Swiss Steak is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef steak, slow-cooked with onions, mushrooms, and a savory gravy. This traditional recipe is perfect for a satisfying family dinner, especially on cooler evenings when a warm, rich meal is most appreciated.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Swiss Steak
Front of the recipe card for Swiss Steak.
Back of the recipe card for Swiss Steak.
Food History
Swiss Steak doesn’t actually originate from Switzerland; rather, the term “Swiss” refers to the technique of tenderizing meat known as “swissing.” This method has been popular in American and European cuisines for decades, particularly during the mid-20th century, as it makes tougher cuts of meat more palatable and easier to cook.
Recipe Discussion
The recipe begins by coating beef top round steak in a seasoned flour mixture, which not only adds flavor but also helps thicken the gravy as the dish cooks. The meat is then browned to develop a deep flavor foundation. Fresh mushrooms and thickly sliced onions add earthiness and sweetness to the dish, respectively. The steak is oven-baked in a mixture of low-sodium beef broth and water, creating a tender texture and rich gravy. The dish is finished with a garnish of fresh parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Swiss Steak with a side of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to make the most of the delicious gravy. A steamed green vegetable like green beans or broccoli pairs well to add color and balance the richness of the meal.
Preparation Tips
- Tenderizing the Steak: If your steak is particularly tough, consider using a meat mallet to tenderize it further before coating it in flour.
- Browning the Meat: Ensure the steak is well-browned on both sides before baking. This step is crucial for flavor development.
- Thickening the Gravy: If it is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by simmering it on the stove with more flour or cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Layering the Vegetables: Adding some vegetables under the steak and some on top during the final minutes of cooking ensures they cook evenly and retain some texture.
Vintage Recipe Box 034
There are lots of fun recipes to read in the box this recipe for Swiss Steak was with.
Click here to read the history of VRP034 – Lot of Recipes with no box and click here to view all the VRP034 Vintage Recipe Box Recipes
More Vintage Recipes
We have lots of recipes on the site that may be of interest to you.
Use the links below to view other recipes similar to this Swiss Steak recipe.
Recipe Box and Cards
Start your own recipe box or your family or friends. Click here to view New and Vintage Recipe Boxes.
Once you have your recipe boxes, you will need recipe cards. Click here to view Recipe Cards and Templates.
Want to protect your recipe cards from splats and splatters in the kitchen? Click here to view Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves.
Vintage Kitchen Tools and Dishes
I love vintage dishes and kitchenware.
On the weekends I can often be found in a thrift store poking through the shelves to find vintage treasures to use as props for our photography for the site.
Click here to view Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy.
Vintage Cookbooks
Every once and a while you can find a good cookbook with Vintage Recipes on Amazon. I don’t have any recommendations as I haven’t bought any as I prefer the handwritten recipes that you see on our site.
You can always find treasures on sites that sell used items such as Vintage Cookbooks on eBay and Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy
Swiss Steak Recipe
Swiss Steak
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds 1/2" round steak, tenderized or pounded with meat mallet
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1 /2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin
- 1 can (1 pound) tomatoes
Instructions
- Cut meat into 6 pieces then coat with the mixture of flour, salt, and pepper
- Place in 3 quart casserole dish
- Cover with the sliced onions
- Break up the tomatoes with a fork and pour over top
- Cover with foil
- Cook until tender
Swiss Steak is a classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a favorite, proving that traditional cooking techniques can transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals.