Swiss Steak Recipe Tomato Paprika Gravy With Pepper Strips

I always turn to this classic swiss steak recipe when I need a truly satisfying meal that makes the whole house smell amazing. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender beef, slow-simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato paprika gravy with sweet pepper strips; the rich aroma promises tender meat bathed in a luscious sauce. This isn’t just a swiss steak recipe Tomato Paprika Gravy With Pepper Strips; it’s a promise of an easy, hearty family dinner that truly satisfies. Perfect for weeknight meals, Sunday suppers, or when you just need a comforting hug, this family-friendly dish brings joy without the fuss. My family loves this simple, hearty take on swiss steak recipe Tomato Paprika Gravy With Pepper Strips, and I know yours will too!

What You’ll Need for Your Delicious Swiss Steak (Ingredients & Their Roles)

Here are the essential ingredients for creating your flavorful swiss steak, along with their key roles:

• Round Steak (1.5-2 lbs / 680-900g): The traditional, economical cut that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. I typically use a top round steak for this, it’s very reliable.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup / 30g): For dredging, which creates a delicious crust and helps thicken the tomato paprika gravy (or a gluten-free flour blend if preferred).
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp / 30ml): Essential for searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped / ~150g): An aromatic base, providing deep, savory flavor to the dish.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced / ~1 tbsp): Adds a pungent, savory kick that’s crucial for a rich gravy.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 (28 oz) can, undrained / 794g): Forms the tangy, robust foundation for our swiss steak recipe’s gravy (or use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce, if that’s what’s in your pantry).
• Beef Broth (1 cup / 240ml, low-sodium): Adds liquid for simmering and boosts the savory notes in the sauce.
• Sweet Paprika (2 tbsp / 14g): The star spice, imparting warmth, a beautiful color, and classic flavor to the tomato paprika gravy.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Crucial for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the swiss steak recipe.
• Bell Peppers (2, various colors, sliced into strips / ~300g): Added towards the end for sweetness, texture, and a vibrant pop of color.

When making flexible substitutions or budget-friendly swaps, consider these options:

• Beef: Chuck steak or even stew meat can work, though cooking times may vary for tenderness.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes for a smoother gravy, or fresh chopped tomatoes (about 3 large) if in season.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika for a deeper, more robust flavor profile.
• Flour: Gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.

For healthier choices, use low-sodium beef broth to control overall salt intake in your easy dinner ideas. Opt for organic canned tomatoes and bell peppers for premium ingredient choices, and trim excess fat from the beef before cooking for a leaner, healthier meal. Bell peppers are widely available year-round, but taste best when fresh and vibrant in summer and fall. Cooked swiss steak recipe stores wonderfully, becoming even more flavorful the next day, making it great for meal prep recipes.

Cooking Method, Simplified for Perfect Swiss Steak

Follow these numbered steps for a perfectly cooked, tender swiss steak:

1. Prep Steak (5 mins): Pat round steak pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels, season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This step ensures a good sear and forms the base for a flavorful gravy.
2. Sear Beef (5-7 mins): Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a sturdy 5-6 quart oven-safe pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear steak pieces until beautifully golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan; if it’s too full, the meat will steam instead of brown, and you’ll miss out on crucial flavor development. Remove the seared beef and set aside on a plate. This browning step is essential for the rich flavor of your swiss steak recipe.
3. Sauté Aromatics (5 mins): Reduce the heat to medium. Add chopped yellow onion to the pot, stirring occasionally, and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant; be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Build Gravy (2 mins): Stir in the sweet paprika, cooking for just 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Those bits are pure flavor for your tomato paprika gravy!
5. Simmer (1.5-2 hours): Return the seared swiss steak pieces to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the gravy. Bring the liquid back to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot tightly. Cook on low heat on the stovetop or in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly fork-tender and yields easily. A long, slow simmer is key to breaking down the tougher cut of meat, resulting in delicious, melt-in-your-mouth swiss steak.
6. Add Peppers (20 mins): Stir in the bell pepper strips during the last 20 minutes of cooking. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until the peppers are tender-crisp and the tomato paprika gravy has slightly thickened to your liking. This keeps the peppers from getting mushy.
7. Taste & Serve (2 mins): Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and pepper if needed, adjusting to your preference. Serve this hearty swiss steak recipe hot with your favorite sides for an ultimate easy dinner idea.

For busy cooks, try these inline shortcuts: use pre-chopped onions and garlic from the grocery store to save precious prep time. You can also prepare the full recipe ahead of time and simply reheat for even quicker weeknight dinners, a great option for healthy family dinners.

To avoid common mistakes and ensure perfect results:

• Overcrowding the pan when searing: Always sear the swiss steak in batches to achieve a proper golden crust. Overcrowding makes the meat steam, losing that deep flavor.
• Not simmering long enough: Round steak is a tougher cut and needs ample time to break down and become wonderfully tender. Don’t rush the simmering process!
• Skipping the browning step: Searing the beef adds a crucial layer of rich, complex flavor (fond) that slow-cooking alone simply won’t achieve for this swiss steak recipe.

Perfect Moments to Serve This Hearty Swiss Steak

This swiss steak recipe Tomato Paprika Gravy With Pepper Strips is a comforting classic for Sunday family dinners, making it an easy dinner idea that feeds a crowd. Impress guests at a casual gathering with minimal effort; it’s a truly satisfying dish. It’s also perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, family-friendly meal waiting.

• For a kids’ lunchbox, pack smaller portions of the tender swiss steak and gravy with rice or pasta.
• To elevate it for a festive table, garnish with fresh parsley or chives for extra visual appeal.
• This dish is great for meal prep; cook a large batch and portion into containers for lunches throughout the week.

Classic sides include creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy white rice. For green sides, consider steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad. A hearty root beer or sparkling cider makes a great non-alcoholic pairing.

Nutrition and Wellness Benefits of Our Swiss Steak Recipe

This swiss steak recipe Tomato Paprika Gravy With Pepper Strips is rich in high-quality protein from the beef, essential for muscle health. The tomatoes and bell peppers provide fiber and a good source of vitamins C and A, making it a well-rounded meal when paired with healthy sides.

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Easily adapt by using a gluten-free flour blend or by omitting flour and reducing the gravy naturally.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve this swiss steak over cauliflower rice or with extra green vegetables instead of starchy sides.
• Protein-Packed Family Meals: Ideal for active families needing sustained energy from a hearty, healthy meal.
• Healthy Family Dinners: A balanced meal with lean protein and vegetables, contributing to overall wellness and making healthy eating easy.

Everyday Practical Benefits: Easy Family Dinners

This swiss steak recipe offers mostly hands-off cooking after initial prep, allowing you to focus on other tasks and save time. It uses economical cuts of beef and pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly option for family dinners. As a one-pot meal, it minimizes cleanup, making weeknight meals a breeze.

• Quick Cooking (initial steps): Searing and sautéing are fast, then the slow simmer takes over.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: This swiss steak recipe can be made ahead and reheats beautifully, perfect for healthy family meals throughout the week.
• Freezer-Friendly: Portions freeze well for future busy nights, providing ready-made healthy dinner options.
• Portability: Great for packing protein-packed lunches to take to work or school.

Expert Tips and Flavor Upgrades

Deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth after searing the meat for extra depth of flavor. For extra tender beef, ensure a very low, slow simmer — don’t let it boil vigorously. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a pop of color and freshness. I often add a small spoon of sugar to the tomatoes if they’re particularly tart; it balances the flavor beautifully without making the gravy sweet.

For variety, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick or include a bay leaf during simmering for aromatic complexity (remember to remove before serving). A dash of Worcestershire sauce can add umami depth to the gravy. This swiss steak recipe Tomato Paprika Gravy With Pepper Strips is naturally dairy-free. For gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free flour blend or arrowroot powder (mixed with water) to thicken the gravy at the end.

Common Questions Answered About Swiss Steak with Tomato Paprika Gravy

Q: Can I make this swiss steak recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.

Q: What’s the best cut of beef for swiss steak?

A: Round steak (top round or bottom round) is traditional because it’s lean and becomes incredibly tender with long, slow cooking. Chuck steak is also a great option for its rich flavor and tenderness in a swiss steak.

Q: How do I make the gravy thicker?

A: If you prefer a thicker gravy, at the end of cooking, remove the swiss steak and stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened. I find this gives the best smooth consistency.

Q: Is this swiss steak recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

A: Yes, it can be! Serve this swiss steak recipe over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed green vegetables instead of traditional starchy sides. You can also skip the flour dredge or use 1/2 tsp xanthan gum for gravy thickening.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover swiss steak?

A: Store cooled swiss steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Q: Where can I find high-quality paprika for my swiss steak?

A: Look for Hungarian sweet paprika at specialty spice shops, international markets, or online for your swiss steak. A good quality paprika will significantly enhance the flavor of your Tomato Paprika Gravy With Pepper Strips.

Conclusion

This easy swiss steak recipe Tomato Paprika Gravy With Pepper Strips delivers on its promise of a hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious family meal. It’s proof that simple ingredients and a little patience can create something truly spectacular for your healthy family dinners. For more easy dinner ideas and meal prep recipes, save this to your Pinterest board!

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