The beauty of this slow cooker Swiss steak lies in its simplicity and old-fashioned charm. A comforting dish featuring tender cuts of round steak, slowly cooked with hearty vegetables and stewed tomatoes until fork-tender, this meal is like a warm hug after a long day. The brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce subtly enhance the savory tomato base, making each bite deeply flavorful.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this meal requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete, satisfying dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of slow-cooked tradition that never goes out of style.
Full Recipe:
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1½ pounds round steak, cut into small pieces
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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3 stalks celery, chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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3 carrots, shredded
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2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
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2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
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In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge the steak pieces in the flour mixture.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté celery, onion, and shredded carrots until tender, about 5 minutes.
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Add the floured steak pieces to the skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes more.
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Transfer the steak and vegetable mixture into a slow cooker. Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the steak is tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Kcal: 246 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Cooker Swiss Steak: A Heartwarming Classic Meal
Swiss Steak is one of those timeless dishes that brings to mind cozy dinners, family gatherings, and comforting home-cooked meals. Known for its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful tomato-based sauce, this recipe is the epitome of slow-cooked comfort. The beauty of Swiss steak lies in its simplicity—just a few basic ingredients that come together to create a deeply satisfying dish. It’s the perfect option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty meal with minimal effort.
What Is Swiss Steak?
Swiss steak, despite its name, doesn’t have anything to do with Switzerland. The term “Swiss” in this case refers to the method of preparation, which involves tenderizing the beef, usually through a process known as “swissing.” This process typically involves pounding or braising the meat to break down the tough fibers, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. In traditional recipes, the steak is simmered with vegetables and a savory gravy, often made from tomatoes, onions, and Worcestershire sauce.
The slow cooker method of preparation for Swiss steak is particularly popular because it allows the meat to cook gently over a long period of time, absorbing all the flavors and becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender. The long cooking time is key in creating the rich, savory flavor that makes this dish so comforting.
The Advantages of Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
There are many reasons why slow cooker Swiss steak has become a favorite in many households. For one, it requires minimal hands-on time. Once you’ve prepared the ingredients, the slow cooker does the rest of the work. You can set it in the morning and return to a perfectly cooked dinner, making it an ideal dish for busy days.
Another major benefit is the depth of flavor that develops over hours of slow cooking. The beef is braised in a combination of tomatoes, vegetables, and seasonings, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. The result is a savory and slightly tangy gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. While the traditional version includes carrots, celery, and onions, you can easily customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Potatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions, giving the dish a personalized twist without compromising on flavor.
Perfect for a Busy Weeknight
The slow cooker is one of the most convenient kitchen appliances, and when it comes to dishes like Swiss steak, it truly shines. The concept of “set it and forget it” is particularly useful for people who have hectic schedules but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal at the end of the day.
Simply prepare your ingredients in the morning, pop them into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. By the time you’re back from work or running errands, the house will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of tender beef and savory vegetables. All you need to do is serve it with your favorite side dish, and dinner is ready to go.
Nutritional Benefits of Swiss Steak
Although Swiss steak is a comfort food at its heart, it also provides a decent balance of nutrients. The beef serves as an excellent source of protein and iron, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Carrots and celery bring a touch of sweetness and freshness to the dish, while the tomatoes provide a burst of acidity that brightens up the flavor profile.
For those who are watching their calorie intake, Swiss steak is a relatively light dish, especially when served with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. If you’re looking to make it even healthier, consider using lean cuts of beef and opting for less oil or butter when sautéing the vegetables.
How to Serve Swiss Steak
Swiss steak is traditionally served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, with the savory tomato-based gravy poured generously over the top. This combination ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, and the starches help balance the richness of the dish. However, there are plenty of other ways to serve Swiss steak, depending on your preferences and dietary needs.
For a lighter option, you could serve the steak with roasted or steamed vegetables, or even over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try pairing it with buttery mashed potatoes or a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
There’s a lot to love about slow cooker Swiss steak. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooking process ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. You can enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal without any of the fuss. It’s also a one-pot dish, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy your meal.
Another reason why this dish is a winner is its versatility. You can customize the vegetables, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and even change the cooking liquid to experiment with different flavor profiles. Whether you want a spicier version with extra seasoning or a sweeter one with more brown sugar, Swiss steak can be adapted to fit your tastes.
Slow Cooker Swiss Steak for Meal Prep
If you’re someone who likes to meal prep, Swiss steak is an excellent option. You can make a large batch of it at the beginning of the week and store the leftovers in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners. The dish actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together over time.
To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it’s too thick, you can always add a little bit of broth or water to loosen it up. Having a batch of slow-cooked Swiss steak on hand will ensure that you have a hearty, homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Conclusion: A Classic Comfort Food
Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dish that delivers rich, tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory tomato-based gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, Swiss steak is a meal that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.
With its simple ingredients, hands-off cooking process, and deeply satisfying results, slow cooker Swiss steak is a dish that you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with warmth, comfort, and the irresistible aroma of a home-cooked meal. Give it a try today and enjoy a taste of classic, slow-cooked goodness.
