Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak?
It is a simple and flavorful round steak dish cooked in a savory blend of tomatoes and soup mixes, ideal for freezer meal prep and slow cooking.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of round steak cut into portion-sized pieces.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe serves 2 to 3 people, but it can easily be doubled for larger families.
Can I freeze this Swiss steak for later?
Yes, it is designed for Once a Month Cooking (OAMC) and can be combined in a Ziploc bag and frozen until ready to cook.
Do I need to brown the steak before cooking?
Browning the meat in a skillet is optional; while it adds flavor, it is not a necessary step for this recipe.
How long does it cook in a crockpot?
The Swiss steak should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours in a slow cooker.
Can I bake this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake it in a covered dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 1.5 hours.
What are the canned ingredients needed?
You will need one 15-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be used undrained to provide the necessary liquid for the sauce.
What kind of soup mix is required?
The recipe uses half of a 1.25-ounce package of dry beef and onion soup mix.
Can I use a different soup mix for a milder flavor?
Yes, you can substitute plain onion soup mix if you prefer a milder taste profile.
What type of gravy mix is added?
The recipe uses half of a 1.25-ounce package of dry brown gravy mix.
What is the best way to serve Swiss steak?
It is traditionally served over a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes.
How do I prepare the round steak?
The round steak should be cut into portion-sized pieces before being combined with other ingredients.
What size Ziploc bag is recommended for mixing?
A large gallon-sized Ziploc bag is recommended for mixing and freezing the ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, its slow cooker preparation makes it a fantastic and convenient option for busy schedules.
How do I ensure the steak is tender?
Slow cooking the round steak on low for several hours ensures it becomes incredibly tender.
Can I make multiple batches at once?
Yes, making two batches at once is encouraged to efficiently use ingredients and maximize meal prep time.
What is OAMC?
OAMC stands for Once a Month Cooking, a method of preparing many meals at once to freeze for later use.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, if baking in the oven, you should cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and satisfying comfort food that families will love.
What are the main flavors in this dish?
The dish features a savory blend of beef, onion, and tomato flavors.
Can I use homemade mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can serve the steak with either homemade mashed potatoes or those prepared from a package.
What is the oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Are there any fresh vegetables required?
The base recipe uses canned diced tomatoes, so no fresh produce is strictly required unless making potatoes from scratch.
How much total gravy mix is used?
The recipe calls for 0.5 of a standard 1.25-ounce package.
Is there a specific way to mix the ingredients?
Seal the Ziploc bag and mix well to ensure the steak pieces are evenly coated with the tomatoes and dry mixes.
What makes the sauce for the steak?
The sauce is created by the combination of undrained tomatoes, the gravy mix, and the soup mix as they cook.
Can this be cooked immediately without freezing?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture directly to a baking dish or crockpot instead of freezing it.
Is this recipe adaptable?
Yes, it is adaptable to taste preferences, particularly by choosing different variations of onion soup mix.