This Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is a hearty and comforting dish. Tender beef is cooked with juicy tomatoes and colorful veggies, all simmered slowly to deepen the flavors!
Cooking it in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it—who doesn’t love that? I enjoy coming home to a kitchen that smells amazing and a delicious meal just waiting for me!
What I love most is how perfect it is served over mashed potatoes. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate after a long day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Round Steak: This is the main ingredient, providing the beefy flavor. If round steak isn’t available, you can substitute with chuck steak or even flank steak for a different but delicious texture.
Flour: You might use all-purpose flour to coat the steak. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour mix or cornstarch. Both add a nice crispiness!
Vegetable Oil: I like using vegetable oil for browning the meat, but you can swap it with olive oil or canola oil. They both have their own unique flavors.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a lot of moisture and flavor. If you want something fresher, fresh tomatoes can work too—just chop them up. A can of tomato sauce could also substitute.
Mushrooms: These are optional, but they add a wonderful earthiness. If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can leave them out or replace them with another vegetable like zucchini.
How Do You Get the Steak Perfectly Browned?
Browning the steak really enhances the flavor of your Swiss steak, so don’t skip this step! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steak; it should sizzle. This helps to create a nice crust.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet. If you add too many pieces at once, they’ll steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed.
- Don’t flip the steak too soon. Let it sear for about 3-4 minutes until it forms a nice brown crust before turning it over.
With these tips, your steak will have a rich color and deep flavor, setting the stage for a mouthwatering meal!
How to Make Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Steak:
- 2 lbs round steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For The Vegetables and Sauce:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Slow Cooker Swiss Steak requires about 20 minutes of prep time and cooks for 6 to 8 hours on low. So, you can set it up in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper. Take each piece of round steak and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it well. This will help give your steak a nice flavor and texture.
2. Brown the Steak:
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured steak pieces and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once browned, transfer the steak to your slow cooker. This step adds great flavor to the steak!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and green bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften. If you’re using mushrooms, add them now and cook everything for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the sautéed vegetables over the browned steak in the slow cooker. This mix will blend beautifully while cooking!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well, and then pour this savory mixture over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker.
6. Cook the Swiss Steak:
Cover your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful your steak will be.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cooking time is up, serve your Swiss steak hot, garnished with chopped green onions. It goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice and a side of steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While round steak is traditional, you can substitute with chuck roast or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut you choose; chuck may need a bit longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. For added flavor, consider mixing in a splash of soy sauce or a bit of steak sauce to maintain that beefy taste!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or even potatoes for more heartiness. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking, and add them to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the Swiss steak for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave!
