Slow Cooker Swiss Steak: A Tender, Flavorful Delight
Are you looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal that's also incredibly tender and flavorful? Look no further than this slow cooker Swiss steak recipe! This recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth results with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend dinner. The slow cooking process infuses the steak with rich, savory flavors, leaving you with a dish the whole family will adore.
What is Swiss Steak?
Swiss steak is a hearty beef dish known for its tender texture and rich gravy. Unlike other steak recipes, Swiss steak typically uses a tougher cut of beef, like chuck steak or round steak, which becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. The flour coating helps to create a thick, flavorful gravy, adding another layer of deliciousness to this classic dish.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2-3 pounds chuck steak or round steak, about 1 inch thick
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Dredge the steak in the flour, ensuring it's evenly coated.
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Brown the steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak on both sides until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine everything in the slow cooker: Transfer the browned steak and the onion-garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is incredibly tender.
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Serve: Remove the steak from the slow cooker and slice it against the grain. Serve with the delicious gravy from the slow cooker. You can thicken the gravy by removing some of the liquid and simmering it until it reaches your desired consistency.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Swiss Steak:
- Choose the right cut of beef: Chuck steak and round steak are ideal for Swiss steak because they become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Don't skip the browning step: Browning the steak before slow cooking adds a rich depth of flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add other herbs and spices, such as rosemary, oregano, or paprika.
- Serve with your favorite sides: Swiss steak pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You:
This slow cooker Swiss steak recipe is a winner because it's:
- Easy: Minimal hands-on time is required.
- Delicious: The slow cooking process results in a tender, flavorful steak and rich gravy.
- Versatile: Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Budget-friendly: Uses a less expensive cut of beef that becomes incredibly tender through slow cooking.
Enjoy your incredibly tender and flavorful slow cooker Swiss steak! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out. Happy cooking!
