.
Ingredients
- Beef steak
- Flour
- Onion
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Steak
Flour and sear the steak.
Step 2: Create the Gravy
Add onions, broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Simmer until the steak is tender, and the gravy thickens.
11. Swiss Steak with Bell Pepper Medley
Colorful peppers add sweetness and visual appeal.
Ingredients
- Beef steak
- Flour
- Red, green, and yellow bell peppers
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Brown floured steak in oil.
Step 2: Add Peppers
Sauté peppers and onion.
Step 3: Simmer Together
Add tomato sauce and steak, cooking until tender.
12. Swiss Steak with Garlic and Onion
A bold, aromatic version that highlights simple flavors.
Ingredients
- Beef steak
- Flour
- Garlic
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Tenderize, season, and flour the meat.
Step 2: Cook Garlic and Onion
Sauté until fragrant and golden.
Step 3: Simmer Slowly
Add sauce, broth, and steak, cooking until tender.
13. Swiss Steak with Potatoes
A complete one-pot meal where potatoes soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- Beef steak
- Flour
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Steak
Flour and sear the steak.
Step 2: Add Potatoes
Layer sliced potatoes and onions around the steak.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Add sauce and broth, then simmer until potatoes are tender and steak is fork-soft.
Conclusion
Swiss steak recipes are a perfect example of how simple techniques and humble ingredients can create deeply satisfying meals.
These 13 recipes offer something for every taste, proving that Swiss steak remains a timeless comfort food worth revisiting again and again.