Mediterranean Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak
Swiss steak is a classic comfort dish, but with a Mediterranean twist, it becomes even more vibrant and flavorful. Tenderized beef round steak is coated, browned, and simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, mushrooms, and bell peppers. A touch of herbs and optional sherry or cream adds depth, making it perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Meat:
2 pounds beef round steak (about 1-inch thick, tenderized)
Coating:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fat:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Aromatics & Vegetables:
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
Liquid & Seasoning:
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional:
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 tablespoons dry sherry
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2 tablespoons cream (for a richer sauce)
Instructions
Prep the steak
Trim any excess fat from the round steak.
Cut into serving-size portions.
In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
Brown the meat
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown the steak pieces on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary. Remove steak and set aside.
Cook the vegetables
In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, mushrooms, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Build the sauce
Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Add optional thyme, paprika, and dry sherry if using. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Simmer the steak
Return steak to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender. Stir occasionally and check liquid levels, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Finish the dish
If you want a richer sauce, stir in cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy over mashed potatoes, rice, or with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips
Tenderizing is key: Pound the steak with a meat mallet until about 3/4-inch thick for the most tender result.
Don’t skip browning: Searing the meat first adds depth and caramelized flavor to the final sauce.
Low and slow: Keep the heat low during the simmer to prevent the meat from toughening.
Richer sauce: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine or sherry after browning the meat to lift all the flavorful bits.
Thicker consistency: If you want the sauce thicker, simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes.
Variations
Greek-inspired: Add Kalamata olives, fresh oregano, and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Spanish style: Swap paprika for smoked paprika and add roasted red peppers to the sauce.
Italian twist: Stir in fresh basil and a splash of balsamic vinegar near the end of cooking.
Veggie boost: Add diced zucchini, eggplant, or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.
Creamy version: Use the optional cream and stir in a little Parmesan before serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I make Swiss steak in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the steak and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until tender.
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Chuck steak or blade steak also work well for slow cooking and will become tender with enough time.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. This dish tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the steak. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~320
Protein: 29g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: ~580mg
(Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins.)
Final Conclusion
Mediterranean Old-Fashioned Swiss Steak is a warm, hearty dish that transforms an affordable cut of beef into a tender, flavorful meal. The combination of tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and herbs creates a rich sauce perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread. Slow cooking brings out the best in the beef, and the Mediterranean accents make it feel both classic and fresh. It’s a perfect choice for family dinners or cozy weekend cooking.