Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is the perfect solution. Swiss steak is a classic comfort food dish made with tender beef, smothered in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, celery, and carrots. Cooking it low and slow in the crockpot ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making it a satisfying meal any day of the week. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this simple, yet delicious recipe!

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What is Swiss Steak?

Swiss steak is a dish made from a tougher cut of beef (like round steak) that is typically coated in flour, browned, and then slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce until tender. The term "Swiss" refers to the process of tenderizing the meat, rather than any association with Switzerland. When cooked in a crockpot, the beef becomes incredibly soft and flavorful, making this a perfect meal for those who love slow-cooked, comforting dishes.

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 beef round steak (cut into 4-6 pieces)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the steak)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced

For Serving:

• Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Swiss Steak recipe is versatile, and you can adjust it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Meat alternatives: If you prefer, you can use chuck steak or even pork shoulder for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Tomato alternatives: If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, you can replace the diced tomatoes and sauce with beef broth and a bit of red wine for a rich, non-tomato-based sauce.
• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or potatoes. They’ll cook perfectly in the crockpot along with the beef.
• Herbs and spices: You can easily swap the thyme and paprika for other herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano, depending on your flavor preferences.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Crockpot Swiss Steak is easy to prepare and just takes a few simple steps before letting your slow cooker do the rest.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef round steak and cutting it into 4-6 pieces, depending on the size. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, making sure both sides are coated evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Steak (Optional but Recommended)

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured steak pieces and brown them on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps to develop extra flavor, but it’s optional if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Layer the Vegetables in the Crockpot

Place the sliced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in the bottom of your crockpot. These vegetables will form a flavorful base for the beef to cook in.

Step 4: Add the Steak and Sauce Ingredients

Place the browned steak pieces on top of the vegetables. Pour the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth over the steak. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir gently to combine and ensure the steak is mostly submerged in the sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Swiss Steak

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the steak is tender and easily pulled apart with a fork. The longer, slower cooking time on low will result in the most tender beef.

Step 6: Serve

Once the steak is cooked to perfection, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Swiss steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, making sure to spoon plenty of the rich sauce and tender vegetables on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor, if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the browning step: While this step is optional, browning the steak adds a layer of flavor that can make a big difference in the final dish.
• Using too much liquid: Swiss steak is supposed to be tender and saucy, but not soupy. Be careful not to add too much broth or water, as the meat will release juices as it cooks.
• Not cooking long enough: To achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture, be sure to cook the steak for the full 7-8 hours on low. Shortening the cook time might result in tougher meat.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Crockpot Swiss Steak

Swiss steak is a hearty, comforting dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, all of which soak up the flavorful tomato sauce. Serve it family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves from the slow cooker, or plate it individually for a more formal presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Swiss Steak

• Family-style: Place the slow cooker on the table with a ladle and bowls of mashed potatoes or noodles on the side. Let everyone build their own plates.
• Individual plates: Serve each person a piece of tender Swiss steak with a side of mashed potatoes or egg noodles, spooning plenty of sauce and vegetables over the top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe Tips

• Tenderize the meat: If your steak is particularly thick, you can use a meat mallet to pound it out before browning it. This helps break down the tough fibers and ensures a more tender result.
• Add extra veggies: Throw in additional vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or bell peppers to make this dish even more filling.
• Double the recipe: This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd. Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while round steak is traditional for Swiss steak, you can use chuck roast, blade steak, or even brisket. Just make sure it’s a cut that benefits from long, slow cooking to become tender.

2. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the crockpot?
Yes! To make Swiss steak in the oven, follow the same steps to brown the steak and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a large Dutch oven or casserole dish. Cover and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 2-3 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Swiss steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

4. Can I freeze Swiss steak?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Once the steak has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

5. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when dredging the steak. Make sure any canned ingredients, like the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. With just a few minutes of prep and your trusty slow cooker, you can enjoy tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef smothered in a savory tomato sauce with onions, carrots, and celery. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete, satisfying meal. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this slow-cooked Swiss steak is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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