If you are craving a comforting and hearty meal that practically makes itself, this Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings tender, slow-cooked round steak infused with a rich and tangy tomato gravy, paired perfectly with garden-fresh vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out and fills your home with an irresistible aroma all day long. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers pure, delicious satisfaction with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe comes from a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor. Each element plays its part— from the tender round steak to the bright tomatoes and fresh veggies, every bite bursts with comfort and home-cooked goodness.
- 2 pounds round steak: Choose a well-marbled cut for the best tenderness after slow cooking.
- ½ cup flour: Used to coat the steak, this helps create a slight thickening effect in the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the steak’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the beautiful flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon canola oil: Perfect for browning the steak to lock in flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Offers a natural sweetness that complements the tomato base.
- 3 carrots, chopped: Add texture, color, and a slight earthiness.
- 3 stalks celery, chopped: Brightens the dish and balances the sweetness.
- 28 oz diced tomatoes with juice: The heart of the sauce, delivering tang and richness.
- 14 oz cream of tomato: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every forkful.
- 3/4 cup beef broth: Enhances the meatiness and ensures plenty of sauce.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity with gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami boost that deepens the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh and vibrant garnish to brighten each plate.
How to Make Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Start by combining the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder on a large plate. This simple blend is the secret to that wonderfully thick sauce and perfectly seasoned crust on your steak. Dredging the beef in this mixture will help seal in juices while giving you that classic Swiss steak texture.
Step 2: Coat the Steak
Next, coat each piece of round steak in the flour mixture, making sure both sides are evenly covered. This step is essential for creating a nice crust and a thickened sauce, so take your time to press the mixture onto the meat gently.
Step 3: Brown the Steak
Heat your canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, brown the steaks on both sides until a golden crust forms. Browning not only adds flavor but also locks in those delicious juices that keep the meat tender during slow cooking.
Step 4: Load the Crockpot
Place the browned steaks into your slow cooker. This hands-off approach means all the flavors will meld together beautifully over the long cooking process, making your meal incredibly flavorful without constant attention.
Step 5: Add the Veggies and Sauce
Into the crockpot, add the onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with their juice, cream of tomato, beef broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring every piece of steak will soak up the rich tomato-based sauce.
Step 6: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and let everything cook on LOW for about 7 hours. The slow, steady heat is what tenderizes the round steak so beautifully and allows the flavors to meld into a comforting, heartwarming meal.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. This final touch adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
How to Serve Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is perfect for brightening the rich sauce and adding a fresh aroma. You can also add a few grinds of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, which soak up that luscious tomato gravy. For a lighter contrast, steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad provide a fresh, crunchy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Swiss steak over baked polenta or creamy grits. You can also offer it inside warm hoagie rolls for a savory steak sandwich, using the sauce as a delicious dipping gravy on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion out the cooled Swiss steak and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to preserve the tender texture of the steak. Adding a splash of broth can help regain moisture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe?
Absolutely! While round steak works great due to its flavor and tenderness with slow cooking, you can also use chuck steak or even flank steak cut into portions. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if needed.
Is it necessary to brown the steak before slow cooking?
While not strictly required, browning the steak adds incredible flavor and helps develop a richer sauce base. It is well worth the few extra minutes.
Can I make this recipe in a regular oven?
Yes, you can bake it covered at 325°F for about 2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender, but the crockpot method really gives the best low-and-slow tenderness.
What can I substitute for cream of tomato soup?
If you don’t have cream of tomato soup, you can blend canned tomatoes with a bit of cream or milk and a touch of cornstarch to create a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the flour used for dredging contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner Recipe is such a wonderful way to enjoy a fuss-free, deeply satisfying meal packed with flavor and heart. It’s a perfect go-to for those days when you want something warm, nourishing, and easy to prepare. Make sure to give this recipe a try—you’ll be surprised how simple ingredients come together into a classic dish that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.
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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: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Crockpot Swiss Steak Dinner made with tender round steak slow-cooked in a savory tomato gravy loaded with vegetables. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and a slow cooker to achieve melt-in-your-mouth meat perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Coating
- 2 pounds round steak
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Vegetables and Liquids
- 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
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a large plate, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Dredge Steaks: Coat each round steak evenly on both sides with the flour mixture to create a seasoned crust for browning.
- Brown Steaks: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add steaks and brown on both sides to seal in juices and develop flavor, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned steaks into the crockpot to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Add 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 all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld into a rich gravy.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, serve the Swiss steak and vegetables hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- This recipe works best with round steak, but you can also use chuck steak or sirloin for variation.
- Browning the meat before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and improves texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a low sodium version, reduce the salt and use low-sodium beef broth and canned tomatoes.
