This Slow Cooker Beef and Tomato Recipe is a hearty, comforting dinner made with tender beef, juicy tomatoes, garlic, onions, and flavorful herbs. Slow cooking allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the tomatoes create a rich, savory sauce. It’s an easy family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
6–8 hrs
Low setting
4–5 hrs
High setting
6
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the beef
Cut the beef chuck into evenly sized cubes. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Trim any large, hard pieces of fat.
Step 2: Brown the beef (optional)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step to save time.
Step 3: Add the ingredients
Place the beef in the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender. Cooking time varies depending on the size of the beef pieces and your slow cooker.
Step 5: Adjust the sauce
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. If the sauce is thinner than you prefer, leave the lid slightly ajar for a short period if your appliance allows it, or transfer some sauce to a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the tender beef and rich tomato sauce with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Serving suggestions
Creamy mashed potatoes
Steamed rice
Egg noodles
Roasted vegetables
Tips for the best results
- Choose the right beef: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender during long, slow cooking.
- Avoid adding too much liquid: The tomatoes release moisture as they cook, so the sauce should be rich rather than watery.
- Boost the flavor: Browning the beef and using fresh garlic make the finished dish even more delicious.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Store leftovers safely: Refrigerate in an airtight container within 2 hours and enjoy within 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Recipe details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Cook time | 6–8 hours on LOW |
| Total time | Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Cooking method | Slow cooker |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes. Use approximately 3–4 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes in place of the canned crushed tomatoes. The sauce may be less consistent, depending on the tomatoes.
Can I add potatoes and carrots?
Absolutely. Add 2–3 chopped carrots and 2 medium potatoes at the beginning of cooking. Cut them into fairly large chunks so they hold their shape.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Chop the vegetables and cut the beef the night before, then refrigerate them separately in covered containers. Combine the ingredients in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef should be fork-tender and easy to break apart. If it’s still tough, continue cooking until it softens.
Enjoy this rich, savory Slow Cooker Beef and Tomato dish—a simple, satisfying meal that brings delicious homemade comfort to your dinner table!
