Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak with Savory Mushroom Gravy?
It is a hearty, comfort-food dish featuring tender beef cube steaks slow-cooked in a rich gravy made with condensed golden mushroom soup, onions, and jarred mushrooms.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the recommended cooking time?
The beef should be cooked on low heat for 7 to 8 hours in a slow cooker.
What size slow cooker is needed for this recipe?
A 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker is ideal for this amount of ingredients.
What type of beef should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 beef cube steaks, approximately 8 ounces each.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the crock pot?
No, the instructions state to place the seasoned raw beef cube steaks directly into the bottom of the slow cooker.
What kind of mushrooms are used in the gravy?
The recipe uses one 6-ounce jar of sliced mushrooms, including the liquid.
Should I drain the jar of mushrooms?
No, you should use the sliced mushrooms undrained to add more flavor and moisture to the gravy.
What provides the base for the savory gravy?
The gravy is primarily made from two 10 3/4 ounce cans of condensed golden mushroom soup.
How is the beef seasoned?
The steaks are seasoned evenly on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 25 grams of protein.
Is this a high-fat dish?
Each serving contains 28 grams of fat.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
There are 7 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What is the best way to serve Swiss Steak?
It is best served hot with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious mushroom gravy.
How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef is ready when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of jarred?
Yes, you can substitute fresh mushrooms, though you may want to add a splash of beef broth since you won't have the jarred mushroom liquid.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one small chopped onion.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is ideal for busy weeknights because you can set it to cook for 7-8 hours and come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
How should I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker?
Layer the beef first, then sprinkle the onions, then the mushrooms, and finally pour the soup over the top.
Can I substitute golden mushroom soup with regular cream of mushroom?
You can, but golden mushroom soup has a more beefy, savory profile that defines this specific dish.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the fiber content is negligible or not listed.
Can I cook this on high heat for a shorter time?
While most slow cooker recipes can be adapted to high heat (usually 3-4 hours), Swiss steak benefits from the low and slow method to ensure the cube steak becomes tender.
What if my cube steaks are larger than 8 ounces?
If the steaks are larger, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly or ensure they are overlapped properly to fit in the cooker.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information lists sugar as null, indicating no significant sugar content.
What category of food does this fall into?
This dish is categorized as comfort food, a hearty meal, and a family dinner.
Can I add other vegetables like carrots?
Yes, you can add sliced carrots or celery along with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak freezes well. Ensure it is cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
How many ingredients are required in total?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: beef cube steaks, salt, black pepper, onion, jarred mushrooms, and golden mushroom soup.