A Crock-Pot® is a brand name version of a slow cooker, which is an electrical device shaped like a large pot with a lid that uses a gentle, low heat and the trapped condensation to slowly cook food. It is recommended for foods that can withstand long cooking times without becoming tough. Tough cuts of meat are often used in slow cooker recipes because the moist, long cooking times allows sufficient time for the connective tissues to break down and tenderize the meat. One type of slow cooking beef dish is known as Crock-Pot® Swiss steak, which combines beef with tomatoes to form a thick sauce with the meat.
Since Crock-Pot® Swiss steak recipes require a longer cooking time than stove top recipes, high-quality, tender cuts of beef are generally advised against because they may become overcooked. Commonly used cuts of beef for Swiss steak include top round, flank steak, and top sirloin. If these cuts of meat are first tenderized with a hand-held device or machine that pounds the meat to break down its tough fibers, they are often packaged and referred to as cube steak, which is also used Swiss steak recipes.
Besides beef, the other main traditional ingredient in Crock-Pot® Swiss steak recipes is tomato of some sort. The exact type of tomato product may vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes may call for chopped fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, or pre-made tomato sauce. Although the beef and tomato base tend to be the main ingredients in standard recipes, other additional ingredients, such as potatoes, carrots, and celery, are often recommended to add more flavor and make the meal more filling.
Crock-Pot® Swiss steak may be prepared with whole steaks, or with beef which is cut up into cubes. For additional flavor and a more visually appealing presentation, recipes may advise coating the meat in flour and then cooking it in oil just until the outside of the meat is golden brown. The flour coating may also serve as a thickener to help the tomato products in the recipe form a rich sauce that adheres to the meat. Once the meat is prepared, it may be placed into the bottom of the Crock-Pot® and covered with the desired type of tomatoes. If additional vegetables are being used, it is usually recommended to place them underneath the meat so the vegetables are closer to the heat source, ensuring they aren’t undercooked by the time the meat is done.
The exact cooking time for the recipe often varies depending on the strength of the Crock-Pot® model and the temperature setting. If using high heat, Swiss steak generally takes approximately six hours, while low heat may take around eight to ten hours. Swiss steak is often served with mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or other preferred starch to soak up the tomato sauce.
