Slow Cooker Tuscan Herb Beef Stew for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, adds a complex, browned flavor that enhances the overall richness of the stew, though it is not strictly necessary for a delicious result.

If you choose to sear, ensure the pan is very hot and work in batches to avoid steaming the meat, which would prevent the desired browning.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

This will help to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency without compromising the flavor of the Tuscan herbs. Always whisk the cornstarch into a small amount of cold liquid before adding it to the hot stew to prevent lumps from forming in the finished sauce.

Variations

• Hearty Root Vegetable Stew: Replace half of the baby carrots with cubed potatoes or parsnips. These root vegetables add a pleasant earthiness and extra body to the stew, making it even more filling for a complete meal.
• Spicy Tuscan Stew: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the herb dressing mix. The subtle heat balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a vibrant kick to the finished dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout, reaching at least 165°F (74°C).

Transfer any leftover stew into an airtight container once it has cooled slightly. Do not leave the stew at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Properly stored, the stew will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, ensure the stew is heated until it is steaming hot throughout, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is safe to consume after storage.

This stew is an excellent candidate for making ahead of time as the flavors tend to meld and deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool completely within the 2-hour safety window, and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during the cooling process, ensuring the final dish is hot and flavorful.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew hot in deep bowls, perhaps accompanied by a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato-based sauce. The simplicity of the dish allows it to be the centerpiece of a meal, especially when paired with a fresh side salad or steamed greens to provide a contrast in texture and color. The warmth of the stew makes it an ideal choice for cooler evenings or when a comforting, hearty meal is desired by all.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving the stew over a bed of mashed potatoes, cooked polenta, or even wide egg noodles. The rich sauce complements these starches perfectly, making for a comforting and satisfying dinner that feels like a home-cooked classic.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired for a touch of brightness. This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize your dinner experience based on your personal preferences and available ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Tuscan Herb Beef Stew for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 10 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb cubed beef
• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 packet Tuscan herb dressing mix
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

Instructions

1. Place the cubed beef into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the baby carrots on top of the beef layer to ensure even cooking.
2. Sprinkle the entire packet of Tuscan herb dressing mix over the carrots. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the top of the ingredients to provide the cooking liquid.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 8 hours. Once finished, check that the beef reaches 145°F (63°C) and let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.