Slow Cooked Smothered Swiss Steak Recipe
Smothered steak just like smothered chicken, takes on many forms. depending on the cooks preference and interpretation. This is my take on a classic, Swiss Steak made in a slow cooker. The rich tomato gravy enriched with sweet onion and bell pepper is the crowning touch. Since it isn't a flour based "gravy" it makes this spectacular dish the perfect choice to warm you on cold days or keep the kitchen cool during warm weather.. By slow cooking the cubed steak in this dish it becomes "melt in your mouth" tender with a sauce that's simple and full bodied.
How to Make the Best Slow Cooked Smothered Swiss Steak Recipe
Can you make Crockpot Swiss Steak? The term crockpot and slow cooker are used interchangeably so yes, this recipe will absolutely work in a crockpot, too. I know sometimes, just popping everything into the crock of the slow cooker is one of the most appealing things about slow cooking and I couldn't agree more. This is one exception, when I recommend that you take the time to brown the steak before adding it to the slow cooker for optimum flavor. I highly recommend going the extra mile.
- What you'll need to make Slow Cooked Swiss Steak: All purpose flour, herb seasoning blend, cube steak or cubed steak, green bell pepper, onion, Worcestershire sauce, canned fire roasted tomatoes, brown sugar, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, parsley and Parmesan cheese.
- What is cube steak? The terms cubed steak or cube steak seem to vary depending on where you are in the country, but they're the same thing. It's sirloin steak that has been run through a meat tenderizer machine by the butcher that leaves tiny cubed shape perforations, hence the name.
- Do you have to brown the cubed steaks? Taking the time to brown the steaks will add both flavor and texture. If you prefer to skip this step, dredge the steaks in the seasoned flour, arrange in the slow cooker, then proceed with the recipe as written.
- To make the most of prep time, while the steaks brown, chop the vegetables for the tomato gravy. Minutes count on a busy day.
- I use a Mediterranean herb blend for this recipe, but you can adapt using your favorite dried Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust the amount to your taste.
- We love this smothered steak ladled over mashed potatoes and cheddar grits. It's also delicious over cooked rice and egg noodles or with a side of macaroni and cheese.
Other Easy Slow Cooker Recipes to Add to the Menu
After a busy day, my family loves to come home to aroma and flavors of this satisfying steak dish. Fifteen minutes of prep time, then the slow cooker does the rest. More cooking inspiration for those days you need to set it and forget it:
- Slow Cooked Cubed Steak with Portabella's and Onion
- Slow Cooked Sweet and Sour Chicken for a lighter take on a takeout
- Tender Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Barbecue Baby Back Ribs
- You may also enjoy this recipe for Homestyle Crockpot Pork Chops from Recipes that Crock.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
- 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Onion/Vegetable Chopper
- Serving Set
- Insulated Slow Cooker Travel Case and Carrier
Slow Cooked Smothered Swiss Steak
Ingredients
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 4 teaspoon Mediterranean Herb seasoning, divided i.e. McCormick's
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt plus additional as needed
- 2 lb cubed sirloin steak
- olive oil
- 1 large green bell pepper sliced
- 1 large sweet onion cut into thin wedges
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 14.5 oz cans fire roasted tomatoes with garlic
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste if needed to thicken
- 2 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan or shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- To make the seasoned flour: In a small bowl mix together flour, 1 teaspoon Mediterranean seasoning and garlic salt. Dust the steaks with seasoned flour on all sides.
- Drizzle a large skillet with olive oil. Heat to high browning steaks on both sides for around 2 minutes per side. Do not cook through.
- Meanwhile, arrange green peppers and ½ of the onion on the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Arrange the steaks on top. Top with remaining onion. Drizzle with Worcestershire sauce.
- Deglaze skillet with fire roasted tomatoes, brown sugar, bay leaves, 3 teaspoon of Mediterranean seasoning, red pepper flakes and 3 tablespoon tomato paste.
- Season with garlic salt and black pepper to your taste. Scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Pour sauce over the steaks in slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- May use tomato paste to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking, if desired.
- Serve over Swiss Cheese Mashed Potatoes, rice or egg noodles. garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Swiss cheese.
Notes
- Taking the time to brown the steaks will add flavor and texture. If you prefer to skip this step, dredge the steaks in the seasoned flour then proceed with the recipe as written.
- I use a Mediterranean herb blend for this recipe, but you can adapt using your favorite dried Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust the amount to your taste.
Nutrition
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Brenda S
Made this for dinner guests in our 5th wheel. We all loved it.
Melissa
I'm so happy you loved it, thanks!
Linda Clark
Do you brown the steaks whole or do you cut into pieces hen brown?
Melissa
Leave them whole.
Linda
Thank you
Missy Powell
Beef flavor boost is not mentioned in the ingredient list or the instructions. It’s only mentioned in the comments. Where does this fit in the recipe?
Melissa
You don't need it any longer in this updated recipe. Flavor boost became very difficult to find.
Tammy
This recipe is similar to our family recipe. Pretty much the only difference is that we didn't use Mediterranean herbs, but if i find it, I will try next time. We tenderized the steak, we just put it in a pot on the stove, and added sliced mushrooms to the recipe atthe end of cooking it. And it was our favorite over mashed potatoes. YUM!😋
Melissa
Oh yes, Swiss Steak can certainly be made on the stovetop or the oven. We love it, too.
Mandie
Could you do this in an Instant Pot?
Melissa
I'm sure you could adapt, sure.
Janna W. Smith
I have not been able to find the beef flavor boost here. What would be a good substitute?
Melissa
Hi Janna, you could use the same amount of a concentrated beef stock or flavoring or simply leave it out.
Janna
Thank you. The Worcestershire sauce goes in with the fire roasted tomatoes at the beginning of the sauce part?
Melissa
Hi Janna, I'm sorry that wasn't clear. Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce over the steaks and vegetables then top with the sauce.
Janna
Thank you. I would have put it all in together, though I'm aire that would work, too. Think this will be my Sunday dinner to tomorrow!
Melissa
Janna, indeed it would have. In my kitchen where there's beef there's usually Worcestershire sauce, too. It seems to bring the flavor of the beef out in my opinion. Drizzling directly onto the beef will give the beef a wonderful flavor but had you done it the other way, it would surely still be tasty. Hope you enjoy it!
Melissa
Hi Cris, I've never cooked Elk but, I expect it is delicious and would do great with this flavor combination. This is done with tenderized beef steaks, so I would recommend you replace this with the same thing with Elk steaks. I'm curious to know so, if you try it come back and comment.
Chris
We just brought home 220 lbs. of elk meat. Could I thick-slice a roast and use this recipe?
Jamie
This recipe is a winner!
I made as directed, except that I could not find the "Mediterranean Style" Perfect Pinch seasoning, so I used the "Garlic and Herb" variety, and I could not find the "Beef" Flavor Boost, so I used the "Sweet Onion and Burgundy Wine" flavor, which I thought would go well with the beef. I will look for the Beef flavor before I try the recipe again. But all in all I loved how it turned out.
Thank you for sharing such a great recipe.
Anonymous
This dish looks yummy can't wait to make it.
Cathy Perez
Melissa
Definitely cubed sirloin steak.
Anonymous
It's it cubes of regular steak or "cubed" (tenderized) steak?
Melissa
It's a product made by Swanson. Here's a link to the product to learn more.
http://swansonbroth.com/ourproducts.aspx?infusedbroth=yes#boost
Anonymous
What exactly is beef flvor boost? Are there any brand names/substitutions? Thanks.gs
Melissa
Hi Valerie, boys ♥ this dish! Thanks for stopping by ~ Melissa
From Valeries Kitchen
Make ahead comfort food is the best! Saving this one to try. Thanks Melissa 🙂
Melissa
Thanks Linda! This works beautifully in a dutch oven. too. 🙂
jammie
I just made this..it was wonderful..hubby just looked at me and said..I can't wait for tomorrow..I asked why..he said so he can have more ( had a little left over ..theres only us 2 )
Melissa
Thank you!
Linda
Oh boy, does this ever sound good! Since I don't have a slow cooker, I'll be making this on my stovetop. Just love the flavor combinations Melissa.