Description
A lighter summer-inspired beef stew featuring tender beef chuck, fresh zucchini, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Slow cooking creates a rich, flavorful broth while preserving the vibrant textures of summer vegetables, making it a hearty yet refreshing main dish perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 900 g beef chuck, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomato Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (approximately 400 g)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Finishing Touch
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Beef: In a large bowl, season the beef chuck pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano thoroughly to coat all sides, infusing the beef with aromatic flavors.
- Sear the Beef (Optional): Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef in batches and sear on all sides until browned. This step enhances the stew’s flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, minced garlic, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Bay Leaf and Start Cooking: Place the bay leaf into the mixture and cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW heat for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours to tenderize the meat and develop rich flavors.
- Add Summer Vegetables: About 45 to 60 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the chopped zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. This timing keeps the vegetables vibrant and firm.
- Finish the Stew: Once the cooking is complete, remove the bay leaf carefully. Stir the stew gently to mix in the summer vegetables throughout the flavorful broth.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew before serving to add a bright, fresh note. Serve the stew warm, ideally with crusty bread, rice, or a light green salad to complement the dish.
Notes
- Add other summer vegetables such as green beans or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Adding delicate vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes later prevents them from becoming mushy in the long cooking process.
- This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
