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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak – Just Like Grandma Used to Make!

by Jennah
written by Jennah

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This cozy, comforting Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is the kind of hearty, home-cooked meal that warms your soul and brings everyone to the table with smiles. Featuring fork-tender beef simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy with savory veggies, it’s a timeless dish that’s just as delicious today as it was generations ago. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or need a crowd-pleaser for Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my husband—he took one bite, closed his eyes, and said, “This tastes like home.” It was a quiet winter evening, and I wanted something that felt warm and familiar. Now, it’s one of those recipes that gets requested almost weekly, especially when the weather cools down or we need a little comfort food magic. My kids even ask for seconds, and if you have picky eaters, you know that’s a victory worth celebrating!

Over time, this Swiss Steak has become our ultimate comfort food. We serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, and the gravy just melts into everything. It’s not just a dinner—it’s a tradition.

Why This Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak Belongs in Your Recipe Box

  • Fall-Apart Tenderness: This dish features tenderized cube or round steak that simmers slowly in the oven until it becomes irresistibly soft and flavorful.

  • Rich & Hearty Gravy: A savory tomato-based gravy packed with onions, garlic, mushrooms, and bell peppers infuses the meat with incredible flavor.

  • One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in a single Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, making clean-up a breeze.

  • Perfect for Family Dinners: Comforting, nostalgic, and soul-satisfying—this dish makes the ideal centerpiece for a cozy meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

  • 30g (¼ cup or 1 oz) all-purpose flour

  • 3g (½ tsp) salt

  • 1g (¼ tsp) ground black pepper

  • 3g (1 tsp) garlic powder

  • 900g (2 lbs) cube steak or thin-sliced round steak

  • 60ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 to 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 225g (8 oz) fresh mushrooms, sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 45g (3 tbsp) tomato paste

  • 425g (1 can, 15 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 480ml (2 cups) beef broth

  • 15ml (1 tbsp) Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • 5g (1 tsp) granulated sugar

  • A pinch of celery seed (optional)

  • 16g (2 tbsp) cornstarch + 30ml (2 tbsp) water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 165°C (325°F).

  2. Coat & Brown the Steak: In a shallow dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the steak pieces in the mixture, making sure each piece is well coated. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak until browned on both sides. Once done, transfer the meat to a plate.

  3. Sauté the Veggies: Using the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, and let it cook for another minute or two until aromatic.

  4. Build the Sauce: Add in the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, sugar, and a pinch of celery seed if using. Stir everything together to combine.

  5. Simmer & Bake: Return the browned steak to the pot, nestling it into the sauce and vegetables. Cover with a lid and transfer the pot to the oven. Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the steak is incredibly tender.

  6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, combine cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir the mixture into the pot after baking and simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

  7. Serve & Enjoy: Spoon the savory steak and gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice for the ultimate comfort meal.

Recipe Notes & Tips

  • Meat Tip: If you can’t find cube steak, thinly sliced round steak works perfectly—just be sure to tenderize it with a meat mallet.

  • Veggie Variations: Feel free to add carrots or swap green bell pepper for red for a touch of sweetness.

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

  • Freezer Tip: You can freeze this meal in an airtight container for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for some comfort.

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