Slow-Cooked Beef with Carrots and Onions in a Tomato-Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked beef simmered with sweet carrots and onions in a savory tomato and fresh basil sauce, perfect for a comforting Whole30 meal. This whole30 (whole30) ready in about 440 minutes blends cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck roast, medium, peeled and sliced carrots, large, sliced yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Whole30 cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes, seasoning with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker. Add 3 sliced carrots, 1 large sliced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables or Whole30-approved cauliflower rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef with Carrots and Onions in a Tomato-Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Beef with Carrots and Onions in a Tomato-Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef with Carrots and Onions in a Tomato-Basil Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Beef with Carrots and Onions in a Tomato-Basil Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Slow-Cooked Beef with Carrots and Onions in a Tomato-Basil Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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