Tender Crock Pot Swiss Steak

Tender Crock Pot Swiss Steak simmered in a rich tomato and gravy sauce with hearty vegetables makes for an easy, comforting meal that requires only a few minutes of prep. This dish is perfect when you want a satisfying dinner with minimal handson cooking but maximum flavor and tenderness.

I made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I had no time to fuss with dinner. The aroma filling the house as it cooked was pure comfort and the meat was so tender it nearly fell apart. It’s now a goto for cozy family meals.

Ingredients

• Allpurpose flour: covers the steak for browning and helps thicken the sauce, so don’t skip it
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika: form a classic seasoning trio that layers flavor simply and beautifully
• Cubed steak: is tenderized beef perfect for slow cooking if you prefer, chuck roast or round steak cut into pieces are good substitutes
• Celery: adds subtle crunch and freshness, choose firm stalks free from blemishes
• Yellow onion: lays a savory foundation with its sweetness, fresh shallots can be used if you want a milder flavor
• Carrots: bring natural sweetness and texture, baby carrots work fine if that’s what you have on hand
• Fresh garlic: boosts depth and aroma, though jarred minced garlic is fine for ease
• Stewed tomatoes with juice: create a rich and tangy base, diced or crushed tomatoes are acceptable backups, just add some Italian herbs for balance
• Light brown sugar: balances the acidity in the tomatoes without making the dish sweet
• Worcestershire sauce: gives that signature umami punch that ties the sauce together
• Brown gravy mix: thickens the sauce and adds savory body, beef bouillon with cornstarch can be swapped in a pinch
• Vegetable oil: for browning the meat lends flavor and a beautiful crust

Instructions

Sear the Steak:

In a shallow dish mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge each piece of cubed steak in the mixture, coating thoroughly on both sides. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat until shimmering. Working in batches, quickly brown the steaks on both sides just until you get some color. This step builds flavor it’s not cooking through the meat.

Prepare the Slow Cooker Bed:

Place chopped celery, diced onion, and chopped carrots into the slow cooker. This creates a tasty vegetable base that steams and softens during cooking.

Add Steak over Vegetables:

Layer the seared steak pieces on top of the veggies in the slow cooker evenly.

Make the Sauce:

In a bowl whisk together minced garlic, stewed tomatoes with juice, light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and the brown gravy mix until smooth and combined.

Pour and Cook:

Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and veggies in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The meat should be forktender, and the vegetables soft.

Serve:

Once done, give everything a gentle stir and serve immediately. This dish shines with mashed potatoes or over egg noodles to soak up the gravy.

This dish truly wins me over with the way the Worcestershire sauce deepens the sauce’s complexity. The day I made it for my family, everyone lingered at the table, savoring the tender meat and rich sauce. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in food form.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage freeze cooled portions in individual containers for up to three months. When reheating, thaw overnight and warm gently on the stove or in a microwave to keep the gravy luscious.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cubed steak, boneless chuck roast cut into serving sized pieces works beautifully in the crock pot. You can swap celery with bell peppers for a touch of sweetness or omit if necessary. Using diced tomatoes in place of stewed tomatoes is fine, just add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to boost the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Swiss steak with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the gravy or over buttered egg noodles for a change. A fresh green salad and crusty dinner rolls make lovely accompaniments.

This Crock Pot Swiss Steak is an easy, comforting weeknight meal that rewards a little prep with big flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles and enjoy the leftovers for a quick future dinner.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can this be made on the stovetop instead?

Yes, you can brown the steak in a skillet and simmer all ingredients gently on the stove until tender, adjusting cooking time as needed.

→ Is browning the steak necessary?

Browning adds a deeper color and richer flavor to the meat, but for quicker prep, you can skip it without compromising too much taste.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even mashed cauliflower complement the savory gravy and slow-cooked steak nicely.

→ How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?

Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the cooking sauce. Increase the heat and cook until the desired thickness is reached.

→ Can I add other ingredients to customize?

Yes! Consider adding diced potatoes, mushrooms, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a splash of cream to enrich the sauce.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.