Crockpot Swiss Steaks

Instructions:

1. Brown the Steaks:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the Swiss steaks with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side. The goal here is to develop a rich, golden-brown crust that will add extra flavor to the final dish.
• Once browned, transfer the steaks to the crockpot.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, and oregano. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will create a rich and flavorful sauce for the Swiss steaks.
• If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of flour into the sauce and stir to thicken it before adding it to the crockpot.

3. Slow Cook the Swiss Steaks:

• Pour the prepared sauce over the browned Swiss steaks in the crockpot, ensuring the steaks are well-covered.
• Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking method will make the steaks incredibly tender, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve:

• Once the Swiss steaks are cooked through and tender, remove them from the crockpot and place them on a serving platter.
• If desired, stir the sauce to combine it further. You can also adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the Swiss steaks with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Swiss Steaks:

• Use a Lean Cut of Beef: While Swiss steaks are typically cut from the round or chuck, they can be made from any lean cut of beef. This recipe is perfect for tougher cuts of meat, as the slow cooking process makes them tender and flavorful.
• Enhance the Flavor: For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce or a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to complement the basil and oregano.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to the crockpot for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into large chunks and add them to the sauce before slow cooking.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply remove a little bit of the liquid after cooking, whisk in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch, and then stir it back into the sauce before serving.

What to Serve with Crockpot Swiss Steaks:

Crockpot Swiss Steaks are a hearty meal on their own, but they can be paired with various side dishes for a complete dinner. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the savory sauce.
• Rice: Serve the Swiss steaks over white, brown, or wild rice for a simple and filling side.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans, peas, or carrots can add color and freshness to the plate.
• Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs make for a deliciously crispy side dish that pairs perfectly with the tender Swiss steaks.
• A Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the steak and sauce.

Why You’ll Want to Make Crockpot Swiss Steaks:

Crockpot Swiss Steaks are the epitome of comfort food: tender, flavorful, and easy to make. The slow-cooking process ensures that the meat becomes incredibly soft and infused with the delicious tomato-based sauce, making every bite melt in your mouth. Plus, it’s a great dish for meal prepping, as it makes enough to feed a family, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

The simplicity of the recipe means you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or just making a quick family dinner, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

So next time you need a no-fuss, satisfying meal, pull out your crockpot and make this delicious Swiss steak dish. It’s the kind of meal that will have your family coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!