Swiss Steak And Polenta
A hearty Swiss steak simmered in tomato sauce with mushrooms and seasonings, served over creamy polenta—perfect for comforting family dinners and slow-cooked flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onion, minced garlic, and celery leaves in drippings until tender.
- Brown the thick round steak on both sides.
- Add seasonings, mushrooms, tomato sauce, and water to the skillet.
- Cook until the steak is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Serve the Swiss steak over polenta. Optional: sprinkle with grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water. If you don't have drippings, olive oil or butter works well as a substitute. Adding a splash of red wine while cooking can enhance the dish further. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered towards the end of cooking. Lean mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor, but any mushrooms you have on hand will suffice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Swiss steak over creamy polenta for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad to balance the richness. For an elevated touch, sprinkle with grated cheese or fresh herbs before serving. This dish also goes well with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Swiss steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, covered, in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss Steak And Polenta contains roughly 432 calories, with 21g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (311% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (148% of the Daily Value), and iron (139% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1943mg per serving (84% 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 beef for this recipe?
Yes, while thick round steak is traditional, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or sirloin for similar results. Just adjust the cooking time as tougher cuts may require longer to become tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the steak is tender.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also include sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
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).