Southern Family Swiss Steak
A hearty Southern comfort dish featuring tender beef simmered with tomatoes, onions, and seasonings, perfect for family dinners and those craving rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dredge the steak with flour.
- Brown the steak in hot oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven.
- Remove the steak and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook chopped onion and celery until tender.
- Add water, tomato sauce or tomatoes, catsup, sugar, salt, and marjoram to the skillet.
- Return the steak to the skillet, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Swiss steak, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the sauce mixture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. For a twist, try using a different type of meat, like pork shoulder, in place of the beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting Swiss steak with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed green beans or a fresh salad, like Zucchini Salad(Bulgaria), make excellent accompaniments that balance the richness of the dish. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Cover and gently heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Family Swiss Steak contains roughly 565 calories, with 7g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1324mg per serving (58% 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?
Yes, while chuck or round steak is traditional, you can also use flank steak or even pork shoulder. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different cuts may require different cooking durations to become tender.
Is there a way to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the steak and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and flavorful.
What should I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or even diced tomatoes. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly, as canned tomato products can vary in acidity and sweetness.
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).