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Homemade swiss steak served with tomato gravy and mashed potatoes.

Easy Homemade Swiss Steak Recipe

This Easy Homemade Swiss Steak Recipe transforms affordable cube steak into a tender, flavorful meal simmered in a savory tomato gravy. It’s the perfect family comfort food — simple to make, hearty, and delicious every time. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a cozy dinner everyone will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds cube steak about 4 to 6 pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour if preferred
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 large bell pepper sliced (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes use low-sodium if desired
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups beef broth adjust for desired sauce thickness
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional but recommended
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for browning
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional, for extra flavor
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water optional, for thickening

Instructions
 

Prep the steaks:

  • Pat cube steaks dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in flour.

Brown the meat:

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown steaks 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Sauté vegetables:

  • Add onions and bell peppers to the skillet, cooking until softened. Stir in garlic, paprika, and herbs.

Make the tomato gravy:

  • Pour in beef broth to deglaze, scraping browned bits. Add tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer.

Combine and simmer:

  • Return steaks to the pan, spoon sauce over top, cover, and simmer on low for 45–60 minutes or until fork-tender.

Slow Cooker Variation:

  • Transfer browned steaks, sautéed veggies, and sauce to a crock pot. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Thicken if needed:

  • Mix cornstarch with cold water; stir into sauce. Simmer uncovered until thickened.

Taste and serve:

  • Adjust seasoning and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

Notes

This swiss steak recipe can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker. The tomato-based sauce thickens naturally and infuses the beef with deep, comforting flavor. Great for meal prep — leftovers taste even better the next day.