Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make, this Crockpot Swiss Steak recipe is just what you need! Tender, slow-cooked beef steak simmered in a rich tomato sauce with onions, peppers, and garlic, this dish is packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. With minimal prep and a long, slow cook time, Swiss steak becomes fork-tender and full of savory goodness. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love. Read on for step-by-step instructions and tips for making the best Swiss steak in your Crockpot!

this Recipe

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What is Swiss Steak?

Swiss Steak is a classic American dish where inexpensive cuts of beef (like round steak) are slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce until they become incredibly tender. Despite its name, Swiss steak isn’t from Switzerland. The term "Swiss" refers to the cooking process of tenderizing the meat, typically by pounding or braising, which makes it soft and flavorful. In this version, the steak is cooked in a Crockpot for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully for a melt-in-your-mouth dish.

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Ingredients List for Crockpot Swiss Steak

To make this flavorful, slow-cooked Swiss steak, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Beef Round Steak – 2 pounds, cut into 4-6 pieces (pound for extra tenderness if desired).
• Flour – ½ cup, for dredging the steak.
• Salt and Pepper – To season the steak.
• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, for browning the steak.
• Onion – 1 large, sliced.
• Bell Pepper – 1 large, sliced (any color, or a mix of red and green).
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced for extra flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes (canned) – 1 can (14.5 oz), for a rich tomato base.
• Tomato Sauce – 1 can (8 oz), for added richness.
• Beef Broth – 1 cup, to keep everything moist and flavorful.
• Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon, for depth of flavor.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, for a hint of smoky flavor.
• Thyme (dried) – 1 teaspoon, to add an herby note.
• Bay Leaf – 1, for extra flavor in the sauce.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is flexible and can be adapted to your taste preferences:

• Different Cuts of Beef: If you can’t find round steak, you can use chuck steak, cube steak, or even brisket. Just be sure to tenderize the beef if it's not already.
• Chicken or Pork: If you prefer, you can make this dish with chicken thighs or pork chops. Both will become tender when slow-cooked in the rich tomato sauce.
• Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: For a little kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to dredge the meat if you need a gluten-free option.

These variations allow you to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences while keeping the dish as delicious as ever.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Swiss Steak step by step:

1. Tenderize and Season the Steak:
   • If desired, pound the round steak with a meat mallet to tenderize it. This step helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat.
   • Season the steak on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge the steak pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Steak:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. You don’t need to cook the steak through—just sear it to develop flavor.
   • Once browned, transfer the steak to your Crockpot.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Transfer the vegetables to the Crockpot, layering them on top of the steak.
4. Add the Sauce:
   • Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, and the bay leaf into the Crockpot. Stir gently to combine and coat the steak and vegetables.
5. Cook the Swiss Steak:
   • Cover the Crockpot and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, or on High for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork. The longer cooking time on low heat will produce the most tender steak.
6. Serve the Swiss Steak:
   • Remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
   • Serve the Swiss steak hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, spooning the tomato sauce and vegetables over the top.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the main steps to cook Crockpot Swiss Steak:

1. Tenderize and season the steak, then dredge it in flour.
2. Sear the steak in a skillet to develop flavor.
3. Sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers and transfer them to the Crockpot.
4. Add tomatoes, broth, and seasonings to the Crockpot.
5. Slow cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or rice.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Tenderizing the Meat: For best results, be sure to pound the round steak to tenderize it, especially if you’re using a tougher cut of meat. This step helps break down the fibers for a more tender result.
• Skipping the Searing Step: Browning the steak before slow cooking enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this step! It adds a deep, caramelized flavor that makes a big difference.
• Adding Too Much Liquid: The Crockpot doesn’t allow for much evaporation, so be mindful of the amount of liquid you add. Stick to the recipe measurements for a thick, flavorful sauce.
• Not Cooking Long Enough: For ultra-tender steak, cook on Low for 6-8 hours. The low and slow method ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Swiss steak is a hearty dish, but with a little attention to presentation, you can make it look as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Crockpot Swiss Steak:

• Family-Style: Serve the Swiss steak directly from the Crockpot, spooning the meat and sauce over mashed potatoes or rice.
• Individual Portions: Plate the Swiss steak with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles and spoon the rich tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Swiss Steak:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds freshness and color to the dish.
• Side Dishes: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, or add a side salad for balance.
• Rustic Look: For a rustic presentation, serve the Swiss steak in shallow bowls with plenty of sauce and vegetables.

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Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the Swiss steak a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the Crockpot or on the stovetop before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight!
• Freezing: Swiss steak freezes well. Once cooled, store the steak and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the steak and vegetables from the Crockpot at the end of cooking and whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Let the sauce simmer on high for a few minutes until it thickens.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different cut of beef for Swiss steak?
Yes! While round steak is traditional, you can use chuck steak, cube steak, or even brisket for this recipe. Just be sure to tenderize the meat if it’s a tougher cut.

What should I serve with Swiss steak?
Swiss steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli on the side.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! To make Swiss steak in an Instant Pot, follow the same steps for searing the steak and sautéing the vegetables. Cook the steak on High Pressure for 35 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. The result will be tender, flavorful steak in less time!

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Swiss steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Conclusion:

This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—easy to prepare, full of rich flavors, and incredibly tender. With slow-cooked beef, a savory tomato sauce, and a hint of garlic and herbs, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying, hearty meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for family or meal-prepping for the week, this slow cooker Swiss steak will quickly become a favorite! Enjoy!

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