Slow Cooker Zesty Beef and Vegetable Stew
Hearty beef stew with zucchini, bell peppers, and a zesty tomato base, perfect for a low-carb slow cooker meal. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 435 minutes pairs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (canned, no sugar added)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef stew meat and brown for 4-5 minutes until all sides develop a crust.
- Step 2: Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves directly to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 1 cup beef broth. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Add 2 medium chopped zucchinis and 1 large chopped red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving to brighten the flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Zesty Beef and Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 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 Cooker Zesty Beef and 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Zesty Beef and 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 Slow Cooker Zesty Beef and 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.
Is Slow Cooker Zesty Beef and Vegetable Stew low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
