How to Make Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide
Immerse yourself in the rich, hearty flavors of Tender Temptation: Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak, a classic comfort food dish that epitomizes home-cooked goodness. This succulent meal features tenderized steak simmered slowly in a robust tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, and a blend of herbs and spices. Ideal for anyone seeking a warm, satisfying dinner, this slow-cooked Swiss steak transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience, filling your home with its tantalizing aroma and your plate with fork-tender deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak:
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender: The slow-cooking process breaks down the fibers in the meat, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.
- Flavorful: The steak absorbs the rich, savory flavors of the sauce, enhanced with vegetables and seasonings.
- Effortless Cooking: After the initial preparation, the slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes and rice to steamed vegetables and fresh bread.
Ingredients Notes For Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak:
- Steak: Typically made with round steak, which is lean and economical. Tenderize it well to achieve the perfect texture.
- Flour Mixture: A coating of flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika not only adds flavor but also helps to thicken the sauce.
- Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers are traditional, but feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or celery for extra nutrition and taste.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the cooking liquid, which becomes infused with meat juices and seasonings for a delectable sauce.
- Broth and Seasonings: Beef broth enhances the meaty flavor, while garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce add complexity to the dish.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Steak: Tenderize the steak and cut it into serving-sized pieces. Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Brown the Meat: Quickly brown the floured steak pieces in a skillet with a little oil to develop flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onions and bell peppers (and any other vegetables) until softened. Add to the slow cooker.
- Create the Sauce: Combine tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings. Pour over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 6-8 hours, until the steak is tender and the sauce is flavorful.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Freeze: Freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Make Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
- 2 pounds round steak about 1/2 inch thick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bell pepper sliced (optional)
- 1 carrot sliced (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Steak:
- Season the steak with salt and pepper, then dredge it in flour, shaking off the excess.
Brown the Steak:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and brown it on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Combine Ingredients:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- If using, add the sliced bell pepper and carrot to the skillet.
Slow Cook:
- Return the browned steak to the skillet, pressing it down into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- If using a slow cooker, transfer everything to the slow cooker at this point.
- Cover and cook on low heat in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours, or simmer on the stovetop for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the steak is very tender.
Serve:
- Once the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Swiss steak hot, ideally with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
