Campbell’s Soup Swiss Steak Recipe

Swiss Steak is a comfort food classic that many of us associate with childhood dinners, Sunday gatherings, or long-forgotten family recipes. One version of this comforting dish has become synonymous with quick and easy home-cooked meals: Campbell’s Soup Swiss Steak. While there are many ways to prepare Swiss steak, Campbell’s Soup has simplified the process by turning it into a convenient and hearty meal using their signature canned soups. This recipe is the perfect balance of tender beef, rich sauce, and simple ingredients, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a warm, homey meal.

If you’ve ever had a craving for a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth Swiss steak but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, then you’ll love this easy, flavorful recipe. Let’s break it down into simple steps that anyone can follow and make this classic dish at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Campbell’s Soup Swiss Steak Recipe

Swiss Steak is traditionally made by braising a tough cut of beef (usually round steak) in a flavorful sauce until it becomes tender and juicy. Campbell’s Soup takes this time-consuming dish and makes it both fast and foolproof by using its condensed tomato soup as the base for the sauce. The combination of the rich, savory beef and the tangy tomato soup creates a mouthwatering dish that feels like a gourmet meal, yet requires very little prep time.

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this dish. The ingredients are simple but come together beautifully to create a hearty meal:

• Round steak (about 1 ½ pounds) – This cut of beef is the traditional choice for Swiss steak. It’s affordable and, when cooked properly, becomes extremely tender.
• Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup (1 can) – The star of the sauce. This gives the dish its rich flavor and moisture, making the steak melt in your mouth.
• Onion (1 medium, sliced) – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish, perfectly balancing the tang of the tomato soup.
• Bell pepper (1, optional, sliced) – If you want to add a pop of color and a little sweetness, bell peppers are a great addition.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – This will give the dish a nice aromatic base and bring out the flavors of the beef and sauce.
• Flour (for dredging the beef) – Lightly dredging the steak in flour before searing it will help to form a nice crust and thicken the sauce.
• Beef broth (½ cup) – This adds more savory flavor and helps to make the sauce more robust.
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – Seasoning is key to bringing everything together.
• Olive oil (for searing) – Used to brown the beef and create a flavorful foundation for the sauce.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking Swiss steak with Campbell’s Soup is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these easy steps to make a comforting meal your family will love:

1. Prep the beef: Start by cutting the round steak into individual serving portions, about 1-inch thick. Use a meat mallet to tenderize the meat by gently pounding each piece. This step helps the steak absorb the flavors and become more tender.
2. Dredge in flour: Lightly coat each piece of beef in flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a golden crust when you sear the meat, adding both flavor and texture.
3. Sear the beef: In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef pieces and sear them on both sides until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through at this point, just get a nice, flavorful crust. Set the beef aside.
4. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step infuses the dish with great depth of flavor.
5. Add the tomato soup and broth: Stir in the can of Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup, followed by the beef broth. Mix everything well, ensuring the soup combines with the veggies and creates a smooth sauce.
6. Simmer the steak: Return the seared beef to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the steak simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure the steak doesn’t stick.
7. Serve: Once the steak is done, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Swiss steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

While this recipe may seem simple, each ingredient plays a significant role in creating a flavorful and satisfying meal:

• Round Steak: This is the ideal cut for Swiss steak because it’s affordable and, when cooked low and slow, becomes tender. It’s also a lean cut, which helps balance out the richness of the tomato soup.
• Campbell’s Tomato Soup: The condensed soup is more than just a shortcut-it’s a full-flavored base that provides tanginess and richness. It also thickens as it simmers, creating a luscious sauce.
• Onions and Garlic: These are classic aromatics that lay the foundation for most savory dishes. In this recipe, they add a mild sweetness and depth that complement the acidity of the tomato soup.
• Beef Broth: This adds extra richness to the sauce without overwhelming it. The broth intensifies the beef flavor and adds moisture to the dish.

Expert Tips

• Tenderizing: If you’re working with a tougher cut of beef, tenderizing it with a meat mallet can really make a difference. This breaks down the muscle fibers and helps the steak absorb the flavors of the sauce.
• Slow and Low: For the best results, don’t rush the simmering step. Letting the steak cook on low heat for a longer time will yield a more tender, flavorful dish.
• Customize the Sauce: If you want to take your sauce to the next level, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Vegetable Variations: Experiment with other veggies, such as mushrooms or carrots, to add even more flavor and texture to the dish.
• Leftovers: Swiss steak actually gets better with time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep for about 3-4 days. The flavors will deepen and meld together.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Campbell’s Soup Swiss steak is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own twist on this recipe:

• Use different canned soups: If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup or even Cream of Celery Soup. These will create a creamier sauce and offer a slightly different taste.
• Spicy Swiss Steak: Add a couple of chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some extra heat.
• Herb-infused Swiss Steak: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the simmering sauce for a fragrant, herbal note.
• Vegetarian Version: If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, replace the beef with portobello mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Words

Campbell’s Soup Swiss Steak recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that can easily become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s quick, comforting, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or techniques to prepare. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe can deliver satisfying results with minimal effort.