08/08/2026
1970s Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
Introduction
Bring back a cozy dinner-table classic with this 1970s Slow Cooker Swiss Steak. Tender beef slowly cooks in a rich tomato gravy with bell peppers, onions, and simple seasonings for an old-fashioned comfort meal that practically makes itself.
Ingredients
Serves 6
For the Steak
2½ lbs round steak, cut into 4–6 portions
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1½ lbs baby potatoes, optional
For the Tomato Gravy
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp brown sugar
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Lightly coat each piece of round steak with the seasoned flour.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the steaks for 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
Add the sliced onion and green bell pepper around and over the beef. Add the baby potatoes if using.
In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, brown sugar, and bay leaf.
Pour the tomato mixture over the steak and vegetables.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the steak is fork-tender.
Remove the bay leaf. If you prefer a thicker gravy, leave the slow cooker uncovered on HIGH for about 15 minutes.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Spoon plenty of the chunky tomato gravy, peppers, and onions over the tender steak.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve piping hot.
Serving Suggestions
For a true old-fashioned comfort meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, green beans, or warm dinner rolls. If you cook baby potatoes right in the slow cooker, you already have an easy one-pot dinner.