Big Beef is one of America’s most popular hybrid tomatoes, introduced in 1994 by the plant breeding company Petoseed (now part of Seminis). It quickly earned the prestigious All-America Selections (AAS) Winner award for its exceptional flavor, high yields, and outstanding disease resistance.
Big Beef was developed to combine the rich, old-fashioned taste of heirloom tomatoes with the vigor, productivity, and reliability of modern hybrids. Today, it remains a favorite among home gardeners, market growers, and commercial farms for producing large, flavorful tomatoes throughout the growing season.
Big Beef tomatoes are known for:
Rich, classic tomato flavor
Perfect balance of sweetness and acidity
Firm, juicy flesh
Meaty texture with relatively few seeds
They’re an excellent source of:
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Potassium
Lycopene (a powerful antioxidant)
Fiber
The fruits typically weigh 10–16 ounces, with many growing even larger under ideal conditions.
Their large size makes them perfect for:
BLTs
Cheeseburgers
Turkey sandwiches
Caprese sandwiches
One slice often covers an entire sandwich.
Slice and serve with:
Cucumbers
Fresh basil
Mozzarella
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
A simple way to showcase their fresh flavor.
Layer slices with:
Fresh mozzarella
Basil leaves
Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic glaze
A summer classic.
Their thick, juicy slices are ideal for hamburgers, adding fresh flavor without becoming overly watery.
While often enjoyed fresh, Big Beef tomatoes also make excellent:
Pasta sauce
Chili
Tomato soup
Salsa
Their meaty texture cooks down into a rich, flavorful sauce.
Slice in half, brush with olive oil, and season with:
Garlic
Salt
Pepper
Parmesan cheese
Grill for 5–8 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Big Beef tomatoes are excellent for:
Whole peeled tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes
Salsa
Tomato juice
Pasta sauce
Their high meat-to-seed ratio makes processing efficient.
Harvest when tomatoes are deep, uniform red and slightly soft to the touch.
Gently twist or clip the fruit from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
Store at room temperature for the best flavor. Refrigeration is only recommended if the tomatoes are fully ripe and need to be kept a few extra days.
Pick regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season.
With proper care, a healthy Big Beef tomato plant can produce 20–30 pounds of fruit or more over the growing season, making it an outstanding choice for home gardens and farm stands.