Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

This Swiss steak is tender, saucy, and packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, making it fall-apart delicious. It’s the kind of comfort food that hits the spot.

I made it on a busy day, and the house smelled amazing by dinnertime. The beef gets so tender, and the rich tomato gravy soaks into every bite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect over mashed potatoes.

It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners. Just set it, forget it, and come home to a warm, comforting meal. Trust me, you’ll love this one.

Let’s make dinner easy and delicious! This slow cooker Swiss steak is simple, hearty, and ready to impress. Grab your slow cooker—let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Classic Comfort Dish: Swiss steak is a homestyle favorite that brings a cozy, comforting feeling to the table.
• Tender and Full of Flavor: Long, slow cooking in a savory tomato and beef broth sauce turns tougher cuts of meat into succulent, flavorful bites.
• Low-Maintenance Cooking: The slow cooker handles the bulk of the work. After initial prep, you can let it cook while you focus on other tasks.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Loaded with carrots, celery, and onions, it provides a good mix of protein, vegetables, and rich flavors.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen and meld overnight, making it an even more satisfying meal the next day.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: About 15 minutes to prepare and sear the beef and chop the vegetables.
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low heat in the slow cooker (or 3-4 hours on high, though low heat is recommended for tenderness).
• Total Time: Approximately 6-8 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish.

Servings:

• This recipe yields enough for 4-6 servings, depending on portion sizes. Perfect for a family dinner or for making ahead and storing in the fridge for quick reheating later.
• For a larger gathering, you can double the ingredients and use an 8-quart or larger slow cooker.

Difficulty:

• This recipe is easy and beginner-friendly. It involves simple searing and chopping techniques that anyone can master. Even experienced cooks will appreciate its hands-off cooking process and reliable, flavorful results.

Required Kitchen Tools

You’ll need the following tools to prepare this dish efficiently:

• Cutting board and sharp knife: For slicing the steak and chopping vegetables.
• Large skillet: To brown the steak before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Tongs or spatula: For flipping the steak while searing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for broth, seasoning, and thickening agents.
• Slow cooker: A 6-quart capacity works well for this recipe; larger sizes are fine if doubling.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish. I’ll provide exact measurements in the recipe card later on.

For the Swiss Steak:

• Round Steak or Chuck Steak: Choose a cut that’s been tenderized or pound it lightly at home. These cuts absorb flavor and become melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked low and slow.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to coat the beef before browning. This helps develop a rich crust on the meat and slightly thickens the sauce as it cooks.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak before browning. Adjust to taste.
• Vegetable Oil: For searing the steak. Olive oil can be used, but a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works well here.
• Onion (sliced): Provides a natural sweetness and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Adds depth of flavor and a savory undertone.
• Carrots (sliced): Bring a natural sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
• Celery (chopped): Adds aromatic flavor and balances the sweetness of the carrots.
• Diced Tomatoes (canned): The acidic component that forms the backbone of the sauce. Look for low-sodium options if desired.
• Beef Broth: Deepens the flavor of the sauce, creating a rich, savory base.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and enhances the meaty flavor of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the sauce together with subtle herbal notes.
• Cornstarch (optional): To thicken the sauce at the end if desired.
• Water (if using cornstarch): To make a slurry for thickening the sauce.

Variations for Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

• Add Bell Peppers: For a slightly sweeter and colorful variation, slice red or green bell peppers and add them along with the other vegetables.
• Use Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for extra umami and a meaty texture that complements the beef.
• Spice It Up: Include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Herb Variations: Swap Italian seasoning with a blend of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a more vibrant flavor.
• Different Cuts of Meat: Use cube steak or even brisket as a substitute for round or chuck steak if you prefer.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium beef broth and diced tomatoes to reduce the overall saltiness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak

• Pat the round steak or chuck steak dry with paper towels. This helps the flour stick and promotes a better sear.
• Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
• Lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Sear the Steak

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the floured steak pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. This step adds depth of flavor but doesn’t need to fully cook the steak. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

3. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

• Transfer the seared steak to the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery over the steak.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning.
• Gently stir to combine, ensuring the steak is nestled into the liquid and vegetables.

4. Cook Low and Slow

• Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. (Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours, though low is recommended for tenderness.)
• Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid. If it seems too dry, add a bit more broth or water.

5. Optional: Thicken the Sauce

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.
• About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
• Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.

6. Final Touch

• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed before serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

• With Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the tender Swiss steak and vegetables over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
• With Rice or Egg Noodles: Ladle the saucy beef over rice or wide egg noodles to soak up the rich sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with thick slices of bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Garnish Options: For a fresh touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme just before serving.

Storing Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will deepen over time.
• Freezer: Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Sear for Flavor: While optional, browning the steak before adding it to the slow cooker develops richer, deeper flavors.
• Cut Evenly: Slice vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and don’t get too soft.
• Avoid Overcrowding: If doubling the recipe, use a large slow cooker to ensure proper cooking.
• Low and Slow is Best: Cooking on low heat ensures the meat becomes tender without drying out.
• Check the Liquid Level: Make sure there’s enough broth to cover the meat and vegetables. Add extra broth or water if needed during cooking.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~350 kcal
Protein	~30g
Carbohydrates	~18g
Fat	~18g
Saturated Fat	~6g
Fiber	~3g
Sodium	~650mg

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak FAQs

Can I skip browning the steak?
Yes, you can, but browning adds extra flavor and helps develop a richer sauce.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sear the meat using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for about 35-40 minutes with natural release.

What other vegetables can I use?
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or potatoes for variety and extra nutrition.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for dredging or skip the dredging step entirely. The cornstarch slurry is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Swiss Steak recipe brings together tender beef, a rich tomato sauce, and hearty vegetables into a comforting dish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a classic that never goes out of style. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners and delicious enough for seasoned cooks alike.