Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe: Tender Family Joy

Hearty home cooks adore this classic crockpot swiss steak that promises tender, mouthwatering results every single time.

Slow-cooking transforms tough cuts into delectable meals bursting with rich flavors.

Beef becomes incredibly soft when bathed in savory tomato-based sauce throughout the day.

Minimal prep work means you can start this dish in minutes and let the appliance do all the hard work.

Fragrant herbs and gentle simmering create a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this no-fuss, deeply satisfying recipe.

Crockpot Swiss Steak: Storing and Reheating Like a Chef

• Store leftover Swiss steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully transfer cooled steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm steak in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until warmed through.
• Place steak in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Serving Matches

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the Swiss steak, cutting through the meat's tenderness with its robust tannins.
• Create Creamy Side Contrast: Prepare garlic parmesan mashed potatoes that provide a smooth, velvety texture against the meat's savory tomato-based sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a light, zesty element that balances the deep, slow-cooked flavors of the Swiss steak and refreshes the palate.
• Elevate with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, adding a delightful textural component and allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful liquid.

Crockpot Swiss Steak with Savory Modifications

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dredging to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Lean Protein Swap: Substitute beef steak with turkey or chicken breast for a lighter, lower-fat protein option that maintains the recipe's rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Use portobello mushrooms or firm tofu cut into steak-like pieces, replacing meat with plant-based protein and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Sodium Version: Opt for no-salt-added diced tomatoes, reduced-sodium tomato sauce, and low-sodium beef broth to create a heart-healthy alternative without compromising taste.

FAQs

• What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Chuck steak or round steak are ideal because they’re affordable, have good marbling, and become incredibly tender when slow-cooked in the Crockpot.

• Can I skip browning the meat before putting it in the Crockpot?

While browning is optional, it adds deeper flavor and helps develop a richer taste profile by creating delicious caramelization on the meat’s surface.

• How do I know the steak is properly tenderized?

The steak is done when it’s so tender that it easily falls apart with a fork and can be cut with minimal effort, typically after 7-8 hours of slow cooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour when dredging the steak, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Why Crockpot Swiss Steak Stays A Crowd Favorite

• Simplify Meal Prep: Crockpot Swiss Steak transforms tough meat into a tender, flavorful dish with minimal hands-on cooking time, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker method ensures perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth steak without constant monitoring, allowing you to go about your day while dinner prepares itself.
• Comfort Food Champion: Hearty, classic recipe delivers rich, satisfying flavors that bring warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table, making it a crowd-pleasing family meal.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizes affordable cuts of meat and simple ingredients, creating a delicious, filling meal that won't break the bank while still impressing everyone at the table.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Composition

• Beef Round Steak: A lean cut perfect for slow cooking, tenderizes beautifully in the crockpot. Choose a well-marbled piece for extra flavor and moisture.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and creates a light coating for the meat. All-purpose flour works best.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Add depth and sweetness to the dish. Fresh, crisp vegetables provide great texture and flavor. Select firm, bright-colored vegetables.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base for the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves offer the most intense flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Create a rich, tangy liquid base for the steak. Canned varieties ensure consistent flavor and convenience.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor. Low-sodium options allow better control of salt levels.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a complex, umami depth to the sauce. Adds a subtle tang and richness.
• Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color. Prefer sweet or mild paprika for this recipe.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best flavor.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Prep Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Grab your beef and give it a good pounding with a meat mallet to break down those tough muscle fibers.

Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika to wake up the flavor profile.

Step 2: Create a Crispy Coating

Dust the meat pieces in flour, creating a light, golden jacket that will help seal in the juices.

Optional but recommended: quickly sear the floured meat in a hot skillet with a splash of oil to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.

Step 3: Set Up the Flavor Base

Nestle the browned meat into your slow cooker, preparing for a flavor explosion.

• Chopped onions
• Sliced bell peppers
• Minced garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, allowing the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When the meat is fall-apart soft, serve this hearty dish over your favorite comfort carbs.

Mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or twirly pasta all make excellent companions to this rich, savory meal.

Pro Tip: The longer it cooks, the more tender the meat becomes, so don’t rush the process!

Crockpot Swiss Steak – Slow Cook Tips That Work

• Use a meat mallet with textured sides to break down muscle fibers and ensure the steak becomes super soft during slow cooking.
• Dredge meat in seasoned flour before quick searing to create a delicious golden crust and lock in rich flavors before crockpot cooking.
• Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty during long, slow cooking process.
• Swap bell peppers with zucchini or add mushrooms for extra nutrition and different flavor profiles without changing core recipe structure.
• Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when dredging steak to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Crockpot Swiss Steak brings hearty comfort to dinner tables with tender beef smothered in rich tomato sauce. Slow-cooked perfection promises a satisfying meal that welcomes home hungry families with irresistible aromas and classic Southern-style flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef round steak

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 1 14.5 ounces (411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 8 ounces (227 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pound the steak thoroughly with a meat tenderizer to break down tough muscle fibers, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
2. Generously coat each steak piece with seasoned flour, creating a delicate protective layer that will help seal in moisture during cooking.
3. Quickly sear the floured steak in a hot skillet with a touch of oil, developing a rich golden-brown crust that enhances the meat’s overall taste profile.
4. Carefully transfer the browned steak into the crockpot, arranging pieces in a single layer to promote even cooking.
5. Layer chopped onions, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic across the meat to infuse deep, aromatic flavors throughout the dish.
6. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce over the meat and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
8. Once cooking is complete, gently test the meat’s tenderness by pulling it apart with a fork – it should easily separate.
9. Serve the succulent Swiss steak over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up the rich, savory sauce.

Notes

• Boost meat tenderness by pounding the steak thoroughly with a meat mallet, creating microscopic breaks in muscle fibers for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Enhance flavor depth by optional flour dredging and quick browning, which develops a delicious golden crust and captures rich caramelized notes before slow cooking.
• Adapt for dietary needs by substituting vegetable broth for beef broth and using gluten-free flour for those with specific dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty dish.
• Maximize leftover potential by storing in airtight containers, as the flavors continue to develop and intensify overnight, making next-day reheating even more delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg