Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Crockpot Swiss Steak recipe. This dish combines tender steak with the rich flavors of bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal on a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend treat, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish step by step.

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds round steaks or cube steak, cut into serving-size pieces
  • 2 bell peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes
  • 0.87 ounce brown gravy mix

Directions:

  1. Prepare Your Crockpot: Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside for later.
  2. Coat the Steak: On a plate, combine the all-purpose flour with Montreal steak seasoning, ensuring they’re evenly mixed. Take each piece of steak and press it into the flour mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour, and discard the remaining mixture.
  3. Layer Ingredients: Place the coated steak pieces at the bottom of your prepared crockpot. Next, layer on the sliced onions and bell peppers, distributing them evenly over the steak.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour the canned whole tomatoes over the steak and vegetables in the crockpot. Sprinkle the brown gravy mix evenly over everything, enhancing the flavors.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6-8 hours. Allow the slow cooker to work its magic until the steak is tender and fully cooked, infusing the dish with irresistible flavors.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is complete, serve the Swiss steak hot, spooning the flavorful tomato gravy over each serving. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the Swiss steak just before serving to add a pop of freshness and color.
  2. Pair with sides: Serve the Swiss steak alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato gravy.
  3. Add a side salad: Balance out the meal with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
  4. Customize toppings: Offer grated cheese, sour cream, or hot sauce on the side for diners to personalize their plates according to taste preferences.
  5. Serve with steamed vegetables: Steam some broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a nutritious side that complements the hearty flavors of the Swiss steak.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: If you have more leftovers than you can consume within a few days, consider freezing them for later. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  3. Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen Swiss steak overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  4. Revitalize flavors: If the dish seems a bit dry after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and revive the flavors.
  5. Enjoy creatively: Repurpose leftover Swiss steak by incorporating it into other dishes like tacos, sandwiches, or pasta sauces for quick and tasty meals on busy days.

Variations:

  1. Mushroom Swiss Steak: Add sliced mushrooms to the crockpot along with the bell peppers and onions for a rich and earthy flavor profile. You can also mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup for added creaminess.
  2. Italian Style Swiss Steak: Replace the Montreal steak seasoning with Italian seasoning and swap the brown gravy mix for a packet of Italian dressing mix. Serve the steak over cooked pasta or polenta for a comforting Italian twist.
  3. Spicy Tex-Mex Swiss Steak: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot. Substitute the Montreal steak seasoning with a Tex-Mex seasoning blend and serve the steak with warm tortillas, guacamole, and salsa for a fiery Tex-Mex flair.
  4. Balsamic Glazed Swiss Steak: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the steak before adding the canned tomatoes for a tangy-sweet twist. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary for an herby aroma, and serve with roasted potatoes or crusty bread.
  5. Asian-Inspired Swiss Steak: Replace the Montreal steak seasoning with a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder for an Asian-inspired marinade. Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks to the crockpot, and serve the steak over steamed rice garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
  6. Mediterranean Swiss Steak: Use Greek seasoning instead of Montreal steak seasoning and add sliced Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts to the crockpot. Serve the steak with a side of couscous or quinoa salad tossed with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe? Absolutely! While round steaks or cube steak work well for Swiss steak, you can also use chuck roast or even stew meat for a tender and flavorful alternative.
  2. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven cooking. Simply follow the same steps, but instead of using a crockpot, simmer the ingredients in a covered pot on the stove over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 2-3 hours, until the meat is tender.
  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and ensure the brown gravy mix you use is gluten-free certified. This simple substitution allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious dish.
  4. Can I add additional vegetables to the recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutritional content of the Swiss steak.
  5. How do I adjust the cooking time if I’m using a smaller or larger cut of meat? For smaller cuts of meat, you can reduce the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or 1 hour on high. Conversely, for larger cuts of meat, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or 1 hour on high to ensure thorough cooking and tenderness.

With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, our Crockpot Swiss Steak recipe is a must-try for any comfort food enthusiast. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness!