If you’re craving pure comfort and the best of the season’s harvest, you’re going to fall in love with this Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole. It’s the sunniest kind of slow cooker meal: deeply savory beef surrounded by tender summer squash, juicy tomatoes, and a rainbow of fresh veggies, all melting together in the coziest sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a weekend cookout or just need an effortless weeknight winner, this casserole captures every flavor we love about summer—slow cooked to pure perfection.

Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing beats a casserole with fresh, simple ingredients that shine in every bite. Each element in this lineup brings its own character, turning humble beef and veggies into a dish that’s practically bursting with summer magic.

Beef chuck or stewing beef (2 pounds): Go for well-marbled beef; it becomes fork-tender and juicy after slow cooking.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This adds richness and helps caramelize the beef beautifully for extra depth of flavor.
Salt (1 teaspoon): A must for bringing all the flavors together; season generously.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough pepper to add mild heat and balance the savory notes.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): For subtle smoky undertones that play off the sweetness of summer veggies.
Onion, diced (1): The flavor foundation—sweet, aromatic, and essential for building richness.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): No casserole is complete without garlic; it deepens every layer of the dish.
Zucchini, sliced (1): Brings a soft texture and gentle freshness that screams “summer.”
Yellow squash, sliced (1): Adds color and soaks up that savory sauce so well.
Red bell pepper, chopped (1): Sweet, tender, and vibrantly colorful—it pops in every bite.
Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): These burst and sweeten as they cook, enriching the casserole with summery juiciness.
Tomato paste (1/2 cup): For a perfectly concentrated flavor that thickens the sauce just right.
Beef broth (1/2 cup): Keeps everything saucy and provides plenty of savory undertones.
Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): The secret twist—just a splash for brightness and depth.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy, herby notes to the base flavors.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends a distinctly Mediterranean aroma that marries so well with beef and tomatoes.
Fresh basil, chopped (1/4 cup): Stirred in at the end for a fragrant, fresh finish that lifts the whole dish.

How to Make Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Ultimate Flavor

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Give your beef a generous sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, then brown it in batches. Don’t rush this part—it’s your chance to lock in those meaty flavors and get a little caramelization, which pays off big time in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet (no need to clean those flavorful browned bits!), toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for just 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. These aromatics soak up all the leftover beefy goodness, creating the backbone of your casserole’s sauce.

Step 3: Layer Up the Veggies

Add your browned beef to the slow cooker, followed by the sautéed onion and garlic. Then, in go the zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Each summer vegetable brings its unique color and texture, creating layers of bright, sweet flavors as they mingle in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, and oregano. The tomato paste thickens, the balsamic provides a hint of tang, and the herbs add warmth—this simple sauce is what ties the dish together in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour your sauce over the piled beef and veggies, making sure to coat everything nicely. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. As time ticks by, the beef becomes tender, and the vegetables soften and blend with those savory juices—patience is key for that melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Step 6: Add Fresh Basil and Serve

Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil. This quick step brings vibrant, herbal aroma and a burst of flavor that truly sets your Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole apart. Serve it hot—get ready for deliciousness that tastes just like a summertime feast!

How to Serve Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole

Garnishes

I love scattering a handful of extra fresh basil or chopped parsley across the top just before serving. A sprinkling of grated Parmesan or even some lemon zest can add a little bit of zing, making each bowl feel extra special and vibrant.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sidekicks. Dish it over a pile of fluffy couscous, classic mashed potatoes, or nutty brown rice. If you’re feeling extra healthy or want to keep things lighter, cauliflower rice is a fantastic option—it soaks up all that rich sauce without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the casserole inside hollowed-out roasted bell peppers or summer squash boats. If you’re entertaining, offer mini bowls as appetizers at your backyard gathering. Or simply ladle everything into a rustic casserole dish at the center of the table and let everyone dig in family-style—the colors alone are enough to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. The Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches or fast weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! Lay it flat in a freezer-safe bag or store in individual containers so you can thaw only what you need. It’ll keep for up to three months, meaning you can stash away a taste of summer for when you need a cozy, sunny meal most.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your casserole gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just be sure to stir halfway through so everything warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is classic for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, feel free to use brisket or even round steak—just make sure to cut it into hearty chunks and adjust the cook time if needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! For a plant-based spin, swap the beef for thick-cut mushrooms or extra chunks of zucchini and squash, and use vegetable broth instead. You’ll get a summery, hearty casserole that’s every bit as satisfying.

Can I prepare Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, store it covered in the fridge, and simply start cooking the next morning—making it the ultimate stress-free meal for busy days or casual get-togethers.

What’s the best way to add more veggies?

Green beans, corn, or even eggplant all make lovely add-ins that celebrate summer’s bounty. Just chop them small so they’ll cook evenly along with the other vegetables in your Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole.

How do I thicken or thin the sauce if needed?

If your casserole looks a bit too saucy, remove the lid and cook on high for 30 minutes to let it reduce. To loosen a thick sauce, add a splash of beef broth or even a little water as you stir everything together before serving.

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever a time to let your slow cooker shine, it’s with this Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole. Bursting with summer vegetables, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and all the warmth of sun-drenched days, it’s one to make again and again. Grab your favorite spoon and get ready to savor the flavors of the season—I know you’ll love every bite!

Slow Cooked SUMMER Beef Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooked Summer Beef Casserole is the perfect dish for a hearty and flavorful meal. Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked with a medley of summer vegetables and aromatic herbs to create a satisfying and nutritious dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

2 pounds beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into chunks

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Vegetables:

1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Sauce:

1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Garnish:

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

Prepare Beef: Season beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear in a skillet until browned and transfer to a slow cooker.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Add to the slow cooker along with zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
Make Sauce: Whisk together tomato paste, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and oregano. Pour over beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
Finish: Stir in fresh basil before serving.