Swiss Steak Italian Style Recipe

This tantalizing Italian-style Swiss steak recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the robust flavors of round steak, onion, celery, and green bell pepper with the savory richness of spaghetti sauce and red wine. Served over al dente egg noodles, it promises to satiate your cravings and transport you straight to Italy with every bite.

Photos of Swiss Steak Italian Style Recipe

One ingredient that might not be commonly found in your pantry is the round steak, which is a cut of beef from the rear leg of the cow. It's lean and flavorful, but can be tough, which makes it perfect for this slow-cooked recipe. Also, you might want to pick up some egg noodles and red wine if you don't have them stocked. Egg noodles have a rich, eggy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the hearty steak, and the red wine adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.

Essential Ingredients for Italian-Style Swiss Steak

Round steak: This lean cut of meat from the rear leg of the cow is perfect for slow cooking methods like simmering. It's hearty and flavorful.

All-purpose flour: The flour is used to dredge the steak, giving it a nice crust when browned.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the steak and veggies, it helps in bringing out their flavors.

Onion: Provides a sweet, caramelized flavor when sautéed.

Spaghetti sauce: This rich, tomato-based sauce adds depth and flavor to the steak.

Red wine: Enhances the flavor of the sauce, giving it a deep, robust taste.

Celery: Adds a nice crunchy texture and freshness.

Green bell pepper: Offers a slightly sweet and mild flavor.

Egg noodles: These are broad, flat pasta, often used in traditional Italian cuisine. They pair wonderfully with the hearty steak.

One reader, Eldin Richter says:

This Italian style Swiss steak recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the meat is so tender. It's a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner. I love how the sauce complements the egg noodles perfectly. It's a new favorite in my household!

Eldin Richter

Techniques Required for Italian Style Swiss Steak

Dredging the steak: Coat the steak in flour, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful crust and thicken the sauce.

Sauteing the meat: Browning the steak in oil before adding the other ingredients helps to develop rich flavors and tenderize the meat.

Simmering the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer for 45 minutes helps to meld the flavors and tenderize the meat, creating a delicious and hearty dish.

Cooking the noodles al dente: Boil the noodles until they are firm to the bite, ensuring they hold their shape and texture when combined with the meat sauce.

How To Make Swiss Steak Italian Style

This Swiss steak recipe lends a twist to a classic dish by incorporating Italian flavors. In our version, the steak is cooked in red wine & marinara sauce.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 45 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbround steak,cut into pieces
3tbspall-purpose flour
1tspsalt
¼tspground black pepper
3tbspvegetable oil
¾cuponion,chopped
16ozspaghetti sauce,(2 jars)
½cupred wine
2cupscelery,thinly sliced
1cupgreen bell pepper,sliced
12ozegg noodles,(1 package)

Instructions

Dredge steak in flour, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat.
Add oil to the hot pan. Add meat and saute until browned. Stir in onion and saute.
Stir in marinara sauce and wine and bring to boil. Add celery and green pepper; stir.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
Heat a large pot of water to a boil and cook noodles until al dente. Remove from heat and drain.
Serve meat sauce over noodles.

Nutrition

Calories: 591.75kcal
Fat: 20.39g
Saturated Fat: 4.48g
Trans Fat: 0.11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.47g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.16g
Carbohydrates: 64.41g
Fiber: 5.59g
Sugar: 8.70g
Protein: 32.13g
Cholesterol: 121.56mg
Sodium: 884.61mg
Calcium: 91.73mg
Potassium: 993.48mg
Iron: 5.80mg
Vitamin A: 55.79µg
Vitamin C: 28.80mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Italian Style Swiss Steak

To ensure your steak is tender and flavorful, it's important to properly dredge it in the flour, salt, and pepper mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated, shaking off any excess. This not only helps to brown the steak but also thickens the sauce for a rich, hearty dish. Additionally, sautéing the onions until they are translucent before adding the sauce and wine will bring out their natural sweetness, adding depth to your dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Italian Style Swiss Steak

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Multitask: While the meat is simmering, boil the water and cook the noodles simultaneously to save time.

Use pre-made sauce: Opt for store-bought marinara sauce to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Invest in a slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker to prepare the dish, allowing for a hands-off approach to cooking.

One-pot meal: Consider cooking the noodles directly in the sauce to minimize the number of pots and pans used.

Substitute Ingredients For Swiss Steak Italian Style Recipe

round steak - Substitute with beef chuck roast: Beef chuck roast is a flavorful and tender cut that can be used as a substitute for round steak in this recipe. It will become tender and juicy when cooked slowly.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour, adding a nutty flavor and extra nutrients to the dish.
spaghetti sauce - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a base for the sauce, and you can add your own seasonings and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
red wine - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
egg noodles - Substitute with fettuccine: Fettuccine can be used as a substitute for egg noodles, providing a wider and flatter noodle that pairs well with the Italian-style swiss steak.

Presentation Tips for Italian Style Swiss Steak

Elevate the plating: As a culinary professional, the presentation of the Italian-style Swiss steak is crucial. Consider using a large, elegant plate to showcase the dish. The steak can be placed in the center, surrounded by a generous serving of the egg noodles and topped with the rich, flavorful sauce.
Garnish with fresh herbs: To add a touch of freshness and color, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor to the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Create a visually appealing contrast by incorporating a crunchy element. Consider sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs over the dish just before serving. This will add a delightful texture to each bite.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out. Ensure that the plating is visually balanced and allows the components to shine.
Consider the vessel: Choose a sophisticated and complementary vessel for serving the dish. A classic, white porcelain plate or a rustic ceramic dish can enhance the overall presentation and elevate the dining experience.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details, such as wiping the edges of the plate to ensure a clean presentation. Every aspect of the plating should reflect precision and care.
Balance the components: When plating, ensure that the steak, noodles, and sauce are proportionally balanced. Each element should be thoughtfully arranged to create a visually appealing composition.
Highlight the steak: Place the steak as the focal point of the dish, ensuring it is positioned in a way that captures attention. Consider slicing the steak and fanning it out to showcase its texture and juiciness.
Artistic sauce drizzle: Use a squeeze bottle to create an artistic drizzle of the sauce around the perimeter of the plate. This adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Final touch with microgreens: Consider adding a small cluster of delicate microgreens to the plate just before serving. These tiny greens not only add a pop of color but also bring a subtle, fresh flavor to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Swiss Steak

Round steak: A cut of beef that is typically tenderized through pounding or marinating before cooking.
All-purpose flour: A versatile flour suitable for a variety of cooking and baking applications.
Salt: A common seasoning used to enhance the flavor of dishes.
Ground black pepper: Adds a pungent and spicy flavor to the dish.
Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing and frying due to its high smoke point.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
Onion: Adds flavor and aroma to the dish.
Spaghetti sauce: A tomato-based sauce used in Italian cuisine.
Red wine: Adds depth and richness to the dish.
Celery: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor and crunch to the dish.
Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
Egg noodles: Long, thin noodles made with flour and eggs, commonly used in pasta dishes.

Storing and Freezing Italian Style Swiss Steak

Allow the Italian style Swiss steak to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For short-term storage, place the cooled steak and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the steak and sauce:
- Transfer the cooled mixture to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
When ready to enjoy the frozen Swiss steak:
- Thaw the container or bag in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the steak and sauce in a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of red wine or water to thin it out.
Cooked egg noodles can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the noodles, place them in a colander and dip them in boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.

How To Reheat Leftover Italian Style Swiss Steak

Reheat the italian style swiss steak in a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier texture for your leftover swiss steak, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quick and easy reheating option, place the leftover swiss steak and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the dish halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have leftover egg noodles, reheat them separately by placing them in a colander and running hot water over them until they are warm. Alternatively, you can microwave the noodles in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
To add extra flavor and moisture to your leftover italian style swiss steak, consider adding a splash of red wine or beef broth before reheating. This will help to revitalize the sauce and keep the meat tender.

Random Fact About Italian Style Swiss Steak

Swiss steak is not actually a Swiss dish, but rather an American dish made by braising beef in a tomato-based sauce.

Is Making Swiss Steak at Home Cost-Effective?

This Italian Style Swiss Steak Recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like round steak, onions, celery, and green bell peppers keeps the cost down. The addition of spaghetti sauce and red wine adds depth of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is Italian Style Swiss Steak Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Italian-style Swiss steak recipe, while flavorful, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

The recipe calls for frying the steak in vegetable oil, which can add unnecessary saturated and trans fats to the dish.
The spaghetti sauce and red wine, while adding depth to the flavor, can also contribute to a higher sodium content and added sugars.
The recipe lacks a significant source of healthy vegetables, with only celery and green bell pepper included.

However, the recipe does include some positive aspects, such as using lean round steak and incorporating some vegetables into the dish.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Instead of frying the steak, try grilling or broiling it to reduce the amount of added fats.
Opt for a low-sodium, low-sugar marinara sauce, or make your own using fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Increase the variety and amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient content.
Use whole grain egg noodles instead of regular ones to increase the fiber content of the meal.
Reduce the amount of red wine used, or substitute it with a low-sodium beef broth to lower the alcohol and sugar content.
Use a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Editor's Thoughts on This Italian Style Swiss Steak Recipe

This Italian-style Swiss steak recipe is a delicious and hearty dish. The combination of tender round steak, savory marinara sauce, and red wine creates a rich and flavorful sauce. The addition of celery and green bell pepper adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. Serving the meat sauce over al dente egg noodles provides a comforting and satisfying meal. However, to enhance the dish, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a burst of flavor. Overall, this recipe is a great choice for a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired meal.

Enhance Your Swiss Steak Italian Style Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a savory garlic parmesan topping.

Mushroom Risotto: Creamy and flavorful risotto made with tender mushrooms and arborio rice, finished with a touch of butter and parmesan cheese.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with a honey and butter mixture, perfect for balancing out the savory flavors of the Italian style Swiss steak.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Italian Style Swiss Steak

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: This creamy and indulgent pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce will leave you wanting more.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: These colorful and flavorful vegetable skewers are perfect for a summer barbecue. The combination of fresh veggies and a tangy marinade will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Berry Crisp: This sweet and tart berry crisp is the perfect way to showcase fresh summer berries. The crunchy oat topping pairs perfectly with the juicy fruit filling for a delicious dessert.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Italian Style Swiss Steak

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a delicious blend of cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs. They are the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta: Indulge in the classic Italian flavors of bruschetta, featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a vibrant mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. This refreshing appetizer is sure to whet your appetite.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Layered with creamy mascarpone cheese and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, this classic Italian dessert is a perfect way to end a meal. The rich flavors and delicate texture will leave your guests wanting more.

Cannoli: These crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate chips are a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of crunchy shell and creamy filling is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Why trust this Swiss Steak Italian Style Recipe:

This recipe is a delicious and comforting Italian-style swiss steak that has been carefully crafted and tested to perfection. The combination of tender round steak and flavorful spaghetti sauce creates a hearty and satisfying dish. The addition of red wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, while the celery and green bell pepper provide a delightful crunch and freshness. The use of egg noodles as a base complements the savory flavors of the dish. Trust in the expertise and passion behind this recipe to elevate your dining experience.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different cut of meat, such as chuck steak or flank steak, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and toughness of the cut.

Can I substitute the red wine with something else?

If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with beef broth or even just water. The red wine adds depth of flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you're ready to serve.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain the quality.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Certainly! While the recipe calls for egg noodles, you can use any pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.