This crockpot Swiss steak recipe turns a simple cut of beef into a satisfying, flavorful meal. It's easy comfort food that tastes great both for busy weeknights and a relaxing Sunday dinner.
Plus, you can serve the main course with all your favorite, quick side dishes, so dinner comes together in no time at all.
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What makes this recipe irresistible
It's the sauce! The savory tomato sauce is packed with flavor from the zingy seasoning, peppers and red onion, perfectly complementing the juicy beef.
Cheap round steak gets an upgrade with this yummy recipe! This slow cooker Swiss steak recipe makes an inexpensive cut of meat taste super tender!
Ingredients you'll need
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- round steaks or cube steak
- Bell peppers - Use your favorite type of bell pepper. Red and orange are a little sweeter, while green peppers are mild but more bitter.
- red onion
- Montreal steak seasoning
- flour
- canned whole tomatoes
- brown gravy mix
Creative variations to try
- Swap the round steak with a different cut of meat, such as cubed steak or beef stew cuts. You can even use a small chuck roast and shred it.
- Make a quick stove-top version using ground beef. Brown the meat, drain off the excess fat, and combine the rest of the ingredients. Simmer until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Add a can of mushroom soup for a creamier Swiss steak.
- If you're out of Montreal steak seasoning, use a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and some salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Or, make your own Montreal Steak seasoning blend.
- Some people like to use diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes instead of whole canned tomatoes. Either of those options will work just fine.
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Spray the slow cooker non-stick coating, set aside.
- Place flour on a plate, add seasoning and whisk to combine.
- Dredge the steak in the flour mixture. Coat both sides.
- Place the dredged steak in the crockpot.
- Top with the sliced vegetables and canned tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the beef gravy mixture. Cover and cook on low.
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Essential tools for this recipe
- crockpot
- cutting board
- chef's knife
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
This old-fashioned recipe isn't actually from Switzerland. The term "swiss" is an old European cooking technique that involves flattening a tough cut of meat and simmering it until tender.
Swiss steak is a hearty, classic recipe. The beef cooks until it's fork tender, and the tangy tomato, onion, and beef gravy mixture creates a deliciously thick sauce that coats everything.
Feel free to make crockpot Swiss steak with cube or chuck steak. You can also use precut beef stew meat.
Top Tip
Have a few extra minutes? After dredging the steak in flour, sear it in a large skillet. Don't cook it all the way through; just let it caramelize on the outside. Then, toss the browned cube steaks into the crockpot and finish the recipe as written. (Test for doneness after 3-4 hours.)
- Don't slice the peppers or onions too thin-they'll disappear into the tomato sauce mixture. Keep the cuts thicker for the best texture.
- Acidic tomato juice helps tenderize tougher cuts of meat, but it'll make tender cuts taste mushy. Choose cheap cuts of steak for the best results.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate-In an airtight container, leftover Swiss steak lasts four or five days. Be sure to let it cool first, but don't let it sit out for too long.
Freezer-Store the crockpot Swiss steak in a freezer-safe container. It'll keep frozen for up to three months!
Reheat-If frozen, let the Swiss steak thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat everything slowly in a pan on the stove. You can also microwave individual portions for easier prep!
More recipes you'll love
- Looking for a juicy, savory meal? French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak checks all the boxes. It's so tasty and so easy-a weeknight no-brainer!
- This Beef Stroganoff recipe is slow cooking at its finest. Plus, it doesn't use any cream of mushroom soup and is budget-friendly.
- It doesn't have to be a holiday to enjoy Crock Pot Corned Beef Brisket. Leftovers make the BEST sandwiches!
- Hearty and satisfying, Crockpot Steak and Potatoes delivers homestyle comfort without hours spent in the kitchen.
- Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a modern, easy version of everyone's favorite sandwich. It uses deli roast beef for simple, quick prep!
Check this out for a whole list of Crockpot Steak Recipes, yum!!
Serve with
- Made in the microwave, Steamed Green Beans only require three ingredients and ten minutes.
- Texas Roadhouse Mashed Potatoes - this recipe the BEST!! Plus it's the perfect base for juicy Swiss steak!
- Finish a hearty dinner off the right way. Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Pie has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors and is easy to make.
I hope you think this recipe is as amazing as we do!! Enjoy and if you have time, please leave a comment below!
Crockpot Swiss Steak Recipe
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
- ¼ cup flour
- 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes
- .87 ounce brown gravy mix
Instructions
- Spray crockpot with non-stick coating, set aisde.
- Place flour on a plate, sprinkle with the Montreal steak seasoning and whisk to combine.
- Press each steak into the flour mixture. Coat both sides, shake off excess flour coating. (Discard unused flour).
- Place the steak in the crockpot.
- Top with sliced onions and bell peppers. Pour the canned tomatoes in next.
- Sprinkle the beef gravy mixture over everything. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. If you're cooking it on high - 6-8 hours.
James McNeill says
Sorry, missed read label for brown gravy not brown sugar 😩
Debra Clark says
Oh no James - how did this turn out for you?
James McNeill says
Question..in the picture you show brown sugar but no mention of it in the instructions?
Kay says
Made this the other night and it was delicious! Thank you for sharing.
Debra Clark says
Wonderful! I'm glad it was a hit, Kay; I appreciate you taking the time to come back and leave a review!!
Dayna Cosby says
In the crock pot cooking! Swiss steak is one of my husband's favorite thing to eat!
Debra Clark says
Wonderful, enjoy Dayna!!!
Brian Heater says
I haven’t made it but i plan to as i know my son and i will love it its a no brainer
Debra Clark says
I bet you guys will, the flavors are amazing! If you dont mind checking back, I'd love to hear the verdict. Enjoy!!
Lois says
I have made this a couple of times and so easy and so tasty. We just really enjoy it. So easy and it smell good for several hours before you sit down to eat. Thank you
Jann Forrest says
I want to make this but do not purchase brown gravy mix. Do you have a recipe? If not I will have to go to the store before trying it out.
Bowl Me Over says
The brown gravy mix has seasonings for the entire dish, personally I would recommend making the trip to the store.
Kathleen Holt says
Love ALL your recipes. Have made many of them. Always get rave reviews from my family and friends.
Bowl Me Over says
That's awesome Kathleen, I sure appreciate your support of the blog! Enjoy the Crock Pot Swiss Steak!!
K says
Looks yummy!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks K - the Crockpot Swiss Steak is SO GOOD! And super simple too - enjoy!