Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a family-favorite meal that’s both delectable and easy to prepare:
the Slow Cooker Swiss Steak.
This sumptuous dish features tender beef in a savory mushroom sauce, slow-cooked to perfection for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
One lazy Sunday, the alluring aroma of Swiss Steak filled my kitchen, building anticipation for the meal ahead.
When served, my family’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
The first bite was nothing short of divine; the meat tender and flavorful, the sauce rich and satisfying.
It was a moment of shared joy and a memory still fondly recalled.
Why is this recipe a must-try?
It’s not just about the delicious meal but also about the warm, memorable moments it creates.
The Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is a recipe that brings joy to your palate and a sense of unity to your home.
Let’s delve into this irresistible recipe.
Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Recipe
Ingredients
6 average-sized beef blade steaks
1 average-sized onion, sliced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup cream
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons oil
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons mild paprika
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season beef steaks with salt and pepper and brown on both sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté mushrooms and onions until tender.
Add thyme and paprika, cooking for an additional minute.
Transfer the mushroom and onion mix to the slow cooker over the steaks.
Whisk chicken stock, dry sherry, and flour in a bowl until smooth.
Pour over the beef and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours), until beef is tender.
Remove steaks and stir parsley and cream into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Return the steaks, coating them in the sauce.
Cook on low for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve the Swiss steak with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides and relish this delightful meal!
Here are some variations and tips for making Slow Cooker Swiss Steak:
Variations:
Vegetable Add-Ins: Enhance the dish by adding carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Different Cuts of Meat: Use different cuts of beef like round steak, chuck roast, or sirloin for varying flavors and textures.
Tomato Base Options: Swap out canned tomatoes for tomato soup, tomato sauce, or a mix of diced tomatoes and tomato paste for a thicker sauce.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to change the flavor profile.
Red Wine Addition: Add a splash of red wine for depth of flavor in the sauce.
Creamy Swiss Steak: Stir in sour cream or heavy cream before serving for a creamy version of the sauce.
Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian twist, and serve it over rice or noodles.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour to coat the meat or skip the flour entirely for a gluten-free dish.
Tips:
Browning the Meat: Searing the steak before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and creates a nice crust.
Layering Ingredients: Layer the vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the steak on top to prevent overcooking the veggies.
Cook Time: For a tender steak, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, checking for doneness.
Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, remove some liquid and thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) before returning it to the slow cooker.
Resting Time: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing to retain its juices.
Serve Suggestions: Serve the Swiss steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
These variations and tips can help you personalize your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak, making it even more enjoyable!
Here is the approximate nutritional information for one serving (about 6 oz of beef and sauce) of Slow Cooker Swiss Steak:
Calories: 300-400 kcal
Protein: 25-30g
Fat: 15-20g
Saturated Fat: 5-8g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Sugars: 5-7g
Fiber: 2-3g
Cholesterol: 70-100mg
Sodium: 500-800mg (depending on added salt and tomato products)
Key Nutritional Points:
Protein: Comes mainly from the beef, making this a high-protein dish.
Fat: Can be adjusted depending on the cut of beef used (leaner cuts like round steak will reduce fat content).
Carbohydrates: Mostly from the tomato base and any vegetables added (like onions and bell peppers).
Lower-carb variations can omit flour for dredging.
Sodium: Can vary depending on the type of broth, canned tomatoes, and added salt.
To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium broth and tomato products.
Fiber: Vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and carrots contribute fiber, so adding more veggies can increase this amount.
These values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes, but this gives a general idea of the nutritional breakdown for Slow Cooker Swiss Steak.