Fork-Tender Swiss Steak
Fork-tender Swiss steak features tender beef that's pounded thin and coated in flour, then braised with onions and tomatoes to create a hearty, flavorful dish. Perfect for comforting family dinners, it offers rich, savory flavors with a satisfying melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the round steak with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak on a well-floured cutting board.
- Cover the steak with flour and pound it with a meat hammer.
- Turn the steak and repeat the flouring and pounding process until all the flour is absorbed.
- In a skillet, melt the shortening over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until soft.
- Add the cooked tomatoes to the skillet.
- Place the pounded steak in the skillet with the onion and tomato mixture.
- Cover and braise over low heat for about 2 hours until the steak is fork-tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful Swiss steak, consider marinating the round steak in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and your favorite herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have shortening, butter or olive oil can work as substitutes. For added depth, try including bell peppers or mushrooms in the onion mixture. This dish can also be adapted to incorporate elements from other beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fork-tender Swiss steak over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a simple salad pairs nicely, providing a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Donna'S Goulash.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover and heat until warmed through, ensuring the steak remains tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fork-Tender Swiss Steak contains roughly 308 calories, with 22g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2076mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
While round steak is traditional for Swiss steak, you can substitute with chuck roast or flank steak. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on the cut, and you may need to adjust braising times for tenderness.
What can I serve with Swiss steak?
Swiss steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice, which help absorb the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with crusty bread to mop up the juices or a light salad for a refreshing side.
How do I know when the steak is fork-tender?
The steak is considered fork-tender when it can be easily pierced with a fork with little resistance. If it still feels tough, continue to braise it for additional time, checking periodically until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).