Slow Cooker Lean Beef and Zucchini Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-05 · Updated 2026-04-05

Light slow cooker stew: lean ground beef browned with garlic and oregano, then cooked low with zucchini, carrots, and herb-infused broth for 6 hours (or 3 on high) while you are out. This American-inspired slow-cooker recipe (whole30), ready in about 385 minutes, pairs lean ground beef, avocado oil, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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 (95% lean) lean ground beef
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large (chopped) onion
• 3 (minced) garlic cloves
• 2 medium (sliced 1/4-inch thick) zucchini
• 2 medium (peeled, 1/2-inch chunks) carrots
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Slow cookers worth buying for this → Best Slow Cookers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook lean ground beef, breaking into crumbles, for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: Stir 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper into beef; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 chopped large onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to skillet, cook 2 minutes until softened. Transfer mixture to slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Add 2 medium sliced zucchini (1/4-inch rounds), 2 peeled medium carrots (1/2-inch chunks), 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until vegetables are tender.