Ingredients

¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

2 lbs cube steak or round steak (sliced)

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 onion (diced)

1–2 stalks celery (diced)

1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)

8 oz mushrooms (sliced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

3 tbsp tomato paste

1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp dried thyme

1 tsp sugar

Pinch of celery seed (optional)

2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat each steak slice evenly with the flour mixture.

Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Brown the coated steaks on both sides, then remove them from the pot and set aside.

Step 4: In the same pot, sauté diced onion, celery, green bell pepper, and mushrooms until softened. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 5: Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, sugar, and celery seed if using. Return the browned steaks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.

Step 6: Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the steak is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 7: For a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the pot. Simmer on the stove until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 8: Serve the Swiss steak hot, spooning the sauce and vegetables over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the steak in Worcestershire sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before coating with flour.

Swap mushrooms for your favorite variety, like cremini or portobello, for a different earthiness.

Add a splash of red wine to the sauce during the sauté step for richer depth.

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the steak and thicken the sauce if needed for dietary preferences.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for Swiss steak?

Yes, while cube steak or round steak are traditional for their tenderness after braising, you can use other tougher cuts like sirloin tip or chuck. Just allow for longer cooking times to become tender.

What can I serve with Swiss steak?

Swiss steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, egg noodles, or even buttered pasta. A side of green vegetables or a crisp salad complements the rich sauce well.