If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, this Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, slow-cooked round steak bathed in a rich tomato-based sauce with a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes makes each bite pure delight. It’s a classic dish transformed into a fuss-free, all-day crockpot wonder that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe lies in its straightforward, carefully chosen ingredients that come together to build incredible flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays a starring role from the juicy beef to the garden-fresh vegetables and aromatics.
- 2 pounds round steak: This lean cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
- ½ cup flour: Helps to create a lightly crispy crust on the steak and thickens the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle, savory depth to the flour coating.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon canola oil: Perfect for browning the steak without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Offers sweetness and a tender texture after slow cooking.
- 3 carrots, chopped: Contribute earthy sweetness and a pop of color.
- 3 stalks of celery, chopped: Bring a fresh, slightly crunchy bite and balance.
- 28 oz diced tomatoes with juice: Create a rich, tangy base for the sauce.
- 14 oz cream of tomato: Adds creaminess to round out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- ¾ cup beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps everything moist.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances acidity and adds a subtle caramel note.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Imparts savory umami complexity.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Start by combining the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on a large plate. This simple seasoned flour mixture will coat the steak, giving it a slight crust when browned and helping to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Step 2: Dredge the Steak
Take each round steak piece and dredge it thoroughly on both sides in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. This step is key to building flavor and texture in your dish.
Step 3: Brown the Steak
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering hot, carefully add the floured steaks and brown them on both sides until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This caramelization intensifies the beef flavor and locks in juices.
Step 4: Transfer to Crockpot
Once browned, place the steaks into the slow cooker in an even layer. This will be the foundation for the rich sauce and vegetables.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Sauce Ingredients
To the crockpot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with their juice, cream of tomato, beef broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine everything around the steaks, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 7 hours. This long, slow simmer breaks down the tough fibers of the round steak and melds all the flavors into a luscious, tender stew.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When the cooking time is up, give the sauce a gentle stir and sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top for an inviting pop of green and fresh aroma. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and simple garnish here, brightening up the rich sauce with its vibrant color and clean, herbal notes. Feel free to add a few thin slices of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra touch of elegance and fragrant appeal.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious sauce or even buttered egg noodles for a traditional touch. Roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or a simple green salad are excellent companions adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the steak and sauce over creamy polenta or garlic-infused couscous. Layer the dish in individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to make it feel extra special and homey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its flavor and texture well for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting dinner fast, simply thaw and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the beef. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, use the microwave on a low setting, covered, stirring midway through.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While round steak is traditional, chuck roast or sirloin tips work well here too. Just adjust cooking time as needed to reach the desired tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely. The Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe is very straightforward, with simple steps and a forgiving slow cooker method, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Can I make this recipe without the browning step?
Browning adds flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it. The slow cooker will still tenderize the meat, but you might miss some depth in the final dish.
What can I substitute for cream of tomato?
If you can’t find cream of tomato soup, try using tomato sauce mixed with a bit of cream or milk to mimic the texture, or a smooth tomato bisque for richness.
How thick should the sauce be when done?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still saucy and luscious. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it by removing the lid in the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe is the kind of comforting, heartwarming dish that quickly becomes a family favorite. With minimal effort, you get beautifully tender steak wrapped in a flavorful sauce that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. I truly hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every delicious moment with friends and loved ones around the table.
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Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner is a comforting, slow-cooked meal featuring tender round steak simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it combines simple ingredients and easy steps to deliver a rich, flavorful dish with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 2 pounds round steak
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 28 oz diced tomatoes with juice
- 14 oz cream of tomato soup
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a large plate, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly to create the coating for the steaks.
- Dredge the steaks: Coat each piece of round steak evenly on both sides with the flour mixture, ensuring a good coating for browning.
- Brown the steaks: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated steaks and brown them evenly on both sides. This step locks in flavor and improves texture.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Place the browned steaks into the slow cooker, arranging them evenly.
- Add vegetables and sauce: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with juice, cream of tomato soup, beef broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine without removing the steaks.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 7 hours, allowing the steak to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, serve the Swiss steak hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra tender steak, ensure you cook on LOW for the full 7 hours.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce slightly.
- Pair this dish with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
