Garlic Lover's Crockpot Beef Stew with Olives, Capers, and Tomatoes
The generous amount of garlic is sweet and delicious in this Garlic Lover's Crockpot Beef Stew with Olives, Capers, and Tomatoes.
The generous amount of garlic is sweet and delicious in this Garlic Lover's Crockpot Beef Stew with Olives, Capers, and Tomatoes.
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoon vinegar
- 3 leaves
- )
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2-3 lb. beef chuck roast cut into pieces about 1 inch (i used 2 1/2 cups beef cubes)
- 1-2 t olive oil (for browning beef)
- 1 cup garlic cloves peeled and cut into lengthwise slivers
- cut in half lengthwise
- 2 tablespoon rinsed
- 1 tsp. dried greek oregano
- 1 small can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoon aste (optional but it does bump up the tomato flavor)
- Carbohydrate 11.3900625321393 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.194440000482864 g
- Fiber 0.819224968077224 g
- Protein 2.16719750614203 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0367990000859498 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (45g)
- Sodium 6.32300001755861 mg
- Sugar 10.570837564062 g
- Trans Fat 0.054996000145825 g
- Calories 53 calories
Step-by-step
- In heavy frying pan, heat 1 T oil over medium-high heat and brown half of beef cubes, turning several times so it's well browned on all sides.
- Put beef in crockpot and brown the rest of beef, adding more oil if needed.
- Put second batch of browned beef cubes in crockpot.
- Add beef broth to frying pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and simmer until beef broth is reduced to 3/4 cup.
- Add reduced broth to crockpot.
- While beef is browning, cut the garlic into slices and cut the Kalamata Olives in half.
- Add garlic and olives to crockpot along with rinsed capers, bay leaves, oregano, canned tomatoes and juice, tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), red wine vinegar, and pepper.
- Cook on high for about 4 hours or a little longer, until meat is tender and flavors are well blended. (This could also be cooked in the slow cooker on low for 8-9 hours.)
- Serve hot.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: A Crockpot Beef Stew Story
As a busy fitness model, time is my most precious commodity. Between photoshoots, training sessions, and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, finding time to cook elaborate meals often feels like an impossible task. I rely heavily on quick, nutritious options, but sometimes, even I crave the comforting warmth of a hearty stew. This is where my Garlic Lover's Crockpot Beef Stew came in – a serendipitous discovery that's become a weekly staple.
I stumbled upon this recipe while browsing through a food blog during a particularly long layover at an airport. The name alone – "Garlic Lover's Crockpot Beef Stew" – intrigued me. As a garlic enthusiast, I knew I had to try it. What I didn't anticipate was how unbelievably flavourful and surprisingly simple it was to make. The beauty of crockpot cooking truly shone through; it allowed me to prep the ingredients in the morning, and come home to a delicious meal ready to serve. No more stressful evenings spent slaving away in the kitchen!
The magic of this stew lies in its simplicity and the abundance of garlic. The initial browning of the beef is a crucial step, adding a rich depth of flavour that complements the sweetness of the garlic perfectly. The olives, capers, and tomatoes provide a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the beef, creating a symphony of tastes in every spoonful. The combination is so well balanced – the savory notes of the beef, the pungent bite of the garlic, the briny tang of the olives and capers, and the bright acidity of the tomatoes. All these elements combine beautifully creating a dish that is truly more than the sum of its parts.
The best part? It's incredibly adaptable. I’ve experimented with different types of beef, adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms, and even swapping out the red wine vinegar for balsamic. Each time, the result has been a delicious variation of this core recipe. It’s a testament to the recipe’s versatility and its ability to be transformed based on one's preferences and dietary needs.
This stew isn't just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and the joy of effortless cooking. It's a perfect example of how a busy lifestyle and healthy eating don't have to be mutually exclusive. The crockpot does all the hard work, letting me focus on what truly matters: maintaining a balance between my demanding career and a fulfilling personal life. The time saved allows me more hours in the gym, or for a quiet moment with a book, and the knowledge that a healthy and delicious dinner awaits when I get home is a comforting thought. This isn't just a stew; it’s a culinary shortcut to a balanced and happy lifestyle.
The ease of preparation makes it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. The leftovers are also incredibly satisfying – perfect for a quick lunch the next day or a meal prep solution for the week ahead. And the flavour only intensifies as it sits, making it even more enjoyable on the second day. So, if you're a busy professional, a time-conscious parent, or simply someone who appreciates delicious, easy meals, then I strongly recommend giving this Garlic Lover's Crockpot Beef Stew a try. You might just find your new favourite comfort food.
Beyond its practicality, this stew has become more than just a meal for me; it's a symbol of resourceful cooking and mindful eating. It's a reminder that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated, time-consuming, or unhealthy. The simplicity of this dish reflects my commitment to efficiency and well-being in all aspects of my life. And that, my friends, is a recipe for success in more ways than one.
