Swiss Steak is a classic comfort food dish made with tenderized beef, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds round steak (or chuck steak)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped, any color)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 1.5 to 2 hours for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Tenderize the Steak: Use a meat mallet to pound the round steak to about 1/2 inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in Flour: Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each piece of steak in the flour, shaking off the excess.

Step 2: Brown the Steak

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the Steak: Add the floured steak pieces to the skillet and brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the browned steak and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add Onions and Peppers: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

1. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
2. Return Steak to Skillet: Place the browned steak back into the skillet, submerging it in the sauce.

Step 5: Simmer

1. Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the steak is tender. Check occasionally and stir if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove Bay Leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
3. Enjoy: Serve the Swiss steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Variations: Add carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Slow Cooker Option: This recipe can also be adapted for a slow cooker; simply brown the steak and vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any dinner table. With its tender beef and savory sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delightful recipe!