Savory Mediterranean Beef Stew
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty beef stew, cooked slowly to perfection in a crock pot. The tender pieces of beef stew meat, complemented by vibrant zucchini and robust Italian-style diced tomatoes, create a comforting dish that's bursting with flavor. This stew is versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables for an extra nutritious boost. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, hearty noodles, or fluffy rice, and don't forget a side of crusty bread to soak up every delightful drop. Perfect for busy weeknights or to impress guests at a cozy gathering, this stew is the epitome of comfort food!
4
Servings
200
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 (medium, cut into bite-sized chunks)
Beef stew meat
1 (lb)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
2 (cans (14 1/2 ounces each, do not drain))
Ground pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Cinnamon stick
1 (2 inch (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon))
Instructions
1
In a 3 1/2 quart slow cooker, layer the zucchini at the bottom to create a base.
2
Add the beef stew meat evenly over the zucchini.
3
Pour in the Italian-style diced tomatoes with their juices, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
4
Sprinkle the ground pepper over the mixture. If using a cinnamon stick, add it at this point.
5
Cover the slow cooker and set it to high. Allow the stew to cook for 5 hours, or until the beef is tender and infused with flavor.
6
Thirty minutes before serving, remove the cover and stir the stew well to mix the flavors.
7
Continue to cook without the cover for the final 30 minutes to help thicken the sauce.
8
Finally, before serving, remove and discard the cinnamon stick if used. Serve hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice with a side of crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
10
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Mediterranean Beef Stew?
The main protein used in this recipe is one pound of beef stew meat.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What vegetables are needed for this beef stew?
You will need two medium zucchinis and two cans of Italian-style diced tomatoes.
Should I drain the Italian-style diced tomatoes?
No, you should not drain them; use the tomatoes along with their juices to submerge the ingredients.
How long does the stew need to cook in the slow cooker?
The stew should be cooked on high for 5 hours.
Why is the zucchini placed at the bottom of the slow cooker?
Layering the zucchini at the bottom creates a base for the beef and other ingredients.
When should I add the cinnamon stick?
The cinnamon stick should be added at the same time you sprinkle the ground pepper over the mixture before starting the cook cycle.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick?
Yes, you can substitute the cinnamon stick with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Why do I need to remove the cover for the last 30 minutes of cooking?
Removing the cover for the final 30 minutes helps the sauce thicken.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 3 1/2 quart slow cooker is recommended.
When should the stew be stirred?
The stew should be stirred well 30 minutes before serving, just after removing the cover.
What are the suggested serving options for this stew?
It can be served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, with a side of crusty bread.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this Mediterranean beef stew?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide per serving?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
Do I need to discard the cinnamon stick?
Yes, the cinnamon stick should be removed and discarded before serving the stew.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows for the addition of your favorite vegetables for an extra nutritious boost.
What heat setting should be used on the crock pot?
The slow cooker should be set to the high heat setting.
How much ground pepper is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is perfect for busy weeknights as it is cooked slowly in a crock pot.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be cut into bite-sized chunks.
What makes this stew Mediterranean in style?
The use of zucchini, Italian-style tomatoes, and cinnamon provides a Mediterranean flavor profile.
Do I need to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
The instructions do not require searing; the beef is layered directly over the zucchini.
How many cans of tomatoes are needed?
You need two 14 1/2 ounce cans of Italian-style diced tomatoes.
Is this beef stew considered a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty beef stew that is the epitome of comfort food.
Can this recipe be used for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as a dish that can impress guests at a cozy gathering.
How do I ensure the beef becomes tender?
Cooking the stew on high for 5 hours in the slow cooker ensures the beef becomes tender and infused with flavor.
Is there any fiber or sugar information provided?
The provided nutritional data does not specify fiber or sugar content.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be prepared in a slow cooker or crock pot.