Slow Cooker Smothered Swiss Steak

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is pretty serious comfort food. And when I was growing up it was something my Mom would make on a regular basis. The only difference is that my mom's Old Fashioned Swiss steak was made on the stove top and I make my Swiss Steak recipe in the slow cooker because I can dump and go!

That way I come home to a delicious hot meal at the end of a workday, that I didn't even have to slave over. Plus, it's Weight Watchers friendly! Made with a rich tomato gravy, this Crock Pot Smothered Swiss Steak recipe is a flavorful meal that makes a great Sunday dinner but it also perfect for a busy weeknight!

🥘 Ingredient Notes

This Slow Cooker Swiss Steak with tomatoes (smothered steak) is pure comfort food and a true dump-and-go recipe, with very little prep time (no precooking required)! That's the beauty of the slow cooker - it does all the heavy lifting for you.

You don't have to use a top-round steak; you can use a tougher bottom-round steak or other tougher cuts of meat (which is more economical) because the slow cooker tenderizes the meat for you as it cooks. And this Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is no exception. Not to mention, you only need a few ingredients, including:

• Round steak. Round steak is economical and ideal for the slow cooker because it tenderizes when it's cooked slowly for a long period of time. But you can use another tough cut of meat.
• Canned diced tomatoes. The acids in the tomatoes are a natural tenderizer. I use canned diced tomatoes because they are economical and convenient.
• Onion. Onions add flavor and texture to this dish. It's also a natural tenderizer.
• Green pepper. Add a slightly tangy flavor to this dish, as well texture.
• Garlic. Garlic is a flavor enhancer and elevates just about any sauce.
• Canned mushrooms. I use canned mushrooms because they are convenient and economical.
• Cornstarch. When mixed with water, constarch is a great way to thicken sauces without the extra colories of a roux (flour and water) and it's also gluten-free.

📖Variations & Substitutions

• Steak - you can use chuck steak, blade steak, or cubed steak
• Bell peppers - you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers instead of green bell pepper
• Onions - you can use a sweet onion instead of a white onion or yellow onion
• Tomatoes - you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce instead of diced.
• Spicy - add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Mushrooms- you can use fresh instead of canned mushrooms

🔪How to Make Swiss Steak in the Crock Pot

Prep: Spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

1. Step 1: Add steak to bottom of slow cooker.

2. Step 2: Add diced tomatoes, mushrooms, green pepper, onion and garlic. Set to cook on low for 8 hours.

3. Step 3: When done, if you want the sauce thicker (which you likely will) mix cornstarch with cold water (to make a cornstarch slurry). Or you can add a little tomato paste to thicken it.

4. Step 4: Cook for an additional 20 minutes on high. *If you still want it thicker, simply add more cornstarch and water Serve over rice (I use brown minute rice), cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.

🌡️Storage

Store leftover swiss steak in an airtight container in the fridge for 3- 4 days.

Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months in a sealed container.

👪 Serving Size

This crockpot swiss steak recipe makes 8 servings. However, you can half, double or triple the recipe by clicking on the serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust.

🔢WW POINTS

This smothered steak is 6-8 WW points, depending on the type of steak you use (6 is chuck steak- look for a leaner cut, if possible). The type of rice you use needs to be calculated separately.