Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew
A deeply aromatic stew with tender beef, seasonal veggies, and fragrant herbs, simmered to perfection in the slow cooker for a comforting weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 385 minutes pairs beef chuck, olive oil, large yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 485 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 cup green beans
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck and sear for 5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to a slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 medium sliced carrots, 2 stalks sliced celery, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes until softened, then add to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup red wine, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Add 3 medium cubed potatoes and 1 cup trimmed green beans. Mix well.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 385 minutes (25 min prep + 360 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 Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew?
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 Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew 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 Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew?
Mediterranean slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this mediterranean are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
