When comfort food meets gourmet flavor, you get Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Steak—a rich, savory dish that’s as effortless as it is impressive. Slow cooking transforms affordable cuts of beef into fork-tender slices steeped in a vibrant tomato and basil sauce. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it simmered on a stovetop all day, but only takes a few minutes of hands-on prep.
Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or cozy gatherings, this recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, marrying juicy steak with the sweetness of tomatoes and the aromatic lift of fresh basil.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Steak
- Minimal prep with maximum flavor
- Perfectly tender beef thanks to low and slow cooking
- Rich tomato-basil sauce for classic Italian comfort
- Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread
🛒 Ingredients
- 2–2.5 lbs chuck steak, flank steak, or round steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
✅ 1. Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Sear the steak on both sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Transfer the steak to the slow cooker.
✅ 2. Layer the Flavor
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes to release their aroma.
- Add to the slow cooker.
- Pour in crushed and diced tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Stir to combine all ingredients around the steak.
✅ 3. Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until the steak is fall-apart tender.
✅ 4. Finish with Basil
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in chopped fresh basil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
- Spoon onto toasted ciabatta or crusty bread for open-faced steak sandwiches
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad
- Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan and extra basil for an Italian twist
🔄 Variations & Tips
- Add cream or cheese to make it a creamy tomato basil sauce
- Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach
- Use fresh tomatoes in peak summer for an ultra-fresh taste
- Double the recipe and freeze extra portions for later meals
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
💬 Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Steak is more than just a convenient dinner—it’s a hearty, rustic dish packed with Italian-inspired goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to prep a flavorful meal ahead of time, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
From the rich tomato base to the tender steak infused with basil, every bite is a warm, comforting hug on a plate. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s bound to become a new family favorite. 🍽️❤️