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Pork Swiss steak is one of those classic, comforting dinners that feels like it belongs on a handwritten recipe card. It’s simple, hearty, and made for nights when you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss – and cooks much faster.
Tender pork steaks simmer slowly in a rich tomato sauce with onions and seasoning, turning an affordable cut of meat into something full of flavor, and totally comforting. Whether you grew up eating Swiss steak or you’re trying it for the first time, this pork version is easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
How to Make Pork Swiss Steak
This Pork Swiss Steak recipe features tender pork steaks simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce until fork-tender. Made with simple ingredients and big comfort-food flavor, it’s an easy, affordable dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients You Need to Make Pork Swiss Steak
To make this recipe we will need the following:
- Pork cutlets – The main protein, becoming tender and flavorful as they simmer slowly in the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper – Season the pork and enhance its natural flavor.
- All-purpose flour – Lightly coats the pork to help create a golden crust and slightly thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Olive oil – Used for browning the pork, adding richness and helping build flavor in the pan.
- Onion – Softens as it cooks, adding sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – Adds aromatic, savory flavor that complements the pork and tomato base.
- Diced tomatoes – Provide texture and brightness, forming the base of the tomato gravy.
- Tomato sauce – Creates a smooth, rich sauce that coats the pork as it simmers.
- Beef or chicken broth – Adds moisture and depth, helping tenderize the pork during cooking.
- Paprika – Brings mild warmth and subtle smoky sweetness to the dish.
- Dried thyme – Adds an earthy, herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (optional) – Finishes the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Pork Swiss Steak Step-by-Step
Once you gather your ingredients, we will use the following process:
Season & Pound
Season pork & pound aggressively with meat tenderizer to tenderize pork cutlet.
Sear Pork
In large pan with olive oil over high heat, brown pork cutlets on both sides.
Brown Onions
Add onions and garlic and brown to soften. Add garlic at end.
Simmer in Sauce
Add tomatoes and stock and make sauce over pork cutlets and onions. Simmer 10-15 minutes, until fall apart tender.
Garnish & Serve
Garnish with chives, cilantro, green onions or parsley, and enjoy!
How to Get the Best Pork Swiss Steak
Choose the right cut. Pork shoulder steaks or pork blade steaks work best for tender results.
Brown before simmering. A quick sear adds flavor and helps the pork hold together.
Low and slow is key. Gentle simmering keeps the pork tender and prevents drying out.
Cover while cooking. This locks in moisture and helps the sauce develop flavor.
Let it rest. A short rest before serving allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
What to Serve With Pork Swiss Steak
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Pork Swiss Steak
Ingredients
- pork cutlets, about ¾–1 inch thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season pork steaks on both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown pork steaks on both sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return pork steaks to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 35–45 minutes, until pork is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
