This Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is a cozy dish made with tender beef, tomatoes, and bell peppers. It simmers all day, filling your home with a delicious aroma!
Nothing says comfort food like a warm plate of Swiss Steak. I love serving it over mashed potatoes for a meal that feels like a big hug. You can’t go wrong with this one! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Round Steak: This cut is great for Swiss steak as it’s tender when cooked low and slow. You can swap it with chuck roast or sirloin if that’s what you have on hand!
All-Purpose Flour: This helps to create a nice crust on the beef. For gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Vegetable Oil: Good for browning the meat. Olive oil or canola oil are excellent alternatives if vegetable oil isn’t available.
Tomatoes: Canned or fresh diced tomatoes fill this dish with flavor. If you’d like to use something different, crushed tomatoes also work well!
Beef Broth: Enhances the savory flavors. If you need a lighter option, chicken broth can be used, though it will slightly change the taste.
How Do You Get the Meat Browned Just Right?
Browning the steak is key for a rich flavor! Here’s how to do it well:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding oil for a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; brown in batches if needed. This prevents steaming!
- Let the meat sit for 3-4 minutes before flipping it—this helps develop a crust.
Perfectly browned meat adds depth to your dish, making it even more delicious!
Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 beef round steak pieces (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Mashed potatoes, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Slow Cooker Swiss Steak will take approximately 15-20 minutes to prep and about 6-8 hours of cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it in the morning, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal waiting for you by dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Dredge the Beef:
Start by seasoning both sides of the beef round steak pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Then, lightly coat the steak pieces with flour, shaking off any excess. This will create a nice crust when you brown them.
2. Brown the Steak:
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak pieces. Brown them on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each, until they develop a lovely golden crust. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and diced carrots. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, and paprika. Stir everything together gently to combine the ingredients.
5. Add the Steak:
Now it’s time to place the browned steak pieces on top of the vegetable and sauce mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure they sit on top nicely.
6. Cook the Steak:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the beef to be fork-tender and for all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Finish and Serve:
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish your Swiss steak with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch. Serve it hot over a fluffy bed of creamy mashed potatoes, spooning the delicious savory sauce and vegetables over the top.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Swiss Steak! It’s a perfect dish for family dinners or when you want something that feels like a warm hug! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While round steak is great, you can also use chuck roast or sirloin. Just ensure the cut you choose has enough marbling for flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth works well as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter option, but it will slightly change the flavor profile of the dish.
Can I Make Swiss Steak Without Mushrooms?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, feel free to leave them out or replace them with another vegetable like bell peppers or green beans for added flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
