Slow Cooker Veal Stew with Green Olives Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more complex flavor, you can add a small amount of minced garlic or a bay leaf to the slow cooker along with the other aromatics. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be added at the start. These small additions won't change the cooking time but will provide a subtle depth that complements the wine and olives.

When serving, consider pairing this stew with something to soak up the delicious sauce, such as crusty bread, creamy polenta, or even mashed potatoes.

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives right before serving adds a bright contrast to the rich, savory sauce, elevating the presentation for a simple yet impressive meal that looks like it took hours of careful preparation.

Variations

• Mediterranean Style: Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes and a tablespoon of capers to the slow cooker to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile and add a bit more zing.
• Root Vegetable Addition: Toss in two chopped carrots and a celery stalk during the assembly phase to add extra texture and sweetness to the stew without changing the cooking method.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature, ensuring they do not sit out for more than two hours.

The stew will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors often improve as they meld together overnight. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent the absorption of other flavors from your refrigerator.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can prepare the entire stew a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheating it slowly on the stovetop or in the oven allows the flavors to deepen further.

If you are preparing it for a specific event, simply reheat it gently until it is warmed through, ensuring you do not overcook the meat during the process.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful colors of the olives and the rich sauce. Because the stew is quite hearty, smaller portions are often sufficient, especially when paired with a side dish. Ensure the bowls are warmed beforehand if possible, as this helps keep the stew at an ideal eating temperature for longer during your meal.

For a complete dinner, offer a side of steamed seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the veal.

The brightness of a lemon-dressed salad works particularly well with the briny olives in the stew, balancing the overall meal and making for a satisfying, well-rounded dining experience that feels special despite the minimal effort required.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Veal Stew with Green Olives

Prep 15 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 20 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb veal chunks, cut for stew
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine

Instructions

1. Place the diced veal chunks into the bottom of the slow cooker basin. Arrange the sliced onion and green olives evenly over the meat, then sprinkle the dried oregano over the top to ensure even seasoning throughout the dish during the long cooking process.
2. Pour the crushed tomatoes and the white wine over the layered ingredients. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, or until the veal is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
3. Once the cooking cycle is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the stew rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This short rest allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each bite remains succulent when served on a warm plate.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

32.5 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

750 mg

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