Slow-Cooked Beef with Regional Spice Blend

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

Tender slow-cooked beef infused with a bold regional spice mix showcasing the earthy flavors of a specific geographic area. This middle eastern-inspired beef ready in about 195 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, vegetable oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 lbs beef chuck roast and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides for 4-5 minutes until deeply browned; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp cumin seeds, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spices bloom.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another minute until darkened and aromatic.
  6. Step 6: Return the beef roast to the pot and pour in 2 cups beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Step 7: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 3 hours or until beef is fork-tender and infused with regional spices.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef with Regional Spice Blend take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Beef with Regional Spice Blend?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef with Regional Spice Blend?

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 Regional Spice Blend 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.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Beef with Regional Spice Blend?

Middle Eastern beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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