Slow Cooker Swiss Steak – A Tender and Savory Comfort Dish Loaded with Flavorful Beef, Bell Peppers

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is the perfect solution. This dish features tender round steaks that are browned and then slow-cooked to perfection in a rich tomato-based sauce with chunky bell peppers and onions. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Serve this over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience!

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The Inspiration Behind Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

Swiss steak is a timeless comfort dish that’s been a staple in many family kitchens for generations. Traditionally, the dish is made by braising beef steaks in a flavorful tomato sauce until they are fall-apart tender. This slow cooker version takes all the flavors of the classic dish and makes it even easier to prepare. By browning the steaks first and then letting them slowly cook in a savory broth with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, you’ll end up with a meal that’s full of flavor with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner or an easy weeknight meal.

Why Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Will Become a Family Favorite

This recipe is a classic for good reason—it's rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The slow cooker makes it incredibly simple to prepare, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender while soaking up all the delicious flavors from the sauce. The combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the beef, while the bell peppers and onions add sweetness and texture. It’s a comforting, no-fuss meal that everyone in the family will love, especially when served over creamy mashed potatoes or rice!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 42g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 3g

This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but you can pair it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a green salad to complete the meal.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is perfect served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, which helps soak up all the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with rice or egg noodles for a slightly different take. For a complete meal, pair it with roasted or steamed vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the dish. And don’t forget the bread—crusty French bread or dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up that flavorful sauce!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, Swiss Steak stores beautifully. Simply place any remaining steak and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish on the stovetop over medium heat. You can also freeze Swiss Steak for up to 3 months—just store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a pan or the microwave.

Fun Fact: The Origin of Swiss Steak

Despite the name, Swiss Steak doesn’t actually originate from Switzerland! The term “Swiss” refers to a cooking method called “swissing,” which is a process of tenderizing meat by pounding or rolling it. This helps break down the tougher fibers of the beef, making it more tender during the cooking process. In this slow cooker version, the meat is tenderized by the long, slow cooking time, eliminating the need for pounding.

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Cooking Tips

1. Brown the Steaks First: Browning the steaks before adding them to the slow cooker helps develop extra flavor and gives the dish a richer, more complex taste.
2. Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step! If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute with garlic powder, but fresh is best.
3. Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the tomatoes and the slight bitterness from the bell peppers.

Optional Variations

• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or celery for additional texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Try a Different Cut of Beef: While round steak works perfectly in this recipe, you can also use chuck roast or flank steak if you prefer.

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Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs round steaks
• ½ cup flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup beef broth
• 28 oz petite diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 onion, diced into large chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, diced into large chunks

Optional Ingredients:

• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Mashed potatoes or rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Coat the steaks: Place the round steaks in a gallon-sized ziplock bag along with the flour, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and shake to coat the steaks thoroughly with the flour mixture.
2. Brown the steaks: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, cook the steaks for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until slightly browned. Transfer the browned steaks to the slow cooker.
3. Add the remaining ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and ensure the steaks are submerged in the sauce.
4. Cook the steak: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve: Once the steak is done, serve it over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

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Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is the perfect recipe for when you want a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself. The tender, flavorful beef, combined with the rich tomato-based sauce and sweet bell peppers, makes this dish a winner every time. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this classic dish will become a go-to in your kitchen for its ease and flavor. Enjoy the simplicity of the slow cooker while indulging in the deep, rich flavors of Swiss Steak!