Ingredients
6 average-sized beef blade steaks
1 average-sized onion, sliced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup cream
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons oil
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons mild paprika
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef steaks with salt and pepper and brown on both sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté mushrooms and onions until tender. Add thyme and paprika, cooking for an additional minute.
Transfer the mushroom and onion mix to the slow cooker over the steaks.
Whisk chicken stock, dry sherry, and flour in a bowl until smooth. Pour over the beef and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours), until beef is tender.
Remove steaks and stir parsley and cream into the sauce in the slow cooker. Return the steaks, coating them in the sauce.
Cook on low for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve the Swiss steak with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides and relish this delightful meal!
Here are some variations you can try with your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak:
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the beef.
- Different Cuts of Beef: While blade steaks are great, you can also use chuck roast or round steaks for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some cuts may require longer to become tender.
- Spice it Up: Add a bit of heat by including crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This will give the dish a nice kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil instead of thyme for a unique flavor profile.
- Creamy Twist: For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of sour cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking. This will enhance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use sherry, you can substitute it with red wine or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different depth of flavor.
Here are some helpful tips for making Slow Cooker Swiss Steak:
- Low and Slow: For the most tender results, cook the steak on low heat in the slow cooker for an extended period. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the beef before placing it in the slow cooker adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish. It’s worth the extra step!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce nicely.
- Serve with Sides: Slow Cooker Swiss Steak pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider adding a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Here are some tips for storing your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak:
- Refrigeration: Allow the Swiss Steak to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the Swiss Steak. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw the frozen Swiss Steak in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.
Enjoy!