Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

INGREDIENTS

• 2 carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 stalk celery, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 onion, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 pounds round steak, tenderized and seasoned with salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, juice reserved
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• salt, to taste
• pepper to taste
• cornstarch, optional, for thickening
• mashed potatoes, optional, for serving
• noodles, optional, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Put the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Pour the flour into a shallow dish or plate.
3. Dredge each steak in the flour until evenly coated.
4. In a skillet on the stove-top over medium-high heat, heat the oil.
5. Once the oil is hot, brown the steaks, 2 minutes on each side.
6. Once the steaks are browned, add the white wine and scrape up any brown bits at the bottom of the skillet.
7. Add the steaks and wine mixture to the slow cooker.
8. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
9. Cover and cook on low until the steaks are fork-tender, about 6-8 hours.
10. Serve warm over mashed potatoes or noodles!