This Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is comfort food at its best! It’s made with tender beef, tomatoes, and veggies simmered together for a delicious dish that warms your heart.
The best part? You just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax. I love serving it with mashed potatoes for a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Round Steak: This cut works great because it’s flavorful and becomes tender with slow cooking. If you can’t find round steak, chuck roast or sirloin also makes a good substitute.
Flour: Dredging the steak in flour helps create a nice crust when browning. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend instead.
Diced Tomatoes: They add moisture and flavor. You can use fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother texture. For a spicy kick, try diced tomatoes with green chilies!
Beef Broth: This enhances the stew’s flavor. Vegetable broth can work if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian approach, but the flavor will differ.
Carrots & Bell Peppers: These add sweetness and color to the dish. Feel free to swap in other veggies like potatoes or green beans based on what you have at home.
How Do I Get the Steak Perfectly Browned?
Browning the steak before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth to the flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough. A little sizzle when the steak hits the pan is a good sign that it’s ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; brown in batches if needed. This helps achieve a nice brown crust.
- Cook for about 3 minutes on each side—not touching them too much—until they’re golden brown.
This extra step is worth it because it enhances the overall dish significantly!
Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs round steak, cut into serving-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Mashed potatoes, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes for preparation and browning the steak, followed by 6 to 8 hours of slow cooking on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Plan for a total of around 6.5 to 8.5 hours from start to finish, perfect for a day at home or a cozy weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper. Take each piece of round steak and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. This will help create a delicious crust when seared.
2. Brown the Steak:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured steak pieces to the skillet. Brown them on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. When browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté them until they are softened, about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine.
4. Mix Everything in the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, diced carrots, and the optional green bell pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
5. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Add the browned steak pieces along with the sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker. Make sure to nestle the meat into the tomato mixture for even cooking.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The steak should be very tender when it’s done.
7. Final Seasoning:
Once cooked, taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. This enhances the flavors of the gravy!
8. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Dish out the Swiss steak with plenty of the rich tomato gravy over cooked mashed potatoes. This adds a lovely creaminess that pairs perfectly with the savory steak.
9. Garnish:
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for a lovely color and fresh flavor boost. Enjoy every comforting bite of this delicious meal!
Enjoy your comforting Slow Cooker Swiss Steak meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While round steak is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with chuck roast or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.
Can I Skip Browning the Steak?
While browning the steak adds extra flavor and helps develop a rich color, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just add the raw steak directly into the slow cooker with the other ingredients, and it will still turn out tasty!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The flavors often get even better after sitting overnight!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is very versatile. Feel free to add or swap in other vegetables like peas, celery, or potatoes according to your taste and what you have on hand.
