The Juiciest Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker swiss steak reveals comfort food magic at its finest.

Tender beef meets rich tomato sauce in a delightful culinary dance.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a soul-warming meal that beckons you to the kitchen.

Chunky vegetables nestle alongside perfectly seasoned meat, promising depth and flavor in every bite.

Home cooks adore this no-fuss approach to traditional swiss steak preparation.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction with this incredibly satisfying dinner option.

Let’s uncover how simple ingredients can become an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What cuts of beef work best for Swiss steak?

Chuck roast or round steak are ideal because they’re tough, economical cuts that become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare Swiss steak in a Dutch oven or large covered pot in the oven at 325°F for about 2-3 hours until meat is tender.

• Is dredging the meat in flour really necessary?

Dredging helps create a nice golden crust, thickens the sauce, and adds extra flavor to the meat during cooking.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging, and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

What Makes Slow Cooker Swiss Steak So Comforting

• This slow cooker Swiss steak transforms a complex dish into an effortless meal with minimal hands-on preparation, making dinner a breeze for busy households.
• Searing the meat and sautéing vegetables before slow cooking creates deep, rich flavors without requiring advanced culinary skills or constant monitoring.
• The recipe welcomes customization with different serving options like mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, ensuring everyone at the table finds something they love.
• Tender, hearty beef swimming in a savory tomato-based sauce delivers classic comfort that warms the soul and satisfies hunger with every delicious bite.

Everything You Need for Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

• Beef Steak: Tender cut for a hearty slow-cooked meal.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing meat flavor.
• Flour: Helps create a golden crust and thickens sauce.

• Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Adds depth of flavor and nutritional value.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy base for the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich, savory liquid for cooking.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex, umami flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Contributes herbal and aromatic notes.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a thicker, more luxurious sauce texture.

• Oil: Helps with searing and prevents sticking.

How to Prepare and Cook Swiss Steak in a Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

Clean the beef thoroughly by patting it dry with paper towels.

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper across the surface.

Coat each piece completely in flour, gently tapping off any excess powder to create a light, even dusting.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Warm oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place beef pieces into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust for approximately 2 minutes.

This process locks in rich flavors and creates a delectable exterior.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery

Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes until they become slightly softened and release their fragrant oils.

Step 4: Create the Cooking Liquid

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning

Whisk ingredients together until well blended.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Transfer seared beef and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.

Pour the prepared liquid mixture over the top, ensuring everything is well-covered.

Cover and cook on LOW setting for 7-8 hours or HIGH setting for 4-5 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender.

Step 6: Enhance the Sauce (Optional)

For a thicker, more luxurious sauce, mix cornstarch with water during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

Stir gently into the liquid to create a more robust consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Swiss steak over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty bread.

The meat should be so tender it practically falls apart with a fork.

Tips for Tender and Flavorful Swiss Steak

• Sear steaks quickly in a hot skillet to lock in juices and create a delicious golden-brown crust before slow cooking.
• Opt for tough, less expensive cuts like chuck or round steak that become incredibly tender during the long, slow cooking process.
• Pat beef dry before flouring to ensure a crisp coating that helps thicken the sauce and adds extra flavor to the dish.
• Add cornstarch slurry in the final 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker, more robust sauce that clings perfectly to the meat.
• Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery before adding to the slow cooker to develop deeper, more caramelized flavors in the final dish.

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

• Transfer leftover Swiss steak to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the meat is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the cooled Swiss steak in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the Swiss steak in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and cover with a lid to help redistribute heat evenly, taking about 5-7 minutes to reach desired temperature.

What to Pair with Swiss Steak

• Pair Wine with Robust Flavor: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, savory beef and enhance the hearty tomato sauce.
• Creamy Potato Perfection: Serve the Swiss steak over velvety mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a smooth, comforting base.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Select a crusty sourdough or French bread to mop up the flavorful sauce, adding a delightful textural contrast and extra satisfaction to the meal.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Top the dish with chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color and aromatic freshness to the slow-cooked steak.

Creative Takes on Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when dredging beef. Use certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to maintain recipe safety for those with celiac disease.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute beef with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or firm tofu steaks. Maintain original seasoning and cooking method for similar hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip flour dredging and use almond flour instead. Replace starchy sides like mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash or roasted zucchini noodles for reduced carbohydrate intake.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add fresh rosemary, oregano, and swap out Italian seasoning with Greek-inspired herbs. Include kalamata olives during the last hour of cooking for an authentic Mediterranean flavor experience.

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker swiss steak delivers classic comfort with tender beef braised in rich tomato sauce. Savory flavors meld perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) round steak or chuck steak, tenderized

Seasonings and Coating:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 14.5 ounces (411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Thickening Agent (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Gently blot beef cuts with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat each piece with flour, carefully tapping off any surplus.
2. Warm oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully sear meat portions for approximately 2 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior. Delicately transfer browned pieces to slow cooker.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté aromatic vegetables including onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for roughly 3 minutes until they release their fragrant oils. Gently transfer vegetable medley into slow cooker.
4. Combine diced tomatoes, robust beef broth, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and herbaceous Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl. Evenly pour liquid mixture over meat and vegetable layers.
5. Secure slow cooker lid and allow meat to tenderize. Cook on LOW setting for 7-8 hours or HIGH setting for 4-5 hours until beef becomes exceptionally tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
6. For a more luxurious sauce consistency, whisk cornstarch with water during final 30 minutes of cooking. Gently incorporate mixture into existing liquid, stirring thoroughly.
7. Present steaming hot dish atop creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty artisan bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ensure the beef is thoroughly patted dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear, which locks in rich, deep flavors and creates a delicious crust.
• Dredging the meat in flour helps create a thickening agent for the sauce and provides a beautiful texture that catches and holds the delicious cooking liquids.
• Searing the steaks before slow cooking develops complex, caramelized flavors that transform an ordinary dish into a restaurant-quality meal, so don’t skip this crucial step.
• For gluten-free options, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg