Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Beef with Tomatoes and Olives

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

Tender beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with briny olives and fragrant herbs, perfect for a comforting Mediterranean dinner. This greek-inspired beef (mediterranean) ready in about 195 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes, olive oil, large onion, diced 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 Greek cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs of 2-inch cubed beef chuck roast in batches, browning on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot along with 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup pitted and halved green olives, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve this hearty Mediterranean beef stew over rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Beef with Tomatoes and Olives 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 Mediterranean Beef with Tomatoes and Olives?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Beef with Tomatoes and Olives?

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 Mediterranean Beef with Tomatoes and Olives 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 Mediterranean Beef with Tomatoes and Olives?

Greek 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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