Hearty Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe: Tender, Flavorful Magic

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty crockpot swiss steak recipe that promises a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort.

Slow cooking transforms tough cuts into tender, flavorful bites packed with rich tomato goodness.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this classic dish for its simplicity and satisfying taste.

Robust beef mingles with tangy sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of meat and vegetables, seasoned to perfection.

Minimal prep work means you can set up this meal and walk away, letting the crockpot work its magic.

Get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this no-fuss, delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Swiss Steak Ingredients

• Round Steaks: A tough cut of beef that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in the crockpot.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: A classic combination that enhances the natural flavor of the beef and adds depth to the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a golden crust on the steaks and thickens the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and extra richness to the slow-cooked meat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami flavor that complements the beef.

• Onions, Garlic: Bring a sweet and pungent base flavor to the sauce and tenderize the meat during slow cooking.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contribute acidity and moisture, helping to break down the meat and create a flavorful sauce.

Preparation Steps for Swiss Steak

Step 1: Prepare Meat for Flavor Explosion

Use a meat mallet to gently pound the round steaks, creating a tender texture.

Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme across both sides of the meat, ensuring every inch gets a delicious coating of seasonings.

Step 2: Create a Crispy Flour Jacket

Dust each steak with flour, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.

The flour will help create a beautiful golden crust and thicken the sauce later.

Step 3: Sear to Lock in Deliciousness

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Quickly sear the steaks on both sides until they develop a rich, golden-brown color.

This quick step seals in the juices and adds incredible depth of flavor.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers in Slow Cooker

Carefully transfer the seared steaks to the slow cooker.

• Sliced onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce

Step 5: Introduce Moisture Magic

Pour beef broth over the entire mixture, ensuring the steaks are partially submerged.

This liquid will help break down the meat and create a mouthwatering sauce.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat.

Let the magic happen for 6-8 hours.

The long, slow cooking process will transform the meat into an incredibly tender dish that practically falls apart.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Gently remove the steaks from the slow cooker.

Spoon the rich, flavorful sauce over the meat.

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Tips for Crockpot Swiss Steak

• Select round steak for its lean texture and ability to become tender when slow-cooked.
• Thoroughly pound the meat with a meat mallet to break down tough muscle fibers and create more surface area for seasoning.
• Brown steaks in a hot skillet before placing in the crockpot to develop a rich, deep flavor and beautiful caramelized exterior.
• Allow 6-8 hours of slow cooking to ensure the meat becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious sauce flavors.
• Pair the Swiss steak with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful cooking sauce.

Swiss Steak Variations

• Gluten-Free Swiss Steak: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour for dredging, keeping the same seasonings and cooking method.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute steaks with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or seitan, using similar spices and slow-cooking technique.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium beef broth, skip added salt, and replace Worcestershire sauce with herbs like rosemary and sage for flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add kalamata olives, red bell peppers, and swap Worcestershire sauce with red wine for a European-style steak preparation.

Serving Ideas for Swiss Steak

• Hearty Comfort Plate: Serve this Swiss steak over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic, soul-warming meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Rustic Family Style: Pair the tender meat with crusty bread to soak up the rich, savory sauce, creating a perfect weekend dinner experience.
• Veggie Companion: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts alongside the steak for a balanced, nutritious plate.
• Grain Bowl Twist: Swap traditional sides and serve over quinoa or brown rice for a modern, protein-packed meal with added nutritional benefits.

Storage Advice for Swiss Steak

• Store leftover Swiss steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat remains moist by covering with its original sauce.
• Transfer cooled Swiss steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place steak in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What makes round steak tender in this recipe?

The slow cooking process in the crockpot breaks down tough muscle fibers, transforming the round steak into a melt-in-your-mouth dish. Tenderizing with a meat mallet before cooking also helps soften the meat.

• Can I use a different cut of meat?

While round steak works best, you can substitute with chuck roast or bottom round. These cuts have similar tough textures that benefit from slow cooking and will become tender with the crockpot method.

• Why do I need to dredge the steak in flour?

Dredging helps create a protective layer that seals in moisture, adds a subtle crispy texture when seared, and thickens the sauce during cooking. The flour also helps the seasonings stick to the meat.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Overview

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Crockpot Swiss steak eliminates complex cooking steps, allowing busy home cooks to create a hearty meal with minimal hands-on effort.
• Transform Tough Cuts: Using round steak transforms an affordable, traditionally challenging cut into a mouthwatering, fork-tender main dish through slow cooking.
• Boost Flavor Easily: Combining classic seasonings like paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich, deeply satisfying sauce that elevates the entire meal without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Family Comfort Meal: This recipe delivers a warm, nostalgic dinner that appeals to all ages, perfect for weeknight gatherings or weekend family meals with its comforting, homestyle approach.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Swiss Steak brings comforting midwestern flavors to dinner tables with tender beef simmered in rich tomato sauce. Slow-cooking magic turns tough cuts into mouthwatering meals that families will eagerly gather around.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef round steaks

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gently hammer the round steaks to break down tough muscle fibers, enhancing tenderness and creating an even surface for seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
2. Generously coat each steak with a light, even layer of flour, ensuring complete coverage for a rich, golden crust.
3. Heat a skillet to medium-high and quickly sear steaks for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a deep caramelized exterior that locks in flavor.
4. Transfer seared steaks to the crockpot, creating a single layer at the bottom of the cooking vessel.
5. Scatter sliced onions and minced garlic across the steaks, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor distribution.
6. Pour diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce over the meat, allowing the liquids to cascade and intermingle with the seasonings.
7. Gently stream beef broth into the crockpot, covering approximately half the meat to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
8. Set crockpot to low temperature and slow cook for 6-7 hours, allowing the meat to become fork-tender and absorb the rich, complex sauce.
9. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove steaks and spoon the luxurious sauce over mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Maximize meat tenderness by thoroughly pounding steaks with a meat mallet, breaking down tough muscle fibers for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Create a crispy, flavorful exterior by ensuring flour coating is even and seasoned generously with spices before searing.
• Enhance sauce depth by deglazing the skillet with a splash of broth or wine after searing, capturing all the delicious browned bits.
• Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or almond flour for dredging.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 288 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg