Savory Mediterranean Beef & Zucchini Stew
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this Savory Beef & Zucchini Stew, cooked to perfection in your crock pot. Tender chunks of beef simmer alongside fresh zucchini and seasoned diced tomatoes, creating a hearty and wholesome meal. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also allows the spices to meld beautifully, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a comforting dinner that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Beef Stew Meat
3/4 lb (trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Oregano, and Garlic
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (undrained)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Cinnamon Sticks
2 inches (whole)
Instructions
1
Start by layering the bite-sized zucchini pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
2
Add the tender beef stew meat on top of the zucchini, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
3
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, along with their aromatic basil, oregano, and garlic flavors.
4
Sprinkle the pepper evenly over the mixture and gently mix to combine all the ingredients.
5
Place the two cinnamon sticks into the stew for a warming spice note.
6
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can either set it to cook on high for 5 hours or on high for 1 hour and then reduce to low to cook for an additional 7 hours for perfectly tender meat.
7
Before serving, carefully remove and discard the cinnamon sticks to prevent overpowering the dish. Enjoy your stew warm!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
12g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mediterranean Beef & Zucchini Stew?
It is a hearty crock pot meal featuring tender beef, fresh zucchini, and Mediterranean spices.
What are the primary ingredients for this stew?
The main ingredients are zucchini, beef stew meat, canned diced tomatoes with herbs, pepper, and cinnamon sticks.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be cut into bite-sized pieces and placed at the bottom of the slow cooker.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of beef stew meat, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, use two 14 1/2 ounce cans of diced tomatoes undrained to keep the aromatic juices.
What flavors are already in the canned tomatoes?
The tomatoes are seasoned with basil, oregano, and garlic.
Why are cinnamon sticks used in the stew?
Cinnamon sticks add a warming spice note that complements the Mediterranean flavor profile.
How long does the stew cook on the High setting?
You can cook the stew on high for approximately 5 hours.
Is there a Low setting cooking option?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 1 hour and then reduce to low for an additional 7 hours.
When do I remove the cinnamon sticks?
Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon sticks just before serving the stew.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
How much protein is in this Mediterranean stew?
There are 12 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The stew contains 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe provide dietary fiber?
Yes, it provides about 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It is delicious served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 5 main ingredients plus seasonings.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, because it is made in a slow cooker, it is perfect for easy weeknight preparation.
How much pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comforting and hearty meal.
Can I make this in a Crock Pot?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker or Crock Pot.
What is the order of layering ingredients?
Start with zucchini, then the beef, then the tomatoes, and finally the spices.
Are the cinnamon sticks edible?
No, they are used for infusion and should be discarded before eating.
How much beef is required for the recipe?
You will need 3/4 lb of trimmed beef stew meat.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of seasoned tomatoes?
While the recipe specifies seasoned canned tomatoes for ease, you can adjust with fresh herbs if preferred.
Is this recipe low in sugar?
The data does not list sugar content, but it consists mainly of meat and vegetables.
What size should the zucchini pieces be?
They should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
How much tomato is needed?
You need two 14 1/2 ounce cans.
Is this a good meal for family gatherings?
Yes, its hearty and wholesome nature makes it great for families.
Does the recipe require salt?
The recipe mentions pepper and seasoned tomatoes, but you can add salt to taste.