Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is the perfect solution! Swiss steak is a classic dish made with tenderized beef that’s slowly cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce along with onions, peppers, and seasonings. The crockpot (or slow cooker) makes it incredibly simple—just toss everything in, let it cook low and slow, and you'll have melt-in-your-mouth steak ready to serve with your favorite sides. It’s a great option for a weeknight meal or a Sunday dinner, and it only gets better as leftovers. Keep reading for the full recipe and helpful tips to make this dish perfect!

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What is Swiss Steak?

Swiss Steak is a dish made with beef (often round steak) that’s been tenderized by pounding or "swissing" it with a meat mallet, then cooked slowly in a flavorful tomato sauce. Despite the name, Swiss steak has no connection to Switzerland; the term "Swiss" refers to the process of tenderizing the meat. The slow cooking method used in this recipe results in beef that’s incredibly tender, falling apart with every bite, and infused with the rich flavors of tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Swiss Steak

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, slow-cooked Swiss steak:

For the Swiss Steak:

• 2 pounds of round steak (cut into 1-inch thick slices)
• ½ cup flour (for dredging)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 large bell pepper, sliced (use red, green, or a combination)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Meat Alternatives: Round steak is traditional, but you can also use chuck steak, sirloin tip, or cube steak for this recipe. The slow cooking will tenderize any tough cut of beef.
• Tomato Substitutes: If you prefer a richer sauce, swap the diced tomatoes with a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato puree. You can also add a little tomato paste for added depth.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra nutrition and flavor, you can add more veggies like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the crockpot.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the steak. Make sure any canned products like broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free as well.
• Spice Level: If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the tomato mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by cutting your round steak into portions or serving-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, coating it thoroughly on all sides.

Step 2: Brown the Steak

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the dredged pieces of steak and sear them for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. You’re not cooking the steak all the way through here—just giving it a good sear to enhance the flavor. Once browned, transfer the steak to the crockpot.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Layer the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic on top of the browned steak in the crockpot.

Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, and beef broth. Pour this tomato mixture over the steak and vegetables in the crockpot.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the Swiss steak on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. The steak should be tender enough to pull apart with a fork when it's done.

Step 6: Serve

Once the Swiss steak is finished cooking, remove the lid and give it a gentle stir. Serve the steak with plenty of the rich tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.

How to Cook Crockpot Swiss Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the steak by dredging it in seasoned flour.
2. Brown the steak in a skillet to develop flavor.
3. Layer the vegetables (onions, peppers, garlic) in the crockpot.
4. Add the tomato mixture (diced tomatoes, sauce, Worcestershire, broth, and seasonings).
5. Cook low and slow: Set the crockpot to LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
6. Serve the tender Swiss steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Browning the Steak: Browning the steak before slow cooking adds depth of flavor to the final dish. Don’t skip this step! The caramelized exterior will make a big difference in taste.
• Using the Wrong Cut of Meat: Be sure to use a tougher cut of beef like round steak, chuck, or cube steak. These cuts become tender when cooked low and slow. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin as they won’t break down as nicely.
• Too Little Liquid: Make sure there’s enough liquid (broth and tomatoes) in the crockpot to keep the steak moist and tender during the long cooking process.
• Cooking Too Long on High: Slow cooking on LOW heat will give you the best results with a tender, flavorful steak. Cooking too quickly on HIGH can make the meat tough.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Swiss steak is a hearty, rustic dish, but with the right presentation, you can make it look just as good as it tastes:

• Serve Over a Starchy Side: This steak is best served with something to soak up the rich tomato sauce. Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice work great.
• Rustic Plating: Serve the steak family-style in the crockpot, allowing everyone to scoop out their portions along with the flavorful sauce.
• Fresh Garnishes: Brighten the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or grated Parmesan just before serving. These small touches add both color and freshness to a rich dish.

How to Serve Crockpot Swiss Steak

• Classic Style: Spoon the tender Swiss steak over a bed of mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice, and drizzle with extra sauce.
• With Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a green salad to balance the rich flavors of the steak.
• Leftover Tip: If you have leftovers, shred the steak and toss it with the sauce to make a delicious filling for sandwiches or wraps the next day!

Presentation Ideas for Swiss Steak

• Family Style: Serve directly from the crockpot for a casual family dinner. Set the slow cooker to "Warm" to keep the meal hot as people serve themselves.
• Individual Plates: For a more elegant presentation, plate the steak on individual plates, drizzling the tomato sauce over the meat and pairing it with a side of mashed potatoes or rice.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare everything the night before, cover the crockpot insert, and refrigerate it. In the morning, just place the insert into the slow cooker and set it to cook.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the Swiss steak in a saucepan over low heat or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use cube steak for this recipe?
A: Yes! Cube steak works perfectly for this recipe and will become tender after slow cooking.

Q: Can I freeze Swiss steak?
A: Absolutely! Swiss steak freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container with the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! To make Swiss steak in an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the meat, then cook on high pressure for 40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

Q: What sides go best with Swiss steak?
A: Swiss steak pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a simple side of steamed vegetables or a green salad.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, offering tender, flavorful beef that melts in your mouth, all while being incredibly easy to prepare. With the help of your slow cooker, you can create a rich, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this Swiss steak recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Just pair it with your favorite starchy side, and enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner!

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