beef stew with zucchini crock pot and slow cooker

Author of this recipe: Sebrina Heim

Creamy Beef Stew + Zucchini | Slow Cooker Recipe | Instant Pot | Crock Pot | Easy Meal Ideas

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Ingredients

• - **Beef Cubes** - Perfect for tenderizing and flavor absorption.
• - **Onions** - Adds depth to the stew's flavors; chop into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
• - **Carrots** - Rich in vitamins; peel and dice into bite-sized chunks.
• - **Zucchini** - A versatile vegetable that adds freshness; slice zucchini into thin rounds or cubes.
• - **Potatoes** - Essential for thickness; cut into large chunks to ensure they cook well.
• - **Tomato Paste** - Concentrated tomato flavor, helps deepen the stew's color and taste.
• - **Beef Broth** - Provides moisture and enhances the beef's natural flavors; use low-sodium options for healthier cooking.
• - **Thyme** - Adds a fragrant herbaceous note to the dish; use fresh or dried leaves.
• - **Bay Leaves** - A classic ingredient that infuses a savory aroma; discard before serving.
• - **Garlic Cloves** - Crushed garlic adds pungent flavor; remove skins after cooking.
• - **Salt and Pepper** - For seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
• - **All-Purpose Flour** (Optional) - Helps thicken the stew if desired.
• **SEO Keywords**: beef cubes, onions, carrots, zucchini, potatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, garlic cloves, all-purpose flour, slow cooker, crock pot, beef stew recipe.

Steps

1. ### Delicious Beef Stew with Zucchini in Crock Pot / Slow Cooker: A Step-by-Step Guide
3. #### Introduction:
4. Beef stew with zucchini is a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for cooler months or any time you're craving something warm and satisfying. Cooking this recipe in a crock pot or slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare and ensures your meal stays hot and delicious.
6. #### Ingredients:
7. - 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
8. - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
9. - 1 large onion, chopped
10. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11. - 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
12. - 4 cups beef broth
13. - 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
14. - 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed
15. - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
16. - 1 bay leaf
17. - Salt and pepper to taste
18. - Optional: thyme, rosemary, or other herbs of your choice
20. #### Instructions:
22. 1. **Prepare the Ingredients**:
23. - Slice the zucchini into thin rounds.
24. - Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
26. 2. **Cooking in a Crock Pot / Slow Cooker**:
27. - Place the beef stew meat in your crock pot or slow cooker.
28. - Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the meat to coat it lightly.
29. - Add the chopped onions and minced garlic on top of the meat, mixing gently.
31. 3. **Layering Vegetables and Broth**:
32. - Pour in the beef broth until it just covers all the ingredients.
33. - Add diced carrots and cubed potatoes on top.
34. - Sprinkle tomato paste over everything for added flavor.
35. - Place a bay leaf among the vegetables.
37. 4. **Season with Herbs (Optional)**:
38. - If you like, add some fresh thyme or rosemary leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
40. 5. **Cooking Process**:
41. - Cover your crock pot / slow cooker and set it to low heat.
42. - Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
44. 6. **Adding Zucchini**:
45. - About an hour before you finish cooking, add the sliced zucchini on top of all other ingredients.
46. - Ensure it’s evenly distributed to cook properly without overcooking the zucchini.
48. 7. **Final Adjustments**:
49. - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
50. - If desired, stir in some fresh herbs or a splash of red wine for additional depth of flavor.
52. 8. **Serving**:
53. - Once cooked, remove the bay leaf before serving.
54. - Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up all those yummy juices.
56. #### Tips and Variations:
57. - For extra richness, consider using beef stock instead of plain water in the broth.
58. - You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for more texture and flavor.
59. - Experiment with different herbs according to your taste preferences.
61. By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and comforting beef stew with zucchini that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy your meal!

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