Swiss steak is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations.
This hearty dish combines tenderized beef steak with a rich tomato-based sauce and vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection.
Making Swiss steak in a crockpot not only enhances its flavors but also simplifies the cooking process.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Swiss steak in your crockpot.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients
– 2 pounds beef round steak, cut into serving-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/2 cup of beef broth or water
Choosing the Right Beef
The cut of beef you use is crucial for the best results.
Beef round steak is ideal for Swiss steak because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
This cut, which comes from the rear leg of the cow, is typically tougher and benefits greatly from the long, slow cooking process.
You can also use other cuts, like chuck steak, which has more marbling and can add richness to the dish.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all your ingredients.
This ensures that everything is ready to go when you need it and helps the cooking process go smoothly.
1. Cut the Beef
Start by cutting the beef round steak into serving-sized pieces, and each piece should be about 1 inch thick.
This helps the beef cook evenly and become tender.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Thinly slice the large onion and green bell pepper, then mince the garlic cloves.
Dredging the Beef
Dredging the beef in flour is an essential step for creating Swiss steak.
It not only helps to brown the meat but also thickens the sauce as it cooks.
1. Mix the Dredging Ingredients
In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
2. Coat the Beef
Dredge each piece of beef in the flour mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
Shake off any excess flour to prevent it from burning during the browning process.
Browning the Beef
Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor and adds a rich, deep color to the dish.
This step is crucial for developing the depth of flavor that makes Swiss steak so delicious.
1. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
The oil should be hot enough that it shimmers, but not smoking.
2. Brown the Beef
Add the floured beef pieces to the skillet in a single layer.
Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the beef to steam rather than brown.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the beef is golden brown.
Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
Assembling the Crockpot
With the beef browned, it’s time to assemble the rest of the ingredients in the crockpot.
1. Layer the Vegetables
Place the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic over the browned beef in the crockpot.
These vegetables will add flavor and texture to the dish.
2. Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce.
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
And 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Stir well to combine.
3. Add the Sauce
Pour the tomato mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
The sauce should cover the beef and vegetables evenly.
4. Add the Broth
Pour 1/2 cup of beef broth or water into the crockpot.
This liquid will help to create a rich, flavorful sauce as the dish cooks.
Cooking the Swiss Steak
The beauty of using a crockpot is that it allows you to cook the Swiss steak low and slow, which results in tender meat and well-developed flavors.
1. Cover and Cook
Cover the crockpot with its lid.
Cook on low for 7–8 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours.
The longer cooking time on low heat will yield the most tender results, but if you’re short on time, the high heat setting works well too.
2. Check for Doneness
After the cooking time has elapsed, check the beef for doneness.
It should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
If the beef is not tender enough, cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.
Serving the Swiss Steak
Swiss steak is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes to make a complete meal.
Here are some ideas:
1. Mashed Potatoes
The rich tomato sauce pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.
Spoon the Swiss steak and sauce over a bed of mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
2. Rice
Serve the Swiss steak over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
3. Pasta
Cooked pasta, such as egg noodles or spaghetti, is another great option.
The tomato sauce clings to the pasta, making each bite flavorful.
4. Crusty Bread
A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce, this makes for a simple but satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Swiss Steak
1. Choose the Right Cut
As mentioned earlier, beef round steak is ideal for this recipe.
However, you can experiment with other cuts like chuck steak or even short ribs for a different texture and flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Browning
Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved by slow cooking alone.
It’s worth the extra step.
3. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference.
4. Customize the Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables to the crockpot.
Carrots, celery, and mushrooms are great additions that can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
5. Thicken the Sauce
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
Then stir it into the crockpot for about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
Turn the crockpot to high to help the sauce thicken.
Nutritional Information
Swiss steak is not only delicious but also relatively healthy, especially when made with lean cuts of beef and plenty of vegetables.
Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings from the recipe)
– Calories: 300
– Protein: 25g
– Fat: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugar: 6g
Storing & Reheating
Swiss steak stores well and can be easily reheated, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
1. Storing
Allow the Swiss steak to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
2. Freezing
Swiss steak can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Place the cooled steak and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
3. Reheating
To reheat, place the Swiss steak in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until warmed through.
If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Swiss steak is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.
By using a crockpot, you can enjoy all the rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort.
With this recipe, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy your homemade Swiss steak and savor the comforting flavors that have made this dish a beloved classic for generations.
