Swiss steak is one of those timeless recipes that can bring everyone around the table! Try this simplified Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Recipe to achieve tender cube steaks and a rich tomato-based sauce with little effort and maximum flavor. Serve over a mound of mashed potatoes for a new (or old) family favorite!

What is Swiss steak?

Swiss steak is a dish containing a cut of round steak that is braised in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce for an extended time. The dish is named for the technique used to tenderize the meat called swissing, which is a method of tenderizing the meat by pounding it with a tool with grooves.

Swiss steak has origins dating back to the early 1900s (and possibly earlier!) but now, we have the option to purchase cube, or cubed, steaks. Cube steaks are cut from round steaks and already tenderized before being packaged. The rivets and small holes in a cube steak make it the perfect option for breading, seasoning, and absorbing incredible flavor.

Ingredients Needed

Cube steaks – Purchasing cube steaks is both economical and convenient because they come already tenderized (huge timesaver!) and ready to cook. You will need 4 cube steaks or about 1 ½ pounds of meat.
Flour – Use flour to coat the steaks and create a light breaded texture. You can use either regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Steak seasoning – Choose your favorite steak seasoning (or create your own) to mix with the flour and create a savory coating that will cook deeply into the meat.
Olive oil – Use olive oil to brown the steaks in a cast iron pan. This cooking combination leads to maximum flavor!
Onion – Chop one small yellow onion for a slightly sweet flavor.
Garlic – Jarred minced garlic is the best timesaver!
Diced tomatoes – Use one can of diced tomatoes. If possible, choose the best quality of canned tomatoes that you can. Since the tomatoes are a prominent flavor in the dish, It really does make a difference in the overall quality.
Beef bone broth – Bone broth adds extra richness and nutritional benefits.
Tomato paste – Tomato paste adds thickness and complexity to the sauce.
Cornstarch – Use cornstarch to thicken the mixture of broth, veggies, and tomatoes into a delightful sauce that is perfect for serving over rice or potatoes.
Salt and pepper – Use a little salt and pepper to taste.

Bone broth, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste

How To Make Swiss Steak In The Slow Cooker

This classic dish is often made in a Dutch oven or simmered in a deep frying pan. The slow cooker is a great option to easily achieve tender steak and rich sauce without having to fiddle with the oven or stove to get it just right!

Begin by whisking flour and steak seasoning together in a shallow bowl.
Coat the steaks with the flour mixture on both sides and shake off any excess.
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet (cast iron is best!), and cook the steaks on both sides until they are lightly browned but not cooked through. Note: This should only take a few minutes or less per side, so stay close to the stove to prevent them from cooking too much.
Transfer the steaks to the slow cooker and top them with onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes. (No need to drain the tomatoes.)

Whisk together the bone broth, tomato paste, and cornstarch mixed with water.
Add the mixture to the slow cooker and season it with salt and pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the steak is fork-tender.

Variations and Substitutions

The signature meat for Swiss steak is cube steak, but you could use another round steak cut (bottom round or top round) and tenderize it yourself. Be sure to use a true meat tenderizer to effectively add all the grooves and evenly flatten the meat. Pound it, and then pound it some more!

Some traditional Swiss steak recipes incorporate mirepoix which is a French term for the combination of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery. If you’d like, you can add in some finely chopped carrots and celery along with the onion. You can also add any additional veggies right into the slow cooker such as cubed potatoes or quartered mushrooms.

If your family is not a fan of tomatoes or the texture of canned tomatoes, you can puree the diced tomatoes in a food processor until they are smoother and have a more uniform texture.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

With such a delicious sauce, you have to have something delicious to ladle it over! A traditional serving of Swiss steak will include a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes, but you could also use white rice as another option. Try my Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a decadent option.

Serve Swiss steak alongside a sautéed veggie like Sautéed Carrots with Honey or Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic for a simple addition. Add a garden salad or a toasty dinner roll and your dinner will feel so gourmet!

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover Swiss steak in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze for the days you want a delicious, hearty serving already done for you. Store steaks individually with extra sauce in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Defrost from frozen and reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove.