Hearty Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak Recipe

Heartwarming Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak Recipe Everyone Loves

Swiss steak emerges as a culinary revelation, turning humble beef into a symphony of mouthwatering comfort.

Generations have treasured this robust dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

The magic begins with seasoned flour-coated meat, seared to golden perfection and nestled among vibrant vegetables.

Braising slowly releases deep, complex flavors that dance across your palate with every tender bite.

Tough meat surrenders its resilience, becoming impossibly soft and infused with rich, savory notes.

Home cooks love how effortlessly this classic recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in their kitchen.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through traditional comfort food that will leave you craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 512 kcal

Servings: 5

Cooking Pioneer Woman’s Swiss Steak Step by Step

Cooking Pioneer Woman’s Swiss Steak Step by Step
  • Prepare Meat and Seasonings

Slice beef into tender strips. Massage salt and pepper into each piece, creating a flavor-packed coating. Dust lightly with flour for a crispy exterior.

  • Brown and Build Flavor

Sizzle beef in hot oil until golden edges form, creating delicious caramelization. Remove meat and quickly sauté onions, garlic, and celery in the same pan, releasing their aromatic magic.

  • Create Robust Sauce

Splash in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, smoky paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in beef broth to create a rich, velvety liquid that will transform tough meat into a luxurious dish.

  • Slow Transformation

Nestle browned beef into the sauce, ensuring every piece is lovingly covered. Slide the covered pot into a warm oven and let time work its tenderizing magic. After 1.5 to 2 hours, the meat will become so tender it practically melts on your tongue.

Flavor Enhancements for Swiss Steak

Beef variations let you explore exciting flavor profiles and ingredient swaps.

Replace beef with pork shoulder or lamb for a delightful protein twist that keeps the dish interesting and unexpected.

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to increase heat intensity, transforming the recipe from mild to wild with just a sprinkle of excitement.

Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising the crispy exterior of the meat.

Swiss Steak Serving Ideas for Any Meal

  • Pair with Hearty Sides: Serve this rich, tender beef over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Wine Companion Selection: Choose a robust red wine like cabernet sauvignon or merlot to complement the deep, savory flavors of the braised beef.
  • Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the deep, meaty dish.
  • Comfort Meal Presentation: Plate in rustic bowls or cast-iron skillets to enhance the homey, comforting feel of this classic braised beef recipe.

How to Store Leftovers from Swiss Steak

  • Preserve Peak Flavor: Store leftover beef in airtight containers, keeping all delicious sauce intact. Refrigerated portions stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days, maintaining their rich, tender texture.
  • Freeze for Future Feasts: Transfer cooled beef to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Properly sealed meals can last up to 3 months, ready for a quick and satisfying reheat.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed beef gently in a covered skillet or oven at 325°F. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying, ensuring the meat remains succulent and packed with original flavors.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Portion cooked beef into individual servings before storing. This strategy streamlines weeknight dinners, allowing you to quickly grab a hearty, pre-prepared meal that tastes freshly made.

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman’s Swiss Steak

For Meat:
  • Beef Chuck Roast: Select well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
  • Beef Sirloin: Choose fresh, bright red meat with minimal connective tissue.
For Seasoning:
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Select freshly ground spices for vibrant taste enhancement.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Pick unbleached flour for smooth coating and better browning.
For Aromatics and Sauce Base:
  • Onions, Garlic, Celery: Choose firm, crisp vegetables without blemishes for robust flavor foundation.
  • Tomato Paste: Select concentrated, deep red paste without metallic undertones.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Pick high-quality canned tomatoes with rich, natural juice.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Smoked Paprika: Choose authentic Hungarian variety for deep, smoky notes.
  • Dried Oregano: Select fragrant, bright green herbs for authentic Mediterranean touch.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Pick traditional fermented sauce for complex umami depth.
For Liquid:
  • Beef Broth: Select low-sodium, rich stock for controlled seasoning and intense meaty flavor.
For Cooking Fat:
  • Vegetable Oil, Bacon Drippings: Choose high smoke-point oil for perfect golden searing.

Tools to Make Swiss Steak Just Right

  • Dutch oven: Heavy-bottomed pot perfect for searing and slow-cooking, with tight-fitting lid.
  • Meat tenderizer: Handheld tool with textured surface to flatten and soften beef slices.
  • Large skillet: Backup option for browning beef if Dutch oven is unavailable.
  • Sharp knife: Essential for slicing beef into uniform pieces.
  • Cutting board: Stable surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Precise tool for adding salt, pepper, and herbs.
  • Flour sifter or fine mesh strainer: Helps evenly coat beef with flour.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot cookware.
Print
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Hearty Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak Recipe

Hearty Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak offers hearty comfort from the heartland, combining tender beef with rich tomato gravy. Home cooks can quickly create this classic midwestern dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb (907 g) beef bottom round, trimmed of excess fat
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or bacon drippings
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups (354 ml) beef broth

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F. Slice beef into 1/2-inch pieces, generously seasoning with salt and pepper. Dust beef with flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Tenderizing: Use meat tenderizer to flatten beef slices to 1/4-inch thickness. Lightly re-dredge in flour for uniform coating.
  3. Browning: Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef slices in small batches for 2 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  4. Vegetable Base: Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onions, garlic, and celery until soft and translucent. Add tomato paste and cook briefly to intensify flavors.
  5. Liquid Fusion: Introduce diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Braising: Return browned beef to pot, ensuring meat is fully submerged. Cover and transfer to oven.
  7. Finishing: Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until beef becomes incredibly tender and flavors meld completely. Meat should easily pull apart with fork when done.

Notes

  • Tenderize with Precision: Use a meat mallet to gently pound beef slices evenly, creating a uniform thickness that ensures consistent cooking and maximum tenderness.
  • Flour Coating Technique: Shake off excess flour to create a light, delicate crust that will help seal in juices and develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior during browning.
  • Batch Browning Strategy: Cook beef in small batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing each slice to develop a rich, caramelized crust that locks in flavor and texture.
  • Slow-Cook for Perfection: The extended oven braising time transforms tough beef cuts into melt-in-your-mouth meat, infusing deep, complex flavors throughout the dish.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 512
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 689 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 98 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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