Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma, you’ve found it! This Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder is one of my all-time favorites. There’s something truly special about coming home after a long day to the rich scent of garlic and tomatoes simmering in the slow cooker. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps and wholesome ingredients, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you relax.
• Family-friendly flavor: The delicious combination of garlic and tomatoes is sure to please even picky eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining or meal prep throughout the week.
• Tender, juicy beef: Slow cooking ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it on its own, over rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to find that this recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen! Here’s what you need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• 3-4 lb boneless beef shoulder
• 1 head fresh garlic (whole cloves)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Variations

One of the best things about this Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs!

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs for a lighter option that still packs tons of flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your dish.
• Make it saucy: Incorporate some tomato paste for an even richer sauce.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder

Step 1: Season the Beef

Pat the beef shoulder dry with paper towels and generously season it with salt and pepper. This step enhances the flavor and helps create a beautiful crust when searing. Trust me; every bit of seasoning counts!

Step 2: Prepare the Base

In your slow cooker, place the chopped onions and whole garlic cloves at the bottom. This creates a flavorful base that will infuse into the meat as it cooks. Plus, who doesn’t love tender garlic?

Step 3: Sear the Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the seasoned beef shoulder until golden brown on all sides—about 4-5 minutes per side. Searing locks in juices and adds depth to the dish through caramelization. It’s worth taking this extra step!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Transfer the seared beef shoulder into the slow cooker. Top it with fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. The combination of these ingredients creates an amazing sauce that will make your mouth water!

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until tender. The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully while making the beef incredibly tender.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the beef right in the sauce. This allows each piece to soak up all those savory flavors! Serve hot over rice or alongside crusty bread, and watch everyone rave about this delightful meal!

Pro Tips for Making Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato Beef Shoulder

Cooking can be a delightful journey, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your slow-cooked garlic tomato beef shoulder to a whole new level!

• Choose the right cut: Opt for a well-marbled boneless beef shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor. The fat content helps keep the meat juicy during the long cooking process.

• Don’t skip the sear: Searing the beef shoulder before placing it in the slow cooker enhances the flavor profile through caramelization. This extra step adds depth to your dish that you won’t want to miss.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality fire-roasted tomatoes make a significant difference in taste. They infuse your dish with vibrant flavors that truly stand out.

• Adjust cooking time as needed: Depending on your slow cooker model, cooking times may vary. Check for doneness by ensuring the beef shreds easily with a fork. If not, give it some extra time!

• Let it rest before shredding: Allowing the cooked beef to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps retain its juices when shredded. This results in more flavorful and moist bites.

How to Serve Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato Beef Shoulder

Presenting your delicious slow-cooked garlic tomato beef shoulder is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to impress your family and friends at mealtime.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the rich flavors.

• Grated Parmesan cheese: While this is optional, adding some grated Parmesan on top can bring an additional layer of savory goodness to each serving.

Side Dishes

• Creamy mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are always a classic pairing! Their creaminess complements the rich sauce of the beef shoulder beautifully.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, add color and texture while also being a healthy side option.

• Couscous or rice: Fluffy couscous or rice serve as excellent bases that soak up the savory sauce from the beef shoulder, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

• Crusty bread: A loaf of warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. It’s both comforting and indulgent!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable meal with your slow-cooked garlic tomato beef shoulder! Enjoy every moment of this culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals throughout the week with minimal effort. Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers!

Storing Leftovers

• Let the beef cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you have leftover sauce, store it separately to maintain the texture of the beef.

Freezing

• Portion out the beef and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a pot over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist during reheating.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delicious dish? Here are some answers!

Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder?

Absolutely! You can substitute with chuck roast or brisket. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.

How do I ensure my Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder turns out tender?

The key is slow cooking! Make sure to cook it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, which allows the collagen in the meat to break down and results in a tender texture.

What can I serve with Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce. A side salad also makes a refreshing complement!

Is Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Can I add vegetables to my Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder?

Definitely! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes during cooking for a more hearty meal. Just adjust your liquid ingredients accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Slow-Cooked Garlic Tomato beef Shoulder! It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth and flavor that brings friends and family together. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your delicious results with loved ones. Happy cooking!