Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

Crockpot Swiss Steak is the perfect dish for when you're craving a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. This recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef steaks simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together over time and transforming tougher cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth goodness. This classic dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a home-cooked, comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Let’s dive into this easy Crockpot Swiss Steak recipe, along with tips for variations and how to serve it for a satisfying meal.

this Recipe

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What is Swiss Steak?

Swiss Steak is a classic American dish typically made with tougher cuts of beef, like round steak, which are tenderized and then slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Despite the name, Swiss Steak doesn’t come from Switzerland; the term "Swiss" refers to the process of tenderizing the meat (sometimes called "swissing"), which involves pounding the meat to break down the fibers, making it more tender. The beef is then cooked slowly, either in a skillet, oven, or slow cooker, until it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.

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Ingredients List for Crockpot Swiss Steak

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

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds beef round steak (or cubed steaks)
• ¼ cup flour (for dredging)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or ½ teaspoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the steaks, optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture
• Carrots or celery for added vegetables
• Red bell pepper for a sweeter, colorful variation

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Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Swiss Steak recipe is versatile, and you can easily adjust it to fit your taste preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions:

• Meat: Round steak is traditional, but you can use cube steak, sirloin tip steak, or even chuck steak for a more tender result. If you prefer pork, you can use pork shoulder steaks.
• Tomatoes: If you want a chunkier tomato sauce, use crushed tomatoes instead of diced. You can also use fresh tomatoes during peak season for a more natural flavor.
• Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to make the dish heartier. You can also substitute the green bell pepper with red or yellow for a sweeter flavor.
• Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning with your favorite herbs and spices. Rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning can add more depth to the dish.
• Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water toward the end of the cooking time.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Tenderize the Steaks

If your beef steaks are not already tenderized (such as cube steaks), use a meat mallet to pound them to about ¼-inch thickness. This step helps break down the muscle fibers and makes the meat more tender. If you’re using cube steaks, you can skip this step.

2. Dredge the Steaks

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, coating both sides. Shake off any excess flour.

3. Brown the Steaks (Optional)

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the steaks for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. Transfer the browned steaks to the slow cooker.

4. Add the Vegetables

Place the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic on top of the steaks in the slow cooker. If you’re using additional vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or celery, add them at this stage as well.

5. Add the Tomatoes and Sauce

Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce over the steaks and vegetables. Sprinkle in the thyme and paprika (if using). Stir gently to combine the ingredients, making sure the steaks are mostly covered with the sauce.

6. Slow Cook the Swiss Steak

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easy to shred with a fork. The longer the cooking time, the more tender the steaks will be.

7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.

8. Serve the Swiss Steak

Once the steak is tender and the sauce has thickened (if desired), serve the Swiss steak hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

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

Step 1: Tenderizing the Meat

If you're using round steak, tenderizing is key. Pounding the meat with a meat mallet breaks down the fibers, making it more tender after slow cooking. Cube steaks are already tenderized, so you can skip this step if using them.

Step 2: Browning for Extra Flavor

Browning the steaks before slow cooking caramelizes the outside and adds extra flavor to the final dish. While this step is optional, it’s highly recommended for the best results.

Step 3: Slow Cooking for Tenderness

The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender. Cooking on Low for 6-8 hours is ideal for achieving fall-apart beef, but you can use High for a quicker version if needed.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Tenderizing the Meat: If you're using a tough cut of beef like round steak, don’t skip the tenderizing step. Pounding the meat with a mallet helps break down the fibers and ensures that the steak becomes tender after slow cooking.
2. Skipping the Browning Step: While browning the steaks before slow cooking is optional, it adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Try not to skip this step unless you're pressed for time.
3. Using Too Little Liquid: Make sure there’s enough liquid (tomatoes, broth, and sauce) to cover the steaks in the slow cooker. This ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful as it cooks.
4. Overcooking on High Heat: If you’re cooking on High, be careful not to overcook. The steaks can dry out if left too long at high temperatures. Stick to the recommended 3-4 hours on High for best results.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Swiss Steak is a classic comfort dish that’s best served with hearty sides to soak up all the delicious sauce. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting this dish:

How to Serve Crockpot Swiss Steak

• Over Mashed Potatoes: Serve the tender steak and sauce over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
• With Rice or Noodles: Swiss steak also pairs well with rice or egg noodles, which help soak up the flavorful sauce.
• With Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread or garlic bread works wonderfully for mopping up the sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Swiss Steak

• Family-Style Serving: Serve the steak directly from the slow cooker in the center of the table, with sides like mashed potatoes or egg noodles for everyone to help themselves.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a pop of color and added flavor, garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme.
• Hearty Plating: Serve individual portions of Swiss steak on plates with a generous spoonful of sauce and a side of vegetables like green beans or roasted carrots.

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Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: Swiss steak is even better the next day! You can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) about 30 minutes before serving. Let the sauce simmer until thickened.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. These vegetables will add even more flavor to the sauce and make the dish heartier.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make

this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make Swiss steak in the Instant Pot. Use the Sauté function to brown the steaks and cook the onions, then add the remaining ingredients. Pressure cook on High for 35-40 minutes, followed by a natural release. If you want to thicken the sauce, switch back to the Sauté function and stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Can I freeze Swiss steak?

Yes! Swiss steak freezes well. Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What cuts of beef work best for Swiss steak?

Round steak, top round, or bottom round are the most commonly used cuts for Swiss steak. Cube steak is also a good option because it's already tenderized. You can also use chuck steak for a more tender and flavorful result.

What sides go well with Swiss steak?

Swiss steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad also complements the dish.

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Conclusion

This Crockpot Swiss Steak recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With tender beef, flavorful tomatoes, and a rich sauce, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a meal that’s ready to serve. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering, or just want something warm and comforting, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and enjoy a plate of tender, flavorful Swiss steak tonight!

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