Description
Grandma’s Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
Ingredients
2 lbs round steak, cut into serving-sized pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 large onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning)
Directions
In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the steak on both sides (about 2 minutes per side) and transfer to the slow cooker.
Layer the sliced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic over the steak.
In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Pour over the steak and vegetables.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the steak is fork-tender.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Steak: Pat the round steak pieces dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece thoroughly, shaking off any excess flour.
2. Brown the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak pieces in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a golden crust. This step is crucial for flavor.
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned steak to the slow cooker. Layer the sliced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic evenly over the top.
4. Combine the Sauce: In a medium bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered steak and vegetables.
5. Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The dish is ready when the steak is extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Swiss steak creates its own rich gravy. Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted carrots or green beans. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
Dredge steak in seasoned flour, brown in a skillet, then layer in a slow cooker with onions, peppers, and garlic. Pour a mixture of diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire, and paprika over everything. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until fork-tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat? Yes. While round steak is traditional, chuck roast (cut into chunks) is an excellent, more forgiving choice due to its higher fat content.
Can I skip browning the meat? It’s not recommended. Browning (the Maillard reaction) creates deep, complex flavors that you cannot achieve from slow cooking alone.
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dredging, and ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free.
How can I thicken the sauce at the end? For a thicker gravy, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, set to HIGH, and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Can I add other vegetables? Certainly. Sliced mushrooms or carrots added with the onions and peppers work wonderfully. For softer vegetables like peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Browning meat in a crowded pan steams it instead of searing it. Brown in batches for a proper crust.
- Using Lean Steak Exclusively: Very lean cuts can become dry. Opt for cuts with some marbling, like chuck, for the most tender result.
- Lifting the Lid: Avoid frequently removing the slow cooker lid, as it releases heat and significantly increases cooking time.
- Underseasoning: Taste and adjust the sauce for salt and pepper at the end of cooking, as slow cooking can mute seasonings.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is the epitome of hassle-free, comforting home cooking. By following the simple steps of browning and slow simmering, you transform an economical cut of meat into a succulent, flavor-packed meal that feeds a crowd. This reliable recipe delivers tender steak and rich gravy with minimal active effort, making it a perfect centerpiece for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. It’s a timeless dish that truly earns its place in your family recipe collection.