Craving a tender, flavorful meal with minimal prep and hands-off cooking? This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is a must-try! Swiss steak is a classic, comforting dish made by slow-cooking beef in a rich tomato-based sauce with vegetables until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Using a crockpot simplifies the process, allowing the meat to cook slowly, absorbing all the savory flavors without much effort on your part. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling amazing while delivering a hearty, soul-warming dinner. Let's get started!
What is Swiss Steak?
Swiss steak is a traditional dish where inexpensive cuts of beef, typically round steak, are tenderized by cooking them slowly in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Contrary to what its name might suggest, Swiss steak has nothing to do with Switzerland. The term "Swiss" refers to a cooking method known as "swissing," where the meat is pounded or tenderized before being cooked to break down its fibers, making it more tender. Cooking this dish in the crockpot allows the meat to simmer for hours, ensuring it becomes ultra-tender and packed with flavor.
Ingredients List for Crockpot Swiss Steak
For the Steak and Sauce:
- 2 lbs beef round steak (about ½ to ¾ inch thick)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging the meat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the steak)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (green or red work well)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water, for extra moisture)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning for added flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles (as a side)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
Swiss Steak is versatile, and you can make adjustments to fit your taste or dietary needs:
- Meat Substitutions: If round steak isn’t available, you can substitute it with chuck steak, bottom round roast, or even brisket. Any tough cut that benefits from long, slow cooking will work.
- Vegetables: While onions and bell peppers are traditional, you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Tomato Variations: For a chunkier sauce, use crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes. If you prefer a slightly sweet sauce, you can mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the diced tomatoes and sauce.
- Spice Level: To kick up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the meat instead of all-purpose flour.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe is incredibly simple to make. Just follow these easy steps to enjoy a flavorful, tender meal that practically cooks itself!
- Prepare the Meat:
Begin by cutting the round steak into serving-size pieces (about 4 to 6 portions). In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece of steak in the seasoned flour, coating both sides, and shake off any excess. - Brown the Steak:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the floured steak pieces and brown them on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning the steak helps develop a deeper flavor. Transfer the browned steak to the crockpot. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits left from the steak. This adds extra flavor to the dish! - Prepare the Sauce:
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf (if using) to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. - Combine Everything in the Crockpot:
Pour the sauce and vegetable mixture over the browned steak in the crockpot, making sure the meat is covered with the sauce. Cover the crockpot with a lid. - Cook the Swiss Steak:
Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and easy to cut with a fork. The long cooking time will allow the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of flavor. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the steak is cooked, remove the bay leaf (if used) and serve the Swiss steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Cook Crockpot Swiss Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Dredge and Brown the Meat
Start by coating the steak in a seasoned flour mixture to create a nice crust when browning. This helps the meat develop rich, caramelized flavors, even though it will be slow-cooked for several hours. Brown the steak in a hot skillet with oil for a few minutes on each side until it's golden brown. - Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and garlic before adding them to the crockpot releases their natural sweetness and enhances the flavor of the sauce. Be sure to deglaze the pan to capture all those flavorful bits left behind from browning the steak. - Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the browned steak to the crockpot, pour the tomato-based sauce with vegetables over the top, and make sure everything is well-coated. This ensures that the steak stays moist and absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks. - Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Set your crockpot to low and let the magic happen. The steak will cook slowly, breaking down the tough fibers of the meat, resulting in a dish that’s incredibly tender and packed with rich flavors. - Step 5: Serve
Once done, serve the Swiss steak with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or rice. The sauce will be flavorful and slightly thick, perfect for spooning over your sides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making Crockpot Swiss Steak is easy, there are a few mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Not Browning the Meat: Browning the meat before adding it to the crockpot is a crucial step. It adds depth and richness to the final dish, so don’t skip this step even though it may be tempting!
- Overcrowding the Crockpot: Make sure the meat is in a single layer in the crockpot and well-covered by the sauce. If your crockpot is too full, the meat may not cook evenly.
- Not Cooking Long Enough: Swiss steak benefits from slow, low-temperature cooking. Don’t rush the process—allow enough time for the beef to become tender.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing for Swiss steak is creamy mashed potatoes. The tomato-based sauce from the steak is perfect for spooning over the potatoes.
- Serve with Rice or Egg Noodles: Swiss steak also goes well with fluffy rice or buttered egg noodles for a satisfying, starchy base.
- Add a Side of Vegetables: For a complete meal, serve the steak with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, like green beans or carrots, to balance out the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Crockpot Swiss Steak
- Family-Style: Serve the steak directly from the crockpot, spooning the tender meat and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Individual Portions: Plate the steak individually, topping each portion with a generous spoonful of the sauce and veggies, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Rustic Presentation: For a rustic, homestyle presentation, place the steak and its sauce in a large serving dish or cast-iron skillet, then garnish with freshly chopped herbs before serving.
Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Swiss Steak
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma that balances the rich flavors of the dish.
- Use a Rustic Platter: Serve your Swiss steak in a rustic-looking ceramic dish or cast iron pan for a homey, comforting presentation.
- Top with Extra Veggies: Add extra sautéed vegetables on top of the Swiss steak for a vibrant, healthy touch.
Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can prep the steak and sauce ingredients the night before. In the morning, simply add everything to the crockpot and let it cook throughout the day.
- Leftovers: Swiss steak tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezer-Friendly: The steak and sauce freeze well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes! You can use chuck steak, brisket, or even a beef roast in place of round steak. Just ensure it's a cut that benefits from slow cooking for maximum tenderness.
Q: Can I cook this on high in the crockpot?
A: Yes, if you're short on time, you can cook the Swiss steak on high for 3-4 hours. However, cooking on low for 6-8 hours will yield the most tender results.
Q: Can I make this without a crockpot?
A: Absolutely! You can make Swiss steak in the oven. After browning the steak and preparing the sauce, transfer everything to a baking dish and bake, covered, at 325°F for about 2-3 hours or until the steak is tender.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful meal that's both easy to prepare and comforting to eat. With tender beef, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked vegetables, this dish is a great choice for busy days when you need a satisfying dinner with minimal effort. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, your family will love this classic comfort food. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that tastes like it took hours to make—because, thanks to your crockpot, it did!
PrintCrockpot Swiss Steak Recipe
Crockpot Swiss steak is a comforting, easy-to-make dish where tenderized beef steaks are slowly cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions and seasonings. This slow cooker recipe results in melt-in-your-mouth beef with deep flavors, perfect for a hassle-free family dinner. With simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, it's a great go-to meal for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Beef round steak (tenderized)
- Onion (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Diced tomatoes (with juice)
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Flour
- Worcestershire sauce
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Carrots (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Dredge the beef steaks in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and brown both sides of the steak.
- Transfer steaks to the crockpot, add onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and optional carrots.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Serve the Swiss steak with mashed potatoes or rice and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the crockpot 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
Leave a Reply