Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak with Italian Crushed Tomatoes 2023

Ingredients:

2 lbs cubed steak
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
4 tablespoons butter
2 green bell peppers, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 cans (28 oz each) Italian seasoned crushed tomatoes
Mashed potatoes, for serving

For Gravy Thickening (Optional):

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

Season and Dredge Cubed Steak:
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Brown the Steak:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Brown the cube steak on both sides quickly, just enough to create a golden crust. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Prepare Vegetables:
- Slice the green and red bell peppers and yellow onion.
Layer in the Crockpot:
- In the bottom of the crockpot, create a layer with half of the Italian seasoned crushed tomatoes.
Create Layers:
- Place a layer of the browned cube steak on top of the tomatoes in the crockpot. Follow with a layer of sliced bell peppers and onions. Repeat until all cube steak, peppers, onions, and tomatoes are used, finishing with a layer of tomatoes on top.
Set and Forget:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Serve with Mashed Potatoes:
- Serve the slow-cooked Swiss steak over a bed of mashed potatoes, allowing the rich tomato-based gravy to soak into the potatoes.
Optional Gravy Thickening:
- About an hour before serving, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot to thicken the gravy. Continue cooking until desired thickness is reached.
Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve the Swiss steak hot, and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness!

Note: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and feel free to add additional herbs or spices to enhance the flavor. The slow cooking process will infuse all the ingredients with a rich and savory taste.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak with Italian Crushed Tomatoes even more delightful:

Marinate the Cubed Steak:
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the cubed steak in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours or overnight before dredging and browning.
Add Fresh Herbs:
- Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the layers in the crockpot for a burst of aromatic freshness.
Sear for a Deeper Flavor:
- Give the cubed steak a deeper flavor by searing it for a slightly longer time in the skillet, allowing for a more robust crust.
Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes:
- For a smoky flavor, substitute one or both cans of Italian seasoned crushed tomatoes with fire-roasted tomatoes.
Include Mushrooms:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the layers in the crockpot for an earthy and savory addition to the dish.
Splash of Red Wine:
- Deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the steak. This adds complexity to the flavor profile.
Slow Cook on High for a Shorter Time:
- If you’re short on time, you can cook the Swiss steak on high for about 4-5 hours instead of on low for 8 hours. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Finish with Fresh Herbs:
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top just before serving for a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note.
Serve with Roasted Vegetables:
- Roast additional vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts separately and serve them alongside the Swiss steak for added variety.
Add Worcestershire Sauce:
- Enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the tomato mixture in the crockpot.
Customize the Spice Level:
- Adjust the level of spiciness by incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
Layer with Cheese:
- In the last hour of cooking, sprinkle a layer of your favorite melting cheese (like mozzarella or provolone) on top for a cheesy twist.
Serve with Garlic Bread:
- Accompany the dish with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the flavorful tomato gravy.
Experiment with Tomato Varieties:
- Mix different types of crushed tomatoes, such as San Marzano or heirloom varieties, for a nuanced tomato flavor.

Remember, these tips are meant to inspire creativity, so feel free to adapt them to your taste preferences. Enjoy your upgraded Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak with Italian Crushed Tomatoes!

Here are some popular questions and answers related to Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak with Italian Crushed Tomatoes:

Can I use a different cut of meat for Swiss steak?
- Yes, you can use cuts like round steak or chuck roast for Swiss steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for different cuts.
How do I prevent the meat from becoming tough?
- Cooking on low and slow for the recommended time helps tenderize the meat. Also, using a cut suitable for slow cooking, like cube steak, helps ensure tenderness.
Can I prepare this recipe without browning the meat first?
- While browning adds flavor, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. However, browning does enhance the overall taste.
What can I substitute for Italian seasoned crushed tomatoes?
- You can use regular crushed tomatoes and add Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can simmer the ingredients on low heat in a covered pot on the stovetop. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller portion?
- Halve the ingredients for a smaller portion, but keep the same cooking time. Adjust based on your slow cooker’s size.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What sides pair well with Swiss steak?
- Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles make great sides. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
- Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but consider adding additional herbs to replicate the Italian seasoning.
Do I need to use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy?
- No, it’s optional. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can skip this step. Adjust based on your preference.
How can I make the dish more kid-friendly?
- You can finely chop the vegetables to make them less noticeable or add a bit of honey or brown sugar to slightly sweeten the tomato gravy.
Can I use a different type of cheese for topping?
- Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite melting cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend.
What should I do if the gravy is too thick?
- If the gravy is too thick, add a little water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Can I cook this recipe on high for a shorter time?
- Yes, you can cook on high for around 4-5 hours, but the slow-cooking process enhances the flavors more fully.