Name: Tender Slow Cooker Swiss Steak with Creamy Coconut Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Coconut Flour (or almond flour); 1/4 cup Tapioca Starch (or cornstarch); 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic); 2 pounds Round Steak (or eye of round/top round); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil); 1 medium White Onion (diced); 2 cups Beef Stock (or vegetable broth); 1 cup White Mushrooms (or your favorite variety); 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (or white pepper); 1 can Full-Fat Coconut Milk (or almond milk with thickening)

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As I scooped up the last bit of that creamy mushroom gravy, I couldn’t help but smile at how comforting this Slow Cooker Swiss Steak had turned out. Tender, flaked meat enveloped in rich coconut milk sauce—a dish that delivers on both flavor and nutrition without a trace of processed ingredients. This high-protein, gluten-free meal is not only simple to make but also transforms your slow cooker into a treasure chest of deliciousness. Imagine your kitchen filling with aromas that invite everyone to the table, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Are you ready to bring some slow-cooked magic to your mealtime? Let’s dive into this wholesome recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!

Why is this Swiss Steak Irresistible?

Tenderness in every bite: The slow cooking process guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Creamy coconut gravy: This unique twist elevates traditional flavors without relying on processed ingredients.
Nutritious yet comforting: Packed with protein and wholesome goodness, it’s the perfect meal for everyone.
Easy preparation: A simple process allows you to set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do the hard work for you.
Versatile base: Serve it over a bed of vegetables, rice, or egg noodles for delightful variations at every table.
For more hearty dishes, check out my Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan or the comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes!

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Ingredients

For the Coating
• Coconut Flour – A gluten-free alternative that provides structure; almond flour can be used instead if preferred.
• Tapioca Starch – Acts as a thickener for the gravy; cornstarch is a suitable substitute if needed.
• Salt – Enhances overall flavor; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
• Garlic Powder – Adds depth to the dish; feel free to swap in fresh garlic for a more robust flavor.

For the Steak
• Round Steak – The star of the dish, offering tenderness when slow-cooked; eye of round or top round are great cuts to use.
• Olive Oil – Essential for browning the steak and adding flavor; you can replace it with avocado oil if desired.
• White Onion – Adds sweetness and contrast to the gravy; shallots can be a flavorful alternative.

For the Creamy Gravy
• Beef Stock – Forms the flavorful base of the gravy; for a lighter version, use vegetable broth instead.
• White Mushrooms – Introduced for creaminess in the sauce; feel free to omit or replace them with your favorite mushroom variety.
• Ground Black Pepper – Adds a touch of heat; substitute with white pepper for a different flavor twist.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk – Creates a luscious texture in the gravy; almond milk works too but may need additional thickening.

Let your creativity shine in the kitchen as you prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Swiss Steak!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Coating
In a medium bowl, combine coconut flour, tapioca starch, salt, and garlic powder, mixing well to create a smooth coating. This flour mixture is essential for your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak, providing a delicious and gluten-free base. Set it aside while you get the steak ready, and make sure your work surface is clean.

Step 2: Coat the Steaks
Take your round steak and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s aptly coated on all sides. This will not only enhance the flavor of the steak but also help thicken the gravy as it cooks. Lay the coated steak pieces on a plate, ready for browning.

Step 3: Brown the Steaks
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and allow it to warm up. Once hot, introduce the coated steaks, browning each side for about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavor in your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak, so don’t rush it! After browning, transfer the steaks to your slow cooker.

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Arrange the browned steaks in the slow cooker, making sure they don’t overlap, as this could impact cooking. Top them with diced white onion, allowing the sweet onion flavor to infuse into the dish. This also creates a lovely aroma as it cooks!

Step 5: Make the Mushroom Sauce
In a blender, blend together the beef stock and chopped white mushrooms until smooth. This creamy mushroom base will add richness to your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak. Pour this velvety sauce generously over the steaks in the slow cooker and sprinkle with ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.

Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set your cooking temperature. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 7-9 hours. You’ll know the Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is done when the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Keep an eye on the process, as the aroma will start filling your kitchen beautifully!

Step 7: Add Coconut Cream
About 30 minutes before serving, scoop out the hardened cream from a can of chilled full-fat coconut milk and mix it with a teaspoon of tapioca starch in a separate bowl. Stir this creamy blend into the slow cooker, letting it meld into the rich gravy for the finishing touch on your Swiss steak.

Step 8: Serve
Once cooked, gently mix the Slow Cooker Swiss Steak and its luscious gravy before serving. Enjoy it over a bed of steamed vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or warm egg noodles to soak up all that creamy goodness. Your delightful meal is ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

Browning Is Key: Make sure to brown the steaks well before placing them in the slow cooker. This develops a deeper flavor and adds richness to your dish.
Gravy Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your gravy by altering the amount of tapioca starch. Start with less and add more as needed for perfect consistency.
Flavor Boost: Consider adding chopped vegetables like carrots and celery to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
Leftover Love: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this tasty Slow Cooker Swiss Steak again.
Use Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary just before serving for an aromatic finish.

What to Serve with Comforting Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

As you savor the rich flavors of this creamy, tender dish, you might be wondering how to complete your meal perfectly.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery texture of mashed potatoes harmonizes beautifully with the savory mushroom gravy, creating a delightful bite that comforts. Pour the luscious gravy right over the top for added indulgence.
Fresh Steamed Green Beans: With a crisp texture and mild flavor, green beans provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty steak. Toss them with a little olive oil and lemon zest for a vibrant side.
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight earthiness and crispy edges elevate the meal, adding a satisfying crunch alongside the tender steak and rich sauce. Drizzling them with balsamic glaze can bring a sweet tang to the forefront.
Savory Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative offers a fluffy, grain-like texture that soaks up the gravy perfectly without stealing the show from the steak. Enhanced with garlic and herbs, it’s a nutritious addition.
Quinoa Salad: Light and protein-packed, a quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs adds a fresh element to your plate. Its nutty flavor pairs exquisitely with the creamy steak sauce.
Full-bodied Red Wine: A glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the deep flavors of the Swiss steak, enhancing the meal’s overall experience. The fruity notes and tannins work harmoniously with the dish.
Rich Chocolate Cake: To finish on a sweet note, a slice of moist chocolate cake provides a decadent dessert that rounds out the meal impressively, leaving everyone smiling.
Warm Apple Crisp: Alternatively, serve a warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert that contrasts perfectly with the savory main dish.

Let these delightful pairings turn your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak into a memorable dining experience!

Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak fresh while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat the slow cooker steak on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water if needed to maintain moisture.
Airtight Storage: To prevent freezer burn, ensure containers are tightly sealed. You can wrap the dish in plastic wrap before placing the lid on for extra protection.

Make Ahead Options

These Slow Cooker Swiss Steaks are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the steak by coating it in the dry mixture and browning it up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator to maintain flavor and moisture. Additionally, you can prepare the creamy mushroom sauce by blending the beef stock and mushrooms ahead of time, keeping it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When ready to finish, simply layer the browned steak with onions, pour the prepared sauce over, and slow cook as directed. This ensures your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak will be just as delicious and ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Variations

Feel free to add your own twist and make this Slow Cooker Swiss Steak uniquely yours with these delicious variations!

Mushroom Swap: Switch white mushrooms for cremini or portobello mushrooms to deepen the flavors and add a hearty touch. It’s a simple switch that can make all the difference!
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary just before serving to elevate the aroma and flavor profile. This little extra step brings a garden-fresh taste to your meal.
Vegetable Boost: Add chopped carrots and celery to the slow cooker for added texture and nutrition. They’ll soften deliciously, blending beautifully with the gravy as it cooks.
Broth Variation: For a vegetarian option, swap out the beef stock for mushroom broth. This creates a deeply savory sauce while keeping it plant-based and flavorful.
Creamy Texture: If you’re craving an extra creamy gravy, mix in some cashew cream right before serving for an added richness, making this dish even more indulgent.
Spice it Up: Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a subtle kick that will warm your palate and spice things up.
Dairy-Free Creaminess: If coconut isn’t your favorite, substitute full-fat coconut milk with almond milk and consider adding extra tapioca starch for thickening. It will still complement the dish beautifully.

For more hearty, comforting recipes, don’t miss out on my Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup or take a peek at these flavorful Steak Elote Tacos. Enjoy the adventure of customizing your meal!

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cut of meat for Swiss steak?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using round steak, particularly eye of round or top round cuts. These cuts are lean yet tender when cooked slowly, and they absorb the flavors beautifully, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture that Swiss steak is known for.

What should I do if my coconut milk is too solid to use?
Very! It’s common for full-fat coconut milk to separate when chilled. If this happens, simply open the can and scoop out the hardened cream with a spoon. If you prefer a pourable consistency, you can blend it briefly to combine it with the liquid before adding it to your gravy. This will ensure a smooth, rich gravy texture.

How long can I store leftover Swiss steak in the refrigerator?
You can store your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture during reheating.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze your Slow Cooker Swiss Steak for up to 3 months. To do so, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat lovingly on the stovetop.

What if my gravy is too thin?
If your gravy turns out thinner than you’d like, don’t worry! To thicken it, mix a teaspoon of tapioca starch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the gravy while it’s cooking for a couple more minutes, and watch it magically thicken up!

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
For those with dietary restrictions, this Slow Cooker Swiss Steak is already gluten-free and can be made paleo-friendly by ensuring all ingredients, like the stock and coconut milk, meet those dietary guidelines. If you’re preparing for pets, avoid giving them the seasoned gravy, as it may contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for them.