Slow Cooker Italian Beef Stew (A Mediterranean Twist)

When you think of beef stew, you probably picture a dark, heavy gravy. But what if we took that cozy, comforting classic and transported it to the sunny hills of Italy? This recipe does just that, transforming the familiar beef stew into something brighter, more vibrant, and packed with the incredible flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s a truly special dish that’s both rustic and elegant.

Get ready to fall in love with a whole new kind of beef stew—one that’s as bright and flavorful as it is comforting and easy.

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Why This Italian Beef Stew is a Weeknight Wonder

You are going to be so impressed by the unique and delicious flavors in this simple slow cooker meal. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your rotation:

• A Vibrant, Mediterranean Twist: The rich tomato base, artichoke hearts, beans, and olives set this stew apart from the ordinary, giving it a bright and exciting flavor profile.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender Beef: Using an affordable cut like beef shin or brisket and cooking it low and slow results in incredibly tender, flavorful meat that falls apart with a fork.
• A True One-Pot Meal: With protein, vegetables, and beans all simmering together, this is a complete and balanced meal that requires very little effort.
• Incredibly Easy Prep: This is a true “dump and go” recipe. Just a bit of chopping, and everything goes right into the slow cooker—no pre-searing required!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors of this stew only get better as they sit, making it a fantastic recipe to make on the weekend for delicious, easy lunches all week long.

Recipe Snapshot

Your Shopping List for This Rustic Stew

This recipe uses a beautiful combination of fresh vegetables and pantry staples to create its authentic Italian flavor.

→ For the Stew

• 1 small onion, chopped → The essential aromatic base.
• 2 stalks celery, chopped → Adds a fresh, savory depth.
• 2 carrots, cut into large chunks → For a classic stew texture and sweetness.
• 2-3 cloves garlic, sliced → Provides that wonderful, savory garlic aroma.
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped → The key herb for a classic Italian flavor.
• 3 lbs (1½ kg) stew beef → Beef shin, brisket, or chuck cut into cubes are all fantastic, affordable options.
• 500ml (2 cups) tomato passata or crushed tomatoes → Creates the rich, vibrant tomato broth.
• 1/2 cup (125ml) beef broth → Adds extra depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
• 1¼ cup (235g) canned cannellini beans → For a creamy texture and extra protein and fiber.
• 6 canned or frozen artichoke hearts, halved → A unique and delicious addition that adds a meaty texture.
• 1/2 cup (90g) olives → Adds a wonderful briny, savory bite.
• Salt → To season the beef and the stew.

Let’s Get Cooking! Your Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Guide

This recipe is all about easy assembly. A few minutes of chopping is all it takes!

Part 1: The Easiest “Dump and Go” Prep

1. Layer the Aromatics: Chop your onion, celery, and fresh rosemary. Cut the carrots into big chunks and slice the garlic. Add all of these aromatics to the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add the Main Ingredients: Season your beef cubes generously with salt and place them on top of the vegetables. Add the rinsed cannellini beans, halved artichoke hearts, and olives.
3. Pour and Mix: Pour the crushed tomatoes (or passata) and the beef broth over all the ingredients. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Part 2: The Slow Cook to Perfection

4. Set It and Forget It: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is completely fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Give the stew a final stir, ladle it into bowls, and enjoy this incredible taste of Italy! It’s fantastic served over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread.

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Slow Cooker Italian Beef Stew

A hearty and vibrant beef stew with an Italian twist! This easy crock pot recipe features tender beef slow-cooked with crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, and rosemary for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Calories: 424

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, cut into large chunks
• 2-3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 lbs stew beef (shin, brisket, or chuck) about 1½ kg
• 1/2 cup beef broth about 125ml
• 2 cups tomato passata, or crushed tomatoes about 500ml
• 1 1/4 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed about 235g
• 6 canned or frozen artichoke hearts, halved
• 1/2 cup olives about 90g
• to taste salt

Equipment

• Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
• Instant Pot (optional method)
• Dutch Oven (optional method)

Method

 

1. Chop onions, celery, and rosemary, cut carrots in big chunks and slice garlic. Add all to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Top the vegetables with the beef cubes (seasoned with salt), then add the cannellini beans, halved artichokes and olives.
3. Pour over the crushed tomatoes (or passata) and beef broth, then mix everything well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
5. Stir before serving. Serve hot over creamy polenta or with crusty bread.

Notes

Thickening Tip: To thicken the stew, make a slurry with 1 tbsp of cornstarch and 2 tbsp of cold water. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high.

Best Beef Cuts: This recipe is perfect for tougher, affordable cuts like beef shin, brisket, or chuck, as the long cook time makes them incredibly tender.

Storage: Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for the Best Italian Stew

These simple pointers will help you get the most delicious results from your slow cooker.

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef. This stew is perfect for tougher, more affordable cuts of beef like shin, brisket, or chuck. The long, slow cooking process is designed to break down the tough connective tissues, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
2. Don’t Be Afraid of the Long Cook Time. For cuts like beef shin or brisket, a long cook time on low heat is essential. This is what transforms the meat from tough to melt-in-your-mouth. If your beef isn’t tender yet, it just needs more time.
3. Use Tomato Passata for a Smoother Sauce. If you prefer a smoother, more uniform broth, opt for tomato passata instead of crushed tomatoes. Passata is essentially uncooked, strained tomato puree with a silky texture.
4. For a Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker broth at the end, you can make a simple slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high until it thickens.
5. Let the Flavors Meld. Like all great stews, this one tastes even better the next day. The resting time allows all the beautiful Italian flavors to fully marry and deepen. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal.

Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Italian Stew

This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep, as it stores and reheats beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor will only improve!
• Freezing: This stew freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

FAQs: Your Italian Beef Stew Questions

Do I need to sear the beef first?

This recipe is designed as a simple “dump and go,” so no searing is required, and it’s delicious without it. However, if you have the time, searing the beef cubes in a hot, oiled skillet before adding them to the slow cooker will always add an extra layer of deep, caramelized flavor.

Can I make this on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot?

Yes to both! For the stovetop, follow the steps in a large Dutch oven, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on very low heat for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender. For the Instant Pot, add all ingredients, seal, and cook at high pressure for 40 minutes, followed by a manual pressure release.

What kind of olives should I use?

This is up to you! Hearty, flavorful olives like Kalamata or Castelvetrano would be fantastic. You can leave them whole or halve them. Just be sure to use pitted olives for easy eating.

What can I serve with this stew?

It is absolutely incredible served over a bed of soft, creamy polenta, which is a classic Italian pairing. It’s also wonderful with fluffy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or simply a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Final Thoughts: A Trip to Italy in a Bowl

There’s a special kind of magic in taking a familiar dish and giving it a new, exciting life. This Slow Cooker Italian Beef Stew is a perfect example—it’s all the comforting, hearty goodness you love, infused with the bright, rustic flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s a simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying meal that I hope your family loves. Buon appetito!