There is something mighty comforting about a simple roast tucked into the slow cooker and left to turn tender while the day goes on. This Amish-style tomato paste beef leans on the kind of plain pantry ingredients rural cooks have trusted for generations: a good beef roast, a thick layer of tomato paste, and a few seasonings that turn into a rich, savory gravy right in the pot. It is the sort of dependable supper that feels old-fashioned in the best way, hearty enough for a busy weeknight and satisfying enough to bring everyone back to the table for seconds.
This beef is especially good served over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice so none of that deep tomato-beef sauce goes to waste. For a full supper, add green beans, glazed carrots, or sweet corn on the side, and set out a basket of warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for soaking up every last spoonful.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Tomato Paste Beef
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 beef Vegas strip roast, about 3 to 4 pounds
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
1. Place the beef Vegas strip roast in the slow cooker and pat it dry with paper towels so the tomato paste will cling well.
2. Spread the tomato paste all over the top and sides of the roast in an even layer.
3. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the tomato paste, then pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce around the roast.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easy to slice or shred.
5. Transfer the beef to a cutting board, slice or shred it, then return it to the slow cooker juices or serve it on a platter with the sauce spooned over the top.
Variations & Tips
Add vegetables: If you want this to be a full one-pot meal, tuck carrots, onions, or small potatoes around the roast before cooking. They will soak up the sauce beautifully and make supper even easier.
Thicker gravy: For a thicker finish, remove the cooked beef and whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the hot slow cooker liquid. Cover and cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Herb variation: A pinch of dried thyme, parsley, or basil gives the dish a slightly different character without taking away from its simple farmhouse feel. This is a nice way to dress it up if you are serving company.
Best cut tip: A Vegas strip roast works well here, but chuck roast is another fine choice if that is what you have on hand. The key is giving the meat enough time to become properly tender.
Leftover idea: Leftover beef makes mighty good hot sandwiches the next day. Pile it onto toasted bread with a spoonful of warmed sauce, or serve it over noodles for another easy meal.