Tender Crock Pot Swiss Steak

Tender Crock Pot Swiss Steak is the perfect comforting dinner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the work, this dish yields fork-tender cubed steak simmered in a savory tomato and gravy sauce alongside hearty veggies. It’s a family favorite that brings warmth and flavor with little fuss.

I first made this recipe on a chilly fall evening when I wanted a no fuss meal but also something rich and hearty. It quickly became a requested dish, especially when served over creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• One quarter cup all purpose flour: to dredge the cubed steak which helps brown the meat and thickens the gravy as it cooks start with fresh flour for best results
• Quarter teaspoon each of garlic powder onion powder salt pepper and paprika: These seasonings form a classic blend that enhances the beef flavor. Using fresh spices ensures punchy taste
• One and a half to two pounds cubed steak: This cut is tender enough to soften during slow cooking You can swap with round steak chuck roast cut into pieces or boneless short ribs for variation
• Three tablespoons vegetable oil: Needed to sear the meat for color and flavor. Use a high smoke point oil for best browning
• Three stalks celery chopped: The crunch and mild bitterness balance the sauce You can use bell peppers if preferred or omit if unavailable
• One small yellow onion diced: For sweetness and depth Shallots make a nice milder substitute
• Three carrots chopped: for a natural sweetness and earthy flavor Baby carrots work fine as a convenient option
• Two garlic cloves minced: Fresh is best but jarred garlic can save time without sacrificing much flavor
• Two 14 and a half ounce cans stewed tomatoes with juice: They bring acidity and texture Use diced or crushed tomatoes with a dash of Italian seasoning if needed
• Two tablespoons light brown sugar packed: This softens the acidity of the tomatoes without making the dish sweet Skip if you want to keep it less sweet overall
• Two tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami quality that ties all ingredients together Don’t skip this one
• One packet brown gravy mix: This quickens making thick rich gravy You can substitute with one tablespoon beef bouillon plus one tablespoon cornstarch if preferred

Instructions

Searing the Steak:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. While the skillet warms up prepare a shallow wide dish mixing the flour garlic powder onion powder salt pepper and paprika thoroughly. Dredge the cubed steaks one at a time coating both sides evenly then set them aside. Add the steaks to the skillet two at a time and brown them quickly on each side for about two minutes per side. You are not cooking through just developing a flavorful crust. Remove browned steaks and repeat with remaining pieces adding more oil if needed.

Preparing the Slow Cooker Base:

Place the chopped celery diced onion and carrots into the bottom of a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. Spread the browned cubed steaks evenly on top of the vegetables to create layers of flavor.

Mixing the Sauce:

In a small bowl whisk together minced garlic stewed tomatoes with their juice light brown sugar Worcestershire sauce and brown gravy mix until smooth and combined. This sauce will cook down and turn into a thick gravy over the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking:

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the steaks and vegetables. Cover and set the slow cooker to low for six to eight hours or high for four to six hours. The meat should become tender and the vegetables soft but not mushy. Cooking times may vary slightly based on the slow cooker brand.

Serving:

Once done serve the Swiss Steak hot with a side of mashed potatoes egg noodles or rice to soak up the delicious gravy. It also pairs well with a crisp salad or crusty dinner rolls.

My favorite part of this dish is the Worcestershire sauce which brings a deep savory complexity. One of my fondest memories is when my kids, hesitant at first about eating stew, took their first bite and asked for seconds, declaring it one of their favorite meals.

Storage Tips

Place any leftovers in airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage freeze in meal sized portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave stirring occasionally. The sauce can thicken in the fridge add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cubed steak can be replaced by round steak chuck roast cut into chunks or boneless short ribs for different cuts of beef that all work well with slow cooking. Carrots can be swapped with parsnips or sweet potatoes for a sweeter variation. Use crushed tomatoes if stewed tomatoes are unavailable and add extra seasonings like Italian herbs to taste. If you prefer a dairy touch stir in a bit of sour cream or heavy cream just before serving for richness.

Serving Suggestions

Classic mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the rich tomato gravy but egg noodles or rice work wonderfully too. For a low carb option try serving over mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette and warm dinner rolls complete the meal nicely offering a pleasing contrast to the warm tender steak.

Brown the steaks and let the slow cooker do the work for a deeply flavored comforting meal. Serve hot over mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can this be prepared on the stovetop?

Yes, you can brown the steak and simmer it on the stovetop, though slow cooking enhances tenderness and flavor.

→ Is browning the steak necessary?

Browning adds color and intensifies flavor, but skipping it saves time without drastically affecting the meal.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even a fresh salad pair well to balance the hearty flavors.

→ How to thicken the gravy if needed?

Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the crock pot. Cook on high to thicken the sauce gently.

→ Can additional ingredients be included?

Yes, try adding diced potatoes, mushrooms, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of sour cream for variation.