Swiss Steak with Mushrooms in a slow cooker is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine fork-tender beef, aromatic mushrooms, and a savory tomato sauce all melding together over hours. It's a dish that feels like a cozy night in, perfect for when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Beef round steaks are the star here, offering a hearty base that becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker. All-purpose flour helps give the beef a beautiful crust when browned. Salt and black pepper season the meat simply but effectively.
Vegetable oil is used for browning the steaks, adding subtle flavor without overpowering. Onion and mushrooms provide earthy sweetness and depth. Garlic, a must-have, adds its unmistakable warmth.
Diced tomatoes and beef broth create the rich, savory sauce. Worcestershire sauce introduces a tangy complexity, while dried thyme and paprika add herbal and smoky notes. Cornstarch thickens the sauce to a satisfying consistency. Fresh parsley brightens the final dish.
This Swiss Steak is delightful over a bed of mashed potatoes, which soak up the rich sauce perfectly. It also pairs well with buttered egg noodles or steamed rice. Add a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to round out the meal.
First, prepare the beef by dredging the beef round steaks in a mix of all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. This step ensures a nice crust when you sear the meat.
Heat up some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, brown the steaks on both sides—just a few minutes per side should do. Then, set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the onion, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté until they're soft and fragrant; this should take about 5 minutes. Transfer this aromatic mixture to your slow cooker.
Layer the browned steaks over the onion and mushroom mix in the slow cooker. In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and paprika. Pour this flavorful concoction over the steaks.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let it cook for 7-8 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Once thickened to your liking, it's ready to serve!