Smothered Swiss Steak

📍 Where this dish comes from: Houston, Texas · Emancipation Park
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Swiss steak takes an inexpensive, tougher cut of beef and turns it tender through a long, slow braise in a well-seasoned tomato gravy. It’s exactly the kind of patient, stretch-the-budget cooking soul food built its reputation on.

What You’ll Need

Smothered Swiss Steak

Tenderized round steak braised low and slow in a rich tomato and onion gravy until fork-tender.

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 410kcal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs round steak cut into 4 pieces
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 large onion sliced
• 1 green bell pepper sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Season steak pieces with salt and pepper.
• Heat avocado oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear steak 3–4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Add onion and bell pepper to the pot, cooking 6–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
• Stir in tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire, and smoked paprika.
• Return steak to the pot, cover, and simmer 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until very tender.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve with the tomato gravy spooned over top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 410kcal | Protein: 36g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g

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Health Benefits

• A long braise tenderizes an economical cut of beef without needing breading or frying.
• Tomatoes contribute lycopene and vitamin C to the dish.
• Naturally gluten-free as written, using no flour-based thickener.

Pairs Well With

• Buttery Southern Mashed Cauliflower
• Bacon and Cheddar Broccoli Salad