Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole is a comforting dish packed with fresh vegetables and tender beef. Perfect for warm days when you want a hearty meal without much fuss. The combination of smoky paprika and fresh herbs brings vibrant flavors to every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• Fresh basil and thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides.
2. Step 2: Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and tomato paste.
3. Step 3: Add the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and red bell pepper on top of the beef. Pour the beef broth over everything.
4. Step 4: Season with salt, pepper, and add fresh basil and thyme to your taste.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Stir the casserole before serving and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef chunks in a little olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika for an hour before searing.
• You can substitute the beef broth with red wine for a richer taste.
• Add potatoes or carrots if you prefer a heartier vegetable mix.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, other tougher cuts like brisket or stew meat work well in slow cookers, producing tender results after long cooking.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

Browning adds extra flavor and texture but you can skip this step if short on time; the dish will still be delicious.

Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

This Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole combines tender chunks of chuck roast with fresh summer vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, corn, and bell pepper, simmered slowly in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a hearty, comforting meal that highlights the bounty of summer produce through slow cooking.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high
• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef

• 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil and thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chuck roast chunks and sear until all sides are browned to develop deep flavor and seal in juices.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef chunks to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, stirring gently to combine.
3. Add Vegetables and Broth: Layer the zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and chopped red bell pepper over the beef. Pour the beef broth evenly on top of all the ingredients.
4. Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper according to taste. Add fresh basil and thyme for aromatic flavor.
5. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and flavors are well melded.
6. Final Touch: Before serving, gently stir the casserole to mix all ingredients together. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for an extra burst of freshness.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in tomato paste and paprika for a few hours before searing.
• If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be used but add them at the beginning of cooking to release flavors.
• You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• This dish freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Adjust salt and seasoning to taste at the end of cooking to avoid over-salting.

Keywords: Beef casserole, slow cooker recipes, summer vegetables, chuck roast, comfort food, slow cooked beef