Tender, juicy chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato and garlic sauce with colorful bell peppers, onions, and delicious herbs. This easy crockpot beef recipe is packed with flavor and makes a comforting family dinner with minimal preparation!
Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
  • Total Time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Course: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
  • Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
    Ingredients
    For the Beef:
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    For Garnishing:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper
    Instructions
    Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1½ inches each. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional)

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor and helps develop a rich, savory taste.

Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic over the beef.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the beef and vegetables. Gently stir to coat the ingredients with the sauce.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover with the lid and cook:

  • LOW: 6–8 hours
  • HIGH: 3–4 hours
    Cook until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have blended beautifully.

Step 7: Adjust the Sauce

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce is thinner than desired, remove the lid during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking, if your slow cooker instructions allow, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a little black pepper. Serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef

  • Use beef chuck roast for tender, juicy results.
  • Brown the beef before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
  • Cut the beef into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
  • Avoid adding too much liquid because vegetables release moisture as they cook.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the sauce near the end of cooking.
  • For extra Mediterranean flavor, add fresh basil or oregano before serving.
    Nut Information & Allergen Details
    Does this recipe contain nuts?

No. This recipe is naturally nut-free when prepared with the listed ingredients and products that have no nut cross-contact warnings.
Ingredient Nut Information
Beef chuck roast Nut-free
Bell peppers Nut-free
Tomatoes Nut-free
Onion and garlic Nut-free
Beef broth Usually nut-free; check label
Tomato paste Usually nut-free
Olive oil Nut-free
Worcestershire sauce Usually nut-free; check label
Italian seasoning Nut-free
Paprika and oregano Nut-free

Allergen Information:

  • Tree nuts: None in the standard recipe.
  • Peanuts: None in the standard recipe.
  • Dairy: None in the standard recipe.
  • Gluten: May be present in some Worcestershire sauces or beef broths.
  • Soy: Check packaged sauces and broth.
    Nut-Free Substitutions: No nut substitutions are necessary. Always check ingredient labels for potential cross-contact if cooking for someone with a nut allergy.
    Estimated Nutrition Information
    Per serving, based on 6 servings. Values are approximate and depend on the cut of beef and brands used.
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
    Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
    Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Beef stew meat, beef shoulder, or boneless beef short ribs can also work. Chuck roast is especially good because it becomes tender during slow cooking.

Q2: Do I have to brown the beef first?

No. You can add the raw beef directly to the slow cooker. However, browning adds a deeper, richer flavor.

Q3: Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes. Frozen bell peppers work well. Add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chop the vegetables and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q5: How do I make the sauce thicker?

Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Stir into the slow cooker during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.

Q6: Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and check all seasoning labels.

Q8: Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! The standard recipe contains no dairy ingredients.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?

Allow the beef to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Q10: Can I freeze this slow cooker beef?

Yes! Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q11: What should I serve with tomato garlic beef?

It tastes delicious with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice.

Q12: Can I make this recipe low-sodium?

Yes! Use no-salt-added diced tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, and reduce or omit the added salt. Choose a lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce if available.
Serving Suggestions

  • Steamed white or brown rice
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Garlic butter green beans
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Crusty bread for soaking up the tomato sauce