Simple Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

The Juiciest Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe for Family Dinners

Savory crockpot Swiss steak promises comfort and convenience for busy home cooks.

Tender beef cuts slowly simmer in rich, robust tomato-based sauce throughout the day.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Home kitchens can easily transform budget-friendly meat into a hearty meal that satisfies deeply.

Slow cooking breaks down tough muscle fibers, creating melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone adores.

Traditional recipe meets modern convenience with this simple approach to classic comfort food.

Let this delicious dish become your new weeknight dinner solution.

Remix Your Crockpot Swiss Steak

  • Gluten-Free Swiss Steak: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour for coating beef. Ensures celiac-friendly preparation without compromising flavor.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute beef with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for complete plant-based transformation.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium tomato sauce and broth. Select fresh herbs like oregano and rosemary to enhance natural seasoning without extra sodium.
  • Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Incorporate kalamata olives, fresh oregano, and swap Worcestershire sauce with red wine. Add feta cheese crumbles as final garnish for Mediterranean flair.

Best Sides With Swiss Steak

  • Family Comfort Platter: Pile tender Swiss steak over creamy mashed potatoes, creating a hearty meal that warms the soul with rich, savory flavors.
  • Rustic Dinner Bowl: Layer sliced Swiss steak over fluffy white rice, drizzling extra sauce for a comforting one-bowl dinner that satisfies completely.
  • Weekend Gathering Feast: Serve Swiss steak on a large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables, allowing guests to create their own delicious combinations with the succulent meat.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion cooled Swiss steak into meal prep containers with rice or quinoa for easy, delicious lunches throughout the week that taste freshly made.

Storing Crockpot Swiss Steak Right

Storing Leftovers:
  • Refrigerate Swiss steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Store sauce and meat together to maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • What is Swiss steak exactly?

Swiss steak is a classic comfort food made by tenderizing beef and slow-cooking it with tomatoes and vegetables. Despite its name, the dish actually originated in the United States and has nothing to do with Switzerland.

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

Dredging the beef in seasoned flour helps create a flavorful crust, locks in moisture, and thickens the sauce during cooking. The flour coating also helps prevent the meat from becoming tough.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

While beef is traditional, you can substitute with chicken or pork. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as different meats require varying slow-cooking durations to become tender.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Simplicity

  • Stress-Free Meal Prep: Minimal chopping and simple seasoning make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious comfort food without complicated steps.
  • Transform Tough Cuts: Slow cooking magically turns less expensive beef cuts into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat, saving money without sacrificing flavor.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Crockpot method allows everything to cook together, reducing kitchen cleanup and creating rich, deeply developed flavors with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable recipe works great for family meals, potlucks, or meal prepping, pairing beautifully with multiple side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Swiss Steak Essentials For Crockpot

Main Protein:
  • Beef Steaks: Tender cut of meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft after slow cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Creates a flavorful coating that helps seal in the meat's moisture and adds depth to the overall taste.
Vegetable Components:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers: Provide sweetness and texture to complement the rich beef.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Builds a rich, tangy liquid base that helps tenderize the meat and creates a delicious sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Thyme, Paprika: Adds complex flavor layers and enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with searing the meat and prevents sticking during initial cooking.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

Crockpot Swiss Steak Cooking Process

Crockpot Swiss Steak Cooking Process

Step 1: Season and Coat the Beef

Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Completely coat each beef steak with the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well covered.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place steaks in the skillet and brown each side for 2-3 minutes, creating a delicious golden crust.

Transfer the browned steaks directly into the crockpot.

Step 3: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

In the same skillet, quickly sauté the following vegetables:
  • Sliced onions
  • Bell peppers

Cook for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly softened and aromatic.

Transfer the vegetables into the crockpot alongside the beef.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

Combine these ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Thyme
  • Paprika

Pour the entire sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well covered.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours. The beef will become incredibly tender and easily fall apart.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once cooking is complete, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and flavor. Serve the Swiss steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or your preferred side dish.

Hacks For Tender Swiss Steak

  • Dredge beef thoroughly in seasoned flour to create a flavorful, crispy exterior that helps lock in moisture during slow cooking.
  • Sear steaks briefly before adding to crockpot to develop rich, deep brown caramelization and enhance overall meat flavor.
  • Choose tougher beef cuts like chuck or round steak for maximum tenderness, as slow cooking breaks down tough muscle fibers effectively.
  • Include fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end to brighten the dish and add a fresh, aromatic touch to the rich, hearty meal.
  • Control cooking time carefully – low and slow ensures the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth Swiss steak without drying out the meat.
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Simple Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

Simple Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot swiss steak brings classic comfort to dinner tables with tender beef and rich tomato gravy. Slow-cooked goodness promises a satisfying meal you’ll savor with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef round steaks, cubed or left whole

Seasonings and Coating:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 410 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty flour blend by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat each beef steak with the seasoned mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Ignite a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops, then carefully transfer to the crockpot.
  3. Using the same skillet, quickly saute onions and bell peppers until they become slightly translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Gently layer these vegetables over the seared beef in the crockpot.
  4. Whisk together diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika in a mixing bowl. Create a rich, aromatic sauce by thoroughly blending these ingredients.
  5. Cascade the prepared sauce evenly over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the dish to simmer. Cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily pulls apart.
  7. Once cooking completes, sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish. Plate alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your preferred accompaniment.

Notes

  • Dredging technique ensures a delicious crispy exterior that locks in meat’s juiciness and adds rich flavor layers to the dish.
  • Searing beef before slow cooking creates deep caramelization, developing complex taste profiles and preventing bland protein textures.
  • Trim excess fat from steaks to reduce greasiness and enhance overall meat tenderness during long, slow cooking process.
  • Low and slow cooking method breaks down tough muscle fibers, transforming lean cuts into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat with minimal effort.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 341 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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