Description
This Dutch Oven Swiss Steak recipe features tenderized bottom round roast steaks simmered in a flavorful tomato-based gravy with aromatic vegetables and herbs. The slow cooking process in a Dutch oven creates fork-tender meat infused with rich savory goodness, making it a comforting and hearty main course perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2.5 pounds bottom round roast or round steaks ¾ inch thick
- Salt and pepper to season the steaks
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Steaks: If using a bottom round roast, cut into ¾ to 1 inch thick steaks and pound them using a meat mallet to approximately ½ inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Flour the Steaks: Place the all-purpose flour on a plate and dredge each tenderized steak in the flour until coated evenly. Set aside flour-coated steaks.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the steaks in batches for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until browned nicely. Avoid overcrowding the pot. Remove the steaks and set them aside while you cook the vegetables.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 4 minutes while stirring occasionally, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. If the pot is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water to aid deglazing.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, then add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Steaks: Return the steaks to the pot, submerging them in the tomato sauce. Lower heat to medium-low, cover with the lid, and let simmer gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours until the meat is fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Thicken Gravy (Optional): To thicken the sauce, remove the steaks and set aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with an equal amount of water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the tomato gravy and bring it to a boil to thicken. Return the steaks to the pot and stir to coat before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet to ensure steaks are evenly tenderized and cook evenly.
- Dredging steaks in flour helps create a nice crust and thickens the sauce during cooking.
- Deglazing the pot with vegetables' moisture eliminates burnt bits and adds depth to the sauce.
- Simmer steaks low and slow for tender, flavorful results; do not rush this step.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional and used only if a thicker gravy is desired.
- Serving suggestion: pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Nutritional values are estimated for 6 servings, each including one steak and gravy portion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of steak with gravy
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg