Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
- Pat the beef round steak dry with paper towels, then cut it into individual serving-sized pieces.
- Mix the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge each piece of beef in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. Brown the Beef
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef pieces until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Layer the Vegetables
- Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic over the beef in the slow cooker.
4. Create the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Pour this sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
5. Cook to Perfection
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Swiss steak hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of crusty bread also works wonderfully.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
The slow cooker is a game-changer for recipes like Swiss steak. It allows the flavors to develop slowly and fully, while the low, even heat tenderizes the beef without drying it out. Plus, it frees up your time to focus on other tasks or simply relax while dinner practically makes itself.
Tips for Success
- Tenderize the Meat: If your round steak is particularly tough, use a meat mallet to pound it thinner before dredging in flour.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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