Making Swiss steak in a crock pot is undoubtedly one of the most delightful and effortless ways to bring a warm, comforting meal to your dinner table. This beloved slow cooker recipe transforms economical cuts of beef, like cube steak, into an incredibly tender and flavorful dish, all simmering in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. If you’re searching for a hearty and hands-off dinner solution that promises delicious results with minimal fuss, then this classic Swiss-style steak recipe is a definite must-add to your culinary repertoire.
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a slow-cooked meal filling your home, especially on a chilly evening. This easy crock pot Swiss steak recipe delivers that cozy comfort in spades. It’s a foolproof method for achieving melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, enveloped in a rich and savory gravy made from tomatoes and caramelized onions. The beauty of slow cooking is that it allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a depth of taste that simply can’t be rushed. Served over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or wide egg noodles, this homestyle dish promises a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out and make any winter night feel a little more special.
Why We Love Crock Pot Swiss Steak
This slow cooker Swiss steak recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy and ease to your kitchen. Here are just a few reasons why this dish consistently earns rave reviews and becomes a household favorite:
- Effortless Preparation and Hands-Off Cooking
Despite delivering a rich and complex flavor profile, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. After a quick sear on the stove, your work is mostly done. The crock pot handles the rest, gently simmering the steak to perfection while you go about your day. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a fantastic meal without being tied to the kitchen. - Budget-Friendly and Economical
Swiss steak is traditionally made with cube steak, a cut known for its affordability. By using more economical cuts of beef and transforming them through the magic of slow cooking, this recipe allows you to create an incredibly satisfying and tender meal without breaking the bank. It’s a smart way to enjoy a hearty beef dish that feels luxurious but is truly kind to your wallet. - Wholesome, Hearty, and Flavorful
The combination of succulent, tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly wholesome. Each bite offers a comforting taste of home-cooked goodness, making your taste buds sing. It’s the kind of meal that truly nourishes both body and soul. - Delicious Leftovers for Days
One of the best qualities of slow-cooked meals is how wonderfully they reheat. This Swiss steak tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and meld. It makes for fantastic meal prep, providing delicious lunches or effortless dinners throughout the week. Simply store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have a gourmet meal ready in minutes.
Ingredient Notes and Expert Substitutions
Crafting the perfect crock pot Swiss steak starts with understanding your ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to your pantry or preferences:
- Cube Steak: This is the star of our Swiss steak with cube steak recipe, already tenderized by mechanical pounding. If you can’t find cube steaks, excellent alternatives include round steak or top-blade steaks. Top blade roast also goes by several names, such as chuck roast first cut, top chuck, flat iron, or blade roast. When substituting, be sure to purchase individual steaks or cut a whole boneless roast into uniform steaks. If using a tougher cut like round steak or top blade, a meat tenderizer will be your best friend to achieve that classic fork-tender texture.
- Vegetables: Our classic Swiss steak crock pot recipe features the delightful sweetness of onions and the rich tang of tomatoes. However, versatility is key! Another popular version, often referred to as pepper steak, includes vibrant green peppers. Feel free to incorporate them for an extra layer of flavor and color. Sliced carrots or mushrooms can also be wonderful additions, adding earthiness and texture to the sauce.
- Broth: We typically use chicken broth in this recipe for its mild flavor that complements the beef and tomato sauce. However, beef broth will intensify the savory beef notes, while vegetable broth offers a lighter, yet still flavorful, alternative. Choose the broth that best suits your taste or what you have on hand.
- Tomato Paste and Puree: Tomato paste adds concentrated umami and depth, while tomato puree provides the body for our rich sauce. Ensure you use good quality products for the best flavor foundation.
- Flour: A tablespoon of all-purpose flour helps to slightly thicken the sauce as it cooks, creating a luscious gravy that clings beautifully to the steak and any accompanying sides. For a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Delicious Recipe Variations
While the classic crock pot Swiss steak is perfection on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment with these delightful variations to keep your meals exciting:
- Hearty Mushroom & Onion Gravy: For a departure from the tomato-based sauce, try a rich, savory gravy. Whisk together a packet of onion soup mix and a packet of brown gravy mix with cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture over your seared cube steaks in the slow cooker, then add generous slices of fresh mushrooms and baby carrots. Slow cook until the beef is tender, and you’ll have a wonderfully earthy and comforting gravy that’s perfect for a cool evening.
- Creamy Celery and Garlic Twist: Elevate the creaminess factor by swapping the tomato puree for a can of cream of celery soup. Mix it with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and a dash of salt for a fragrant base. Stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen sliced green beans for vibrant color and a tender-crisp texture. The cream base becomes incredibly silky and flavorful after hours of slow cooking.
- Golden Brown Mushroom and Slurry Gravy: Begin by searing your cube steaks to a beautiful golden brown crust. Transfer them to the slow cooker along with sautéed mushrooms and onions. For a thicker, glossy sauce, prepare a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This method creates a rich, umami-packed mushroom gravy that pairs exquisitely with fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Peppery Veggie-Loaded Swiss Steak: Layer your slow cooker with seasoned steaks, a medley of cubed carrots, chopped onions, and fresh green beans. Enhance the flavor with ample garlic powder, black pepper, and a touch of salt. Pour in about 1½ cups of broth mixed with 1 tablespoon of gravy mix for added richness. Slow cook until all the vegetables are tender, and the beef is gloriously fall-apart soft. This variation offers a complete, balanced meal in one pot.
Are you a fan of fuss-free slow cooker recipes?
We absolutely are! Some of our most popular and beloved crock pot dinners include the uniquely flavored Dr. Pepper Ham and the elegant yet simple Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin. Explore these for more delicious inspiration!
Essential Equipment for Swiss Steak
To make this delicious crock pot Swiss steak, you won’t need an extensive list of kitchen gadgets. Here are the basic tools that will ensure a smooth cooking process:
- Slow cooker liner (optional, but highly recommended for easy cleanup)
- Meat tenderizer (only if using top blade steaks or other tougher cuts)
- Crock pot (slow cooker), ideally a 6-quart model or larger
- Large skillet (for searing the beef and sautéing onions)
- Non-stick cooking spray (for preparing the crock pot)
- Tongs or a spatula (for handling the meat)
- Whisk (for combining sauce ingredients)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Swiss Steak with Cube Steak
Creating this tender and flavorful Swiss steak in the slow cooker is a straightforward process, but a few key steps elevate it from good to absolutely incredible. Follow these instructions for a perfect homestyle meal:
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker: First, ensure your crock pot is ready for action. You can either lightly grease the inside of the ceramic insert with non-stick cooking spray or, for the ultimate easy cleanup, use a slow cooker liner. Liners are fantastic time savers, especially with hearty, saucy dishes like Swiss steak, as they prevent food from sticking to the pot.
- Sear the Cube Steak for Flavor: While it might seem like an extra step, searing the cube steak before it goes into the slow cooker is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Brown the cube steaks for about 2 minutes per side until they have a lovely golden-brown crust. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates complex flavors and helps lock in the juices, ensuring your steak remains perfectly moist and tender after hours of slow cooking. Transfer the seared steaks to the bottom of your prepared slow cooker.
- Sauté the Aromatics to Build the Sauce Base: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it yet – those browned bits are flavor!), reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and your thinly sliced onions. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to caramelize, usually about 3-5 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness, which will greatly enhance the overall flavor of your Swiss steak sauce.
Once the onions are fragrant and tender, add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for just another minute until aromatic. Then, stir in the tomato paste and sprinkle the flour over the mixture, cooking for about 1 minute more to toast the flour slightly. This helps to create a roux that will thicken your sauce. Finally, pour in the tomato puree and chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze the skillet and scrape up all those flavorful fond bits from the bottom. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and Slow Cook: Carefully pour the rich onion and tomato broth mixture over the seared Swiss steaks in the slow cooker. Scatter the cherry tomatoes (or diced tomatoes) on top. Place the lid firmly on the crock pot.
- Low and Slow for Perfection: Cook on the LOW setting for 2-3 hours, or until the Swiss steaks are incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork. Cooking on low and slow ensures the beef breaks down beautifully, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. Once cooked, if there’s any excess fat on the surface of the sauce, you can skim it off. Serve the tender Swiss steaks with plenty of the delicious sauce spooned over.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
A perfectly cooked slow cooker Swiss steak deserves equally delicious accompaniments. Here are some ideas to complete your meal and soak up every drop of that incredible sauce:
- Classic Pairing: Nothing beats the comfort of creamy mashed potatoes. Their smooth texture is ideal for absorbing the rich tomato gravy.
- Grain Alternatives: For a lighter option, serve the Swiss steak over a bed of fluffy cooked brown rice, fragrant basmati rice, or even quinoa.
- Pasta Perfection: Wide egg noodles or tagliatelle are excellent choices, providing a satisfying chew and ample surface area for the sauce.
- Hearty Breads: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread like buttermilk Bisquick biscuits or homemade sourdough rolls to sop up any leftover gravy.
- Fresh Vegetables: Balance the richness with vibrant steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad. A green goddess salad would offer a refreshing contrast.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine such as a Merlot or a Zinfandel would complement the savory beef and tomato flavors beautifully.
Swiss Steak Recipe FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Swiss steak in your crock pot, with detailed answers to help you achieve the best results:
While it’s not strictly necessary for food safety, we highly recommend searing or browning the cube steak in a skillet before transferring it to the crock pot. This step creates a caramelized crust on the meat through the Maillard reaction, which adds incredible depth of flavor and a rich, savory dimension to the final dish. Additionally, searing helps to lock in the meat’s juices, contributing to a moister and more tender texture.
The name “Swiss steak” doesn’t actually refer to Switzerland or Swiss cuisine. Instead, it comes from a cooking technique called “Swissing.” This process involves tenderizing tougher cuts of meat by pounding or rolling them, traditionally with a tool that creates small indentations. This mechanical tenderization breaks down the muscle fibers, making the beef exceptionally tender after slow cooking. Today, cube steak is a popular choice for Swiss steak because it’s already been pre-tenderized using this very method.
Swiss steak is fantastic as leftovers! Here’s how to properly store and reheat it:
- In the Fridge: Allow the Swiss steak to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, ensure the meal is entirely cool first. Place the Swiss steak and its sauce in a shallow airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty resealable freezer bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: You have a couple of excellent options for reheating:
- Microwave: For individual servings, place the meat and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering and help retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through.
- Stove Top: For larger portions or if you prefer a more even reheat, transfer the Swiss steak to a saucepan or skillet. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick or the cube steak appears dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, beef broth, or chicken broth to loosen it up.
🎯 Expert Tip: Cleaning Your Slow Cooker
To ensure your slow cooker lasts for years and is always ready for your next delicious meal, proper cleaning is essential. Always let the ceramic insert cool down completely after use before you begin cleaning to avoid thermal shock, which can damage the pot. For stubborn, cooked-on food, fill the cooker with warm, soapy water and let it soak for several hours or even overnight. This will loosen any stuck-on bits. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub the interior, preventing scratches to the glazed surface. Finally, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and inhibit any mildew growth. A clean slow cooker is a happy slow cooker!
More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Adore…
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
- Crock Pot Cube Steak Recipe
- Dr. Pepper Ham
- Slow Cooker Shredded Chuck Roast
If you tried this crock pot Swiss steak recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback means the world to me! Thanks for visiting!
Crockpot Swiss Steak
By: Renae Gerhardstein
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 7 votes)
This Swiss steak crock pot recipe is an easy, hearty dinner with tender steak, savory gravy, and classic comfort food flavor.
Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 366 kcal
Equipment
- Slow cooker liner (optional)
- Meat tenderizer (if using top blade steaks)
- Crock pot (slow cooker)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds cube steaks (or boneless top blade steaks, see Notes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, peeled, halved, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 14 ounces tomato puree
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes or 1 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the crock pot by spraying the liner with cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner.
- If using boneless top-blade steaks, lightly pound steaks with a meat tenderizer. Cube steaks are sold already tenderized. Pat steaks dry with paper towels.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the steaks for 2 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer the Swiss steaks to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Turn the heat to medium, add 1 tablespoon oil and sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and tomato paste, then sprinkle with flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in tomato puree and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
- Pour the onion broth mixture over the steaks in the slow cooker and top with cherry tomatoes. Add the lid to the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until Swiss steaks are tender. Skim any fat from the sauce before serving.
Notes
- When cleaning a slow cooker, always let it cool down completely before starting to clean to avoid any risk of burns or damage. For stubborn, cooked-on food, fill the cooker with warm, soapy water and let it soak for a few hours or overnight. Use a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the interior to prevent scratching the surface. Finally, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent any water spots or mildew.
- Recipe Variations:
- Onion soup and gravy mix: Swap the tomato-based sauce for a rich gravy mixture. Whisk together onion soup mix, gravy mix, and cold water until smooth. Pour it over the seared cube steaks, then add sliced mushrooms and baby carrots before slow cooking. This version creates a rich, savory sauce that’s pure comfort food.
- Creamy celery and garlic twist: Instead of tomato puree, use a can of cream of celery soup mixed with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and a dash of salt. Add 1 cup of sliced green beans for color and texture. The cream base turns extra silky and flavorful after a long cook in the crock pot.
- Golden brown mushroom and slurry gravy: After searing the cube steaks to a golden brown, add them to the slow cooker along with sautéed mushrooms and onions. Whisk a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, then stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce. This makes a rich, earthy gravy that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes.
- Peppery veggie-loaded Swiss steak: Layer the crock pot with seasoned steaks, cubed carrots, chopped onions, and green beans. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and a bit of salt to enhance the flavor. Pour in 1½ cups broth mixed with 1 tablespoon gravy mix, and slow cook until the veggies are tender and the beef is fall-apart soft.
- Storing Instructions:
- In the fridge, leftovers will be kept for 3-4 days. Just store them in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- In the freezer, before freezing your crock pot Swiss steak, be sure the meal is completely cool first. Then, place it in a shallow airtight container or resealable bag, and store it for up to 4 months.
- To reheat the meat and vegetables, you can use a microwave, or heat them in a pan over medium heat on the stove.
- If microwaving, be sure to cover your dish with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering.
- On the stove top, simmer for a few minutes until heated through. If the cube steak seems dry, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of water or cooking broth.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Serving: 1 steak
- Calories: 366 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 99mg
- Sodium: 421mg
- Potassium: 990mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 658IU
- Vitamin C: 19mg
- Calcium: 66mg
- Iron: 4mg
Love this recipe? Share it with your friends!
PIN THIS POST!