Slow Cooker Beef with Zucchini, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Name: Slow Cooker Beef with Zucchini, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterránea
Ingredients: 1.5 lb beef stew meat, cubed; 2 cups zucchini; 1 cup yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic; 2 oz sun-dried tomatoes, sliced; 1 cup beef broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup fresh basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt

An original slow cooker stew with tender beef cubes, zucchini and sun-dried tomatoes, finished with a silky Parmesan-basil sauce. It has a gentle Mediterranean flavor and comforting texture, perfect for a complete main meal.

20 minPrep

360 minCook

380 minTotal

4Servings

Low CarbHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g beef stew meat, cubed (without exceso of grasa)
300 g zucchini (en medias lunas gruesas)
150 g yellow onion (en pluma fina)
12 g garlic (chopped)
60 g sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (escurridos si vienen en aceite)
240 ml beef broth (low sodium if possible)
180 ml heavy cream (for the sauce final)
50 g grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
30 g tomato paste
16 g all-purpose flour (for espesar and cubrir the carne)
30 ml olive oil (divided)
12 g fresh basil (leaves chopped, more extra for terminar)
1 g dried oregano
2 g black pepper
6 g salt (ajustar to taste)

Nutrition facts

per serving

492 kcal

Calories

39 g

Protein

11 g

Carbs

31 g

Fat

2 g

Fiber

9 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairy

Instructions

1
1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and toss it in a bowl with the all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and dried oregano until evenly coated.
2
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef for 4 to 5 minutes, turning to sear several sides. It does not need to cook through. Transfer it to the slow cooker.
3
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, the yellow onion, and the garlic. Cook for 2 minutes over medium heat until the onion starts to soften. Add the tomato paste and stir for 30 seconds.
4
4. Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release the browned bits. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the beef. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir lightly.
5
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender. If you prefer high, cook for about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. If you want to hold it warm at the end, use the warm setting at about 140 °F / 60 °C.
6
6. Uncover, add the zucchini, and cover again. Cook for 30 minutes more on low, until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape.
7
7. In a bowl, mix the heavy cream with the grated Parmesan. Pour it into the slow cooker and stir gently. Cook 15 minutes more on low so the sauce becomes creamy. If you prefer to warm the mixture separately, do not exceed 175 °F / 80 °C to prevent the cream from splitting.
8
8. Turn off the slow cooker, add the chopped fresh basil, and adjust salt if needed. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9
9. Serve the beef with a little extra fresh basil on top and plenty of sauce in each portion.

Chef tips

For a deeper sauce, use a little of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in place of part of the olive oil. Add the zucchini near the end so it does not overcook.

Substitutions

You can replace the cream with lactose-free cooking cream if needed, and swap Parmesan for a similar aged cheese. The basil can be replaced with fresh parsley, though the flavor will be less aromatic.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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Illustrative image
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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