Low Carb Slow Cooker Italian Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Low Carb Slow Cooker Italian Beef is a flavorful and tender dish perfect for busy days. Using a beef chuck roast simmered with aromatic herbs and tomatoes, it delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed for less fat
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the meat
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, to develop flavor.
3. Step 3: Transfer the browned roast to the slow cooker. Arrange the sliced onions and minced garlic on top of the meat.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir to mix well.
5. Step 5: Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the roast in the slow cooker.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
7. Step 7: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return shredded beef to the sauce and stir to combine.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add a splash of red wine to the tomato mixture before cooking.
• Serve the shredded beef over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low carb meal.
• Use a well-marbled chuck roast to keep the beef juicy and tender.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce.

Storage

Store leftover Italian beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw 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, a brisket or round roast can be used, but chuck roast is preferred for its balance of tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.

Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?

Browning the meat adds extra depth of flavor and helps lock in juices, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and cook the roast directly in the slow cooker.

Low Carb Slow Cooker Italian Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 91 reviews

This Low Carb Slow Cooker Italian Beef recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef cooked slowly in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with Italian herbs. Perfect for a comforting, low-carb meal with minimal prep and hands-off cooking using a slow cooker.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours low or 4-5 hours high
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Broth

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed for less fat
• 1 cup beef broth

Tomato Mixture

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Other Ingredients

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the meat
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to ensure the meat is flavorful before browning.
2. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the roast and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, to develop a rich crust and enhance flavor.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned roast into the slow cooker. Arrange the sliced onions and minced garlic on top of the meat to infuse flavor during cooking.
4. Make the Tomato Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly until well mixed.
5. Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the tomato-herb mixture evenly over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker.
6. Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low setting for 8 hours or alternatively on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
7. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker and stir it back into the sauce for even distribution of flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• The beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which results in tender and juicy meat.
• Browning the meat before slow cooking enhances the overall flavor by creating a caramelized crust.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after cooking if needed.
• Serve with low-carb sides like steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice to keep the meal low carb.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Low Carb Italian Beef, Slow Cooker Beef, Italian Slow Cooker Recipe, Low Carb Dinner, Beef Chuck Roast, Slow Cooked Beef