Easy Italian Beef Stew
Made mostly with pantry and freezer staples, you can assemble this easy Italian slow cooker stew in minutes for a hearty, nourishing dinner!
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chunks
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bag frozen mirepoix or 2 carrots, 2 stalks celery, and 1 onion, chopped
- 1 8-oz package sliced mushrooms
- 1 jar marinara or other pasta sauce
Instructions
- To a slow cooker insert, add the beef chunks. (You can brown them first if you want, but it will be fine if you don't. This is easy if you use and instant pot-- brown first, then add the rest of the ingredients and switch to slow cook mode.))
- Add the garlic, mushrooms, and frozen or freshly chopped vegetables.
- Pout the sauce over the top, stir, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- When ready to serve, taste and adjust salt and seasonings as needed.
- Serve plain, or with shredded Parmesan, sour cream, fresh chopped onion or basil, pesto, or any other garnish you like.
Notes
Could I make this on the stove?
You definitely could, but you will need to allow some slow simmering time to tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to meld. I would allow at least two hours, sautéeing the vegetables first. Alternatively, you could try making it at the last minute in an instant pot.