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Pork Swiss Steak

Pork Swiss steak is one of those classic, comforting dinners that feels like it belongs on a handwritten recipe card

  • Serves 4 people
  • Prep 10 minutes
  • Cook 50 minutes
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Pork Swiss Steak

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.

A plate of meatloaf topped with tomato-based sauce and chopped green onions, served with a side of white rice.
A plate with a serving of white rice and tomato-based stewed chicken, garnished with chopped green onions.
A plate with a serving of smothered meat in tomato-based sauce topped with chopped green onions, next to a portion of mashed potatoes.

At Ajpal, 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.

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:

Three raw ground meat patties, perfect for making Pork Swiss Steak, with visible seasoning on a white plate, placed on a white surface.

Season & Pound

Season pork & pound aggressively with meat tenderizer to tenderize pork cutlet.

Two breaded and seasoned pieces of food, reminiscent of Pork Swiss Steak, are frying in oil in a black skillet.

Sear Pork

In large pan with olive oil over high heat, brown pork cutlets on both sides.

Chopped onions and garlic sautéing with browned ground meat in a skillet, creating the savory base for a classic Pork Swiss Steak.

Brown Onions

Add onions and garlic and brown to soften. Add garlic at end.

tomato sauce in a pot

Simmer in Sauce

Add tomatoes and stock and make sauce over pork cutlets and onions. Simmer 10-15 minutes, until fall apart tender.

A plate featuring Pork Swiss Steak—a breaded meat cutlet topped with tomato-based sauce and chopped green onions—served alongside a portion of white rice.

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

Cabbage and Noodles

Easy Recipe for Spaetzle

Dilly Bread Recipe

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

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Close-up of Pork Swiss Steak topped with a rich tomato-based sauce and chopped green onions on a plate, with text overlay "Pork Swiss Steak" and "Ajpal designs.com".

The recipe

Pork Swiss Steak

Tender pork Swiss steak simmered in a savory tomato gravy for a comforting, old-fashioned dinner.

  • Serves 4 people
  • Prep 10 minutes
  • Cook 50 minutes

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)

Method

  1. 1

    Season pork steaks on both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    In the same pan, add onion and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  5. 5

    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.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition

  • Calories169 kcal
  • Carbohydrates23 g
  • Protein4 g
  • Fat8 g
  • Saturated Fat1 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat1 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat5 g
  • Cholesterol1 mg
  • Sodium657 mg
  • Potassium461 mg
  • Fiber3 g
  • Sugar6 g
  • Vitamin A638 IU
  • Vitamin C16 mg
  • Calcium58 mg
  • Iron3 mg