Swiss steak, with its tender beef, rich gravy, and aromatic spices, is a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or lazy weekends. The beauty of Swiss steak lies in its simplicity and the way it transforms humble ingredients into a hearty and satisfying meal. In this article, we’ll explore how to make Swiss steak using a slow cooker, ensuring tender meat and robust flavors with minimal effort.
Swiss Steak Ingredients:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Beef Round Steak |
2 pounds, cut into serving-size pieces |
| All-purpose flour |
1 cup, seasoned with salt and black pepper |
| Vegetable oil |
2 tablespoons |
| Onion |
1, thinly sliced |
| Bell peppers |
2, thinly sliced (assorted colors) |
| Garlic cloves |
2, minced |
| Crushed tomatoes |
1 can (14 oz) |
| Beef broth |
1 cup |
| Dried thyme |
1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano |
1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika |
1 teaspoon |
| Salt |
To taste |
| Black pepper |
To taste |
Gravy Ingredients
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
1/4 cup |
| Unsalted butter |
1/4 cup |
Serving Ingredients
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Mashed potatoes |
For serving |
| Rice |
For serving |
Instructions:
- Prep the Beef:
- Dredge each piece of round steak in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coating.
- Sear the Steak:
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the round steak pieces until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer the seared steak to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until softened and aromatic.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
- Build the Base:
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine, ensuring the steak pieces are well-coated.
- Slow Cook Magic:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded into a rich, hearty stew.
- Create the Gravy:
- In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour to create a roux. Cook until the mixture is golden brown.
- Ladle a cup of the slow cooker liquid into the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Once smooth, pour the roux mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well. Allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Swiss steak over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice, spooning the rich gravy over the top.
