Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

Sizzling Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe for Effortless Dinners

Tender beef simmering in a savory slow cooker swiss steak recipe promises comfort on even the dreariest days.

Hearty cuts of meat melt into a rich, flavorful sauce that warms you from the inside out.

Busy home cooks adore this hands-off approach to creating a satisfying meal.

The blend of tomatoes, herbs, and slow-cooked beef creates a classic dish that feels like a warm hug.

Minimal prep work means you can walk away and let the crockpot work its magic.

Each bite delivers deep, robust flavors that make weeknight dinners feel special.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Swiss Steak Ingredients You’ll Want Handy

Meat:
  • Steak: A tough cut of beef that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in the crockpot.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the dish.
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a rich, tangy base for the sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the meaty flavor of the dish.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a complex, umami taste to the sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the steak.
  • Paprika, Thyme: Herbs and spices that contribute a warm, earthy undertone to the recipe.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Flour: Helps to create a light crust on the steak and thickens the sauce.
  • Oil: Used for browning the steak and creating a golden exterior.

Let Your Crockpot Do The Work – Here’s How

Step 1: Prepare and Season Steak

Grab your steak pieces and generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Coat each piece completely by rolling them in flour, ensuring a light, even dusting that will create a delicious golden crust when browned.

Step 2: Brown the Steak

Fire up a skillet with oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the flour-coated steak pieces into the hot pan.

Sear each side until they develop a rich, golden-brown color that locks in amazing flavor.

This step creates a beautiful exterior and adds depth to the final dish.

Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot

Move the beautifully browned steak pieces into the crockpot, creating a delectable base for your meal.

Step 4: Add Vegetable Layer

Spread a colorful mix of vegetables over the steak:
  • Sliced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Minced garlic

These veggies will infuse the meat with incredible flavor and create a hearty, comforting meal.

Step 5: Create Flavorful Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine these delicious ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Paprika
  • Dried thyme

Pour this robust sauce evenly over the steak and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours.

The long, slow cooking process will transform the steak into melt-in-your-mouth tender goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

When the steak is incredibly tender, it’s ready to be served.

Pair with your favorite sides like:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Fluffy rice
  • Buttery egg noodles

Enjoy your comforting, home-cooked Swiss steak!

Slow Cooker Steak: Pro Moves For Tender Results

  • Dredge steak in flour to create a light, crispy coating that helps seal in juices and thickens the sauce naturally.
  • Sear steak in a hot skillet before adding to crockpot to develop rich, deep flavors and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
  • Feel free to swap bell peppers with carrots or celery for added nutrition and a different flavor profile.
  • Low and slow cooking breaks down tough meat fibers, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth tender steak every single time.
  • Store remaining Swiss steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors will continue to develop and improve.

Swiss Steak With A Twist – Fresh Flavors To Try

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when dredging steak, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap beef with thick portobello mushroom slices or plant-based protein, maintaining similar cooking techniques and sauce ingredients for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium beef broth, reduce added salt, and replace Worcestershire sauce with reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for heart-healthy adaptation.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the sauce for individuals who prefer a more intense, fiery flavor profile.

Serve Up That Steak – Rustic Or Fancy

  • Comforting Potato Partner: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich tomato sauce, creating a hearty meal that warms the soul and balances the tender steak perfectly.
  • Rustic Rice Companion: Fluffy white or brown rice provides a mild backdrop that lets the robust flavors of the Swiss steak shine through, absorbing the delicious sauce with each bite.
  • Hearty Noodle Pairing: Wide egg noodles or buttered pasta offer a delightful texture contrast, catching the savory sauce and complementing the tender meat's robust flavor profile.
  • Veggie Side Boost: Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad add freshness and nutrition, cutting through the richness of the steak and providing a balanced meal experience.

Keeping Swiss Steak Fresh ‘Til Tomorrow

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the meat and sauce together. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled Swiss steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
  • Pour steak and sauce into a skillet, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying, cover, and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated.

FAQs

  • Why dredge the steak in flour before browning?

Flour creates a delicious golden crust that helps seal in the meat’s juices and adds a rich, slightly crispy texture to the steak while also helping to thicken the sauce during slow cooking.

  • Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chuck roast or round steak for similar tender results. Just ensure the cut is suitable for slow cooking to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

  • Is it necessary to brown the steak before putting it in the crockpot?

Browning is optional but recommended. It develops deeper flavor and creates a more complex taste profile by caramelizing the meat’s surface before slow cooking.

Crockpot Swiss Steak: Sunday Dinner Made Easy

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Dump all ingredients into the crockpot for a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious kitchen time and reduces cleanup hassle.
  • Tenderize Tough Cuts: Slow cooking transforms less expensive steak cuts into mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth meat that's packed with rich, savory flavors.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Hearty, satisfying dish delivers classic home-cooked goodness perfect for family dinners or gathering with friends, providing warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to create a complete meal that adapts to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
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Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot swiss steak delights families with rich, tender beef simmered in savory tomato sauce. Comforting midwest classic promises satisfying dinner that brings warmth and flavor to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds (lbs) beef round steak
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Flour:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 large onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Coat steak pieces thoroughly with seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage for a crispy exterior.
  2. Sear meat in hot skillet at 375°F until golden brown, developing rich caramelized flavor on both sides.
  3. Carefully place browned steak into crockpot, creating an even layer at the bottom.
  4. Distribute sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic across the meat surface for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Create a robust sauce by whisking together diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and thyme until well combined.
  6. Pour sauce mixture evenly over meat and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Set crockpot to low temperature and slow cook for 6-7 hours, allowing meat to become exceptionally tender and flavors to meld together.
  8. Once cooking is complete, check meat’s tenderness by gently pulling with a fork.
  9. Plate Swiss steak alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Dust steak thoroughly with flour to create a golden, crispy exterior that helps seal in moisture and enhances flavor depth.
  • Brown meat in hot skillet before slow cooking to develop rich caramelized notes and intensify overall taste profile.
  • Use tougher, more affordable cuts like chuck or round steak which become wonderfully tender during long, slow cooking process.
  • Adjust liquid levels if needed during cooking to prevent dryness and maintain succulent meat texture, adding extra broth sparingly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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