Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

Looking for an easy, hearty meal that’s full of flavor and made with minimal effort? This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is the perfect solution. With tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich tomato gravy, it’s a comforting dish that brings back nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this Swiss steak is simple to make and delicious to enjoy. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal. Read on for the full recipe, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions!

What is Swiss Steak?

Swiss steak is a classic comfort dish typically made by braising round steak or a similar cut of beef in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and seasonings. The term "Swiss" refers to a method of tenderizing meat by pounding or “swissing” it, not the country of Switzerland. The long cooking process breaks down the tough cut of meat, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. In this crockpot version, the slow cooker does all the work for you, turning inexpensive cuts of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth meal.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Swiss Steak

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful slow cooker Swiss steak:

• 2 lbs beef round steak (or chuck steak, cut into 1-inch thick pieces)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging the beef)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the beef, optional)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This crockpot Swiss steak recipe is versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Beef substitutions: If you can’t find round steak, you can use chuck steak, sirloin steak, or any other tough, slow-cooking cut of beef. You can even use pork steaks if you prefer.
• Low-carb or gluten-free: Skip the flour dredging to make it gluten-free or low-carb. The dish will still be delicious and tender without the flour coating, although it may be slightly less thick.
• Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor, or substitute the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give the dish more heat if you prefer a spicier version.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, celery, or potatoes to bulk up the dish. Just add them along with the carrots and bell peppers.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Meat: Pat the round steak dry with paper towels, then cut it into serving-sized pieces. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge each piece of steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess.
2. Sear the Meat (Optional): For added flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but helps deepen the flavor of the beef. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add Vegetables to the Crockpot: Layer the sliced onions, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper on top of the beef in the crockpot.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
5. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can remove about ¼ cup of the cooking liquid, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and stir it back into the crockpot. Let it cook on high for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve: Once the Swiss steak is done, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

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

• Step 1: Season and dredge the steak in seasoned flour.
• Step 2: Optional step: Sear the steak for extra flavor.
• Step 3: Layer the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
• Step 4: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the meat and veggies.
• Step 5: Slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
• Step 6: Serve the tender beef and vegetables over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not searing the beef: While searing the meat is optional, it does enhance the flavor significantly. If you have time, don’t skip this step!
• Overcooking: Be mindful of the cooking time. While slow cookers are forgiving, cooking the steak for too long can sometimes dry it out, especially if you leave it for much longer than the recommended time.
• Not thickening the sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, consider whisking in a cornstarch slurry at the end. Don’t let the sauce be too watery—it should have a rich, hearty consistency.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Swiss steak is a hearty, comforting dish, so pair it with classic sides for a complete meal. Here are some ideas for serving and presentation:

• With mashed potatoes: Swiss steak pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. The rich tomato gravy is perfect for spooning over the top.
• With rice: Serve the Swiss steak over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• With pasta: For a twist, serve it over buttered noodles or egg noodles for a heartier meal.
• Add fresh herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
• Crusty bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to help scoop up all the delicious sauce.

How to Serve Crockpot Swiss Steak

• Family-style: Serve the Swiss steak in the crockpot, with the sides of your choice—mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta—so everyone can serve themselves.
• Individual portions: Spoon the beef, vegetables, and sauce over mashed potatoes or rice on individual plates, garnishing with fresh parsley.
• For leftovers: Swiss steak makes great leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Swiss Steak

• Rustic charm: Serve the Swiss steak in a rustic crockpot or Dutch oven straight on the table, garnished with fresh herbs for a cozy, family-style meal.
• Elegant plate: For a more refined presentation, serve the Swiss steak over mashed potatoes or rice, with the beef neatly arranged and drizzled with extra sauce, then garnished with herbs.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe Tips

• Use a tougher cut of meat: Swiss steak is meant to be made with tougher cuts like round or chuck steak. These cuts break down beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
• Thicken the sauce: If you like a thick gravy, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
• Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheats well. It also freezes beautifully—just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes! You can sear the beef using the "Sauté" function in the Instant Pot, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry if desired, using the "Sauté" function again at the end.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute canned diced tomatoes with about 2 cups of fresh, chopped tomatoes. If you want a richer sauce, consider adding a little tomato paste for extra depth.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Swiss steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I skip the flour?
A: Yes, you can skip dredging the beef in flour if you prefer a gluten-free or lower-carb version. The sauce will be slightly thinner, but still flavorful.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is a true comfort food classic—tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming a tougher cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth meal with a rich tomato gravy. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or meal prep. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner that the whole family will love!

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