Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef with Artichokes: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and effortless weeknight meal? Look no further than this slow cooker Mediterranean beef with artichokes! This recipe combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, including artichokes, tomatoes, olives, and fragrant herbs. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy families, meal prepping, or anyone who enjoys flavorful and healthy food. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker is your best friend for this recipe. Simply combine the ingredients and let it simmer away. No need to babysit the pot! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook.
* **Incredible Flavor:** The combination of beef, artichokes, tomatoes, olives, and herbs creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean.
* **Tender and Juicy Beef:** Slow cooking the beef ensures that it becomes incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling apart at the touch of a fork.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** This recipe is packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, making it a complete and nutritious meal. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily adapted to your liking. You can use different cuts of beef, add other vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. It also works well with other Mediterranean vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors only get better as it sits.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Leftovers can be easily frozen for future meals. Just store them in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Beef Chuck Roast:** 2-3 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it simmers.
* **Artichoke Hearts:** 1 (14-ounce) can, quartered. Canned or jarred artichoke hearts in water or brine are easiest, but you can also use frozen artichoke hearts. Just make sure they are thawed before adding them to the slow cooker.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28-ounce) can, undrained. Using a high-quality brand of diced tomatoes will make a difference in the overall flavor of the dish. Look for tomatoes that are packed in juice, not puree.
* **Kalamata Olives:** 1/2 cup, pitted and halved. Kalamata olives add a salty and briny flavor that complements the other Mediterranean ingredients. You can use other types of olives if you prefer, such as green olives or black olives.
* **Red Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Red onion adds a nice sweetness and sharpness to the dish.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Garlic is a must-have in Mediterranean cuisine. Freshly minced garlic will provide the best flavor.
* **Dried Oregano:** 2 teaspoons. Oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that adds a warm and earthy flavor.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon. Basil adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. Thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
* **Red Wine Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Red wine vinegar adds a touch of acidity that brightens up the flavors.
* **Beef Broth:** 1 cup. Beef broth provides moisture and flavor to the sauce.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used to sear the beef and sauté the vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Be generous with the salt and pepper, as they are essential for bringing out the flavors of the dish.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, lemon wedges. These garnishes add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Slow Cooker:** A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
* **Large Skillet:** For searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping the vegetables and beef.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Beef**

* Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. This will help it brown better.
* Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Sear the Beef**

* Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. This will help to develop a rich flavor. Set the seared beef aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped red onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 4: Assemble the Slow Cooker Ingredients**

* In the slow cooker, combine the seared beef, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes (undrained), quartered artichoke hearts, halved Kalamata olives, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red wine vinegar, and beef broth.

**Step 5: Cook the Beef**

* Stir everything together to combine.
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.

**Step 6: Shred the Beef (Optional)**

* If desired, shred the beef with two forks before serving. This will make it even easier to eat.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**

* Serve the slow cooker Mediterranean beef with artichokes hot, garnished with fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and lemon wedges, if desired.
* Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, couscous, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t skip the searing:** Searing the beef adds a rich, complex flavor to the dish that you won’t get if you skip this step. It also helps to seal in the juices, keeping the beef moist and tender.
* **Use good quality ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients will have a big impact on the flavor of the dish. Use good quality beef, canned tomatoes, and olive oil for the best results.
* **Don’t overcook the beef:** Overcooking the beef can make it dry and tough. Check the beef after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high, and cook it until it is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like a more acidic flavor, add more red wine vinegar. If you like a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Let the flavors meld:** The longer the beef simmers in the slow cooker, the more the flavors will meld together. If you have time, cook it on low for 8 hours for the best results.
* **Thicken the sauce (optional):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Add vegetables for the last hour**: Adding delicate vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during the last hour will prevent them from becoming mushy. Add them with 60 minutes to go.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker Mediterranean beef with artichokes is delicious served with a variety of sides, including:

* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
* **Couscous:** Fluffy and light, couscous is a great way to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and nutritious grain that’s packed with protein.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side.
* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite type of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or linguine.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or broccoli, are a healthy and flavorful side.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty beef.

Variations and Additions

This recipe is very versatile and can be easily adapted to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Use a different cut of beef:** You can use other cuts of beef, such as stew meat or sirloin tip roast. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, potatoes, or zucchini.
* **Use different olives:** You can use other types of olives, such as green olives or black olives.
* **Add capers:** Capers add a salty and briny flavor that complements the other Mediterranean ingredients.
* **Add sun-dried tomatoes:** Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture.
* **Add feta cheese:** Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor that complements the other Mediterranean ingredients.
* **Make it spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to make it spicy.
* **Add lemon juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
* **Add fresh herbs:** Fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, add a burst of flavor.
* **Use different beans**: White beans such as cannellini beans can add some creamy texture to the meal. Add them in the last hour to prevent them from getting mushy.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** This recipe can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the recipe as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
* **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Serving Size: 1 cup
* Calories: Approximately 350-450
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

Conclusion

This slow cooker Mediterranean beef with artichokes is a delicious and effortless meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a flavorful and satisfying dinner. The combination of tender beef, artichokes, tomatoes, olives, and herbs creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean. Give this recipe a try and let your slow cooker do the work for you! Enjoy!

Recipe Card

**Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef with Artichokes**

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium red onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, quartered
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 1 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 2 teaspoons dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, lemon wedges

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.
3. Add the chopped red onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. In the slow cooker, combine the seared beef, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, beef broth, red wine vinegar, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir everything together to combine.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
7. If desired, shred the beef with two forks before serving.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and lemon wedges, if desired.

**Notes:**

* For best results, sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
* Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* Serve with rice, couscous, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Enjoy!