This is a Mediterranean easy-to-make Beef Stew recipe that you can make in your slow cooker using zucchini, beef stew meat, Italian-style diced tomatoes, black pepper, cinnamon, and water. It’s simple to make and looks as good as it tastes.

To make Mediterranean Beef Stew in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply layer zucchini and beef, top with tomatoes and spices, and cook on High for 3-5 hours or on Low for up to 8 hours.

This stew is a reliable choice for busy days, an easy and satisfying meal that my family consistently enjoys.

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Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned in This Stew?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes, roughly chop them, and use them to replace the canned variety. The fresh tomatoes should be cooked down to release their juices, enhancing the stew’s flavor.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Stew Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized zucchinis, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ pound of beef stew meat cut into ½-inch pieces
• 2 cans (14½ oz each) of Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ tsp of black pepper, optional
• 1 cinnamon stick (approximately 2 inches long) or ¼ tsp of ground cinnamon

How To Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Stew

1. Prepare your slow cooker: Start by placing the zucchini pieces evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker to create a vegetable base.
2. Layer the beef: Over the zucchini base, add the beef stew meat, spreading it out to ensure even cooking.
3. Add tomatoes and spices: Pour the two cans of Italian-style diced tomatoes over the beef, including the juices for extra flavor.
4. Season with pepper and cinnamon: If using, sprinkle the black pepper evenly across the tomatoes, and nestle the cinnamon stick among the ingredients or scatter the ground cinnamon over everything.
5. Set to cook: Cover the slow cooker and adjust the setting to cook on High for 3–5 hours, ensuring that the beef becomes tender but remains intact.
6. Adjust cooking mode if necessary: Alternatively, for a longer cooking process, cook on High for 1 hour, then switch to Low and continue to cook for another 7 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the beef is perfectly tender.
7. Final touches before serving: Before serving, be sure to remove the cinnamon stick to avoid overwhelming the dish’s flavors with cinnamon.

How Can I Thicken the Stew Without Using Flour?

To thicken the stew naturally, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the cooked ingredients directly in the slow cooker. The broken-down zucchini and tomatoes will release their natural thickeners, enhancing the stew’s consistency without the need for flour.

Recipe Tips

• Optimize beef tenderness: To ensure your beef stew meat becomes perfectly tender, check the stew at the 3-hour mark on High to avoid overcooking the meat.
• Manage spice levels: If you prefer a stew with a bit more kick, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the black pepper.
• Enhance flavor with fresh herbs: Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme in the last hour of cooking can introduce a vibrant depth of flavor to the stew.
• Thicken the stew naturally: If you find the stew’s consistency too thin after cooking, mash a few of the cooked zucchini pieces and stir them back in to naturally thicken the sauce.
• Prep for quicker assembly: Chop all vegetables and measure out spices the night before; this allows for quick assembly in the morning and a hassle-free cooking experience.

Recipe Variations

• Switch the protein: For a different twist, replace the beef with boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into pieces, but reduce the cooking time by an hour to maintain tenderness.
• Vegetarian adaptation: Omit the beef and add a mix of chickpeas and lentils for a vegetarian version; adjust spices as needed to complement the beans.
• Low-carb version: Substitute the zucchini with chunks of cauliflower and add a handful of diced celery for a lower-carb alternative that maintains a hearty texture.
• Add more vegetables: Include carrots and bell peppers to the stew for added color, texture, and nutritional value; add these with the zucchini to ensure they cook evenly.
• Create a richer tomato base: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular Italian-style tomatoes to give the stew a smokier, more robust tomato flavor.

What To Serve With Mediterranean Beef Stew

Serve your Mediterranean Beef Stew with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, saffron rice, roasted Brussels sprouts, a crisp green salad, and crusty whole-grain bread. You can also pair it with polenta cakes, a quinoa pilaf, or steamed asparagus.

How To Store Leftover Mediterranean Beef Stew

In The Fridge:

Place the leftover Mediterranean Beef Stew in an airtight container. I always make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it. This stew will keep well for up to 4 days. Always refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking to ensure safety.

In The Freezer:

Freeze it in sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If I were you, I’d label them with the date. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to reheat. Use within 3 months for the best flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Mediterranean Beef Stew

Reheat your leftover Mediterranean Beef Stew by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, until thoroughly heated. This usually takes about 10 minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

For microwave reheating, cover and heat on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
• Slow Cooker Carrot and Coriander Soup
• Slow Cooker Irish Stew with Beef and Guinness