Pioneer Woman’s Swiss Steak is a classic comfort dish perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal. This dish is sure to please the whole family, with a tender round steak, savory onions and garlic, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s easy to make and can be cooked on a stovetop.
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What Is Swiss Steak?
Swiss Steak is a classic American dish made by tenderizing a tough cut of beef, such as round Steak, by pounding it or running it through a meat tenderizer. The Steak is then coated in flour, browned with vegetables, and simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce until it’s tender.
This dish is traditionally served with mashed potatoes or rice and is known for its rich, savory taste. The name “Swiss Steak” comes from the method of tenderizing the meat, called “swissing,” which involves pounding and rolling the meat to break down fibers and make it more tender.
What Is The Best Cut Of Meat For Swiss Steak?
The best cut of meat for Swiss Steak is a cut from the round of beef, such as bottom round or top round, known for their leanness and marbling, which is essential to keep them from drying out during the long cooking process.
Other cuts can also be used as chuck, rump, or sirloin tips, which are budget-friendly and have good flavor. It’s important to select a cut at least 1 inch thick to ensure tenderness during the cooking process.
What Is The Difference Between Salisbury Steak And Swiss Steak?
Salisbury steak and Swiss Steak are two different beef dishes that are similar in appearance but have some key differences. Salisbury steak is made from ground beef mixed with seasonings, pan-fried or grilled, and topped with a rich gravy, while Swiss Steak starts with a thick cut of beef, such as round Steak, tenderized, browned, and simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
What Is The Difference Between Swiss Steak And Cube Steak?
The main difference is that Swiss Steak is a method of cooking a specific cut of beef, and cube steak is a specific cut of beef that has been mechanically tenderized.
Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak Ingredients
- Round Steak: Choose a cut of 2-3 pounds and at least 1 inch thick.
- Salt and pepper: Use to season the Steak before dusting it with flour.
- Flour: Used for dusting the Steak for browning.
- Vegetable oil: Used for browning the Steak in the skillet.
- Onion: Sliced and sautéed for added flavor in the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced and sautéed for added flavor in the sauce.
- Beef broth: Used as the base for the sauce.
- Diced tomatoes: Used to give the sauce a tomato-based flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and adds a deeper tomato flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle herb flavor to the sauce.
- Bay leaf: Adds a subtle flavor and aroma to the sauce.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak
- Season the round Steak with salt and pepper and dust with flour.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Steak and brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
- Remove the Steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Return the Steak to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the Steak is tender.
- Serve the Steak with the sauce on top.
How To Store Leftovers Swiss Steak In The Fridge And The Freezer
Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Label the container with the date, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the leftovers longer, you can freeze them.
How To Reheat Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak
- Stovetop: Place the leftovers in a pan and heat them over medium heat until they are heated. This method will help to keep the steak tender and the sauce thick.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
What To Serve With Swiss Steak
Pioneer Woman’s Swiss Steak is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be paired with various sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed vegetables, salad, rice, biscuits or bread, macaroni and cheese, and grilled or roasted potatoes.
These are some popular options to serve with Swiss Steak, but you can also experiment with other side dishes that you like.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Swiss Steak: Add a cup of sour cream or heavy cream to the sauce before serving for a richer, creamier flavor.
- Mushroom Swiss Steak: Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until softened, then proceed with the recipe.
- Cajun Swiss Steak: Add 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning to the flour before dusting the Steak. Add 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Swiss Steak with Gravy: Thicken the sauce by mixing two tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of cold water. Slowly pour the mixture into the sauce, constantly stirring, until the sauce thickens.
- Swiss Steak with Carrots and Potatoes: Add 1 cup of sliced carrots and 1 cup of diced potatoes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then proceed with the recipe.
- Swiss Steak with bell peppers: Add one diced bell pepper to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the bell pepper is tender, then proceed with the recipe.
Pioneer Woman’s Swiss Steak Nutrition Facts
- Calories 351
- Total Fat 21g
- Saturated Fat 3.8
- Trans Fat 0.3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 9g
- Monounsaturated Fat 6.1g
- Cholesterol 81mg
- Sodium 235mg
- Potassium 464mg
- Total Carbohydrates 10g
- Dietary Fiber 2.4g
- Sugars 3.3g
- Protein 30g
FAQs
Can I make Swiss steak in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Swiss steak in a slow cooker. The process is similar to stovetop method, you’ll need to brown the steak, sauté the vegetables, and then add the steak and vegetables to the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes for the sauce?
If you don’t have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes, tomato puree or even tomato sauce. You can also add other vegetables, like carrots and celery, to give the sauce more depth of flavor.
Can I make Swiss steak ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Swiss steak ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish as directed, and then allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use other cuts of beef for Swiss steak?
Swiss steak is traditionally made with a cut of beef from the round, such as bottom round or top round, known for their leanness and marbling which is essential to keep them from drying out during the long cooking process. Other cuts that can also be used are chuck, rump, or sirloin tip, that are budget-friendly and have good flavor.
