Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Beef with Olives and Artichokes
This hearty and flavorful slow-cooked Mediterranean beef is infused with the rich flavors of olives, artichokes, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a side of rice.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or brisket, cut into large chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup canned diced tomatoes (or fresh, chopped)
1/2 cup beef broth (or red wine for deeper flavor)
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
1 cup canned or frozen artichoke hearts, quartered
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf
For Garnish & Serving:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season beef chunks with salt and pepper, then sear in the hot pan until browned on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
3. Transfer seared beef to a slow cooker.
2. Saute the Aromatics
1. In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Saute for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pan with beef broth (or red wine), scraping up any browned bits.
3. Slow Cook
1. Pour the onion and broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
2. Add diced tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Finish and Serve
1. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon zest.
3. Serve hot with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Nutritional Information
Servings:4-6
Calories: 380
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sodium: 750mg
(Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.)
Notes & Tips
Meat Choice: Chuck roast or brisket works best for slow cooking as they become tender and flavorful over time.
Wine Alternative: If you don’t want to use wine, beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar adds depth.
Olives & Artichokes: Use high-quality olives for the best flavor. Marinated artichokes can add extra seasoning.
Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
This dish is a simple yet elegant way to bring Mediterranean flavors to your table. Enjoy!