Alton Brown Swiss Steak Recipe

This Alton Brown Swiss Steak Recipe is a tender and flavorful comfort food, which uses beef bottom round and diced tomatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Alton Brown Swiss Steak Recipe Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef bottom round, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon drippings
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

How To Make Alton Brown Swiss Steak Recipe

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325ºF.
2. Prep and tenderize the meat: Cut beef into 1/2-inch slices with the grain. Season both sides with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, then tenderize with a needling device to 1/4-inch thick. Dredge again in flour.
3. Sear the steaks: Heat oil or bacon drippings in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Brown steaks in batches, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and celery for 1–2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste.
5. Build the braising liquid: Add diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
6. Braise in the oven: Return the seared steaks to the pot, ensuring they’re submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender and falling apart.

Recipe Tips

• Why tenderize the meat after dredging?
  It helps the flour adhere better and ensures even thickness for more consistent cooking.
• What’s the best pot for this recipe?
  A heavy Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for oven braising.
• Can I use another cut of beef?
  Yes, chuck or shoulder can work, but bottom round is traditional.
• Why brown the meat first?
  Searing builds flavor through caramelization before slow cooking.
• How do I know it’s done?
  The meat should shred easily with a fork when it’s fully tender.

What To Serve With Swiss Steak

This hearty dish is best paired with cozy, carb-friendly sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Rice or polenta
• Green beans or steamed broccoli
• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

How To Store Swiss Steak

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Swiss Steak Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 470
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 42g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fiber: 2g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make Swiss steak ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish and actually improves in flavor the next day.

What’s the difference between Swiss steak and Salisbury steak?
Swiss steak is braised and uses a tomato-based sauce, while Salisbury steak is pan-fried and often served with gravy.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of in the oven?
Yes, just keep it at a low simmer and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Is Swiss steak supposed to be spicy?
No, it’s savory and slightly tangy. You can add a dash of hot sauce if desired.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Royal Icing Recipe
• Alton Brown Popovers Recipe
• Alton Brown Poached Eggs Recipe