Description
Crockpot Summer Beef Stew is a light, fresh, warm-weather twist on classic beef stew. Tender beef chunks simmer with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, corn, and pepper in a bright, comforting broth. This easy slow cooker recipe is hands-off, freezer-friendly, and meal-prep friendly, delivering hearty flavor without heaviness. Finish with parsley, serve over rice or on its own for a satisfying summer dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 ear fresh corn, kernels removed
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for topping, cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sear the beef on all sides until lightly browned.
- Transfer the beef to the crockpot and add tomatoes, zucchini, squash, green beans, bell pepper, corn, onion, and garlic.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth and mix gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley.
- Serve as is or over warm rice for a more filling meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium beef broth for a lighter flavor, and adjust salt to taste.
- Browning the beef adds depth to the stew.
- Use fresh summer vegetables for best flavor and color.
- If you prefer thicker broth, simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes after cooking or whisk in a small cornstarch slurry.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for quick weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours
- Category: Beef Stew
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: Approximately 360
- Sugar: About 6 g
- Sodium: Approximately 300 mg
- Fat: About 14 g
- Saturated Fat: About 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: About 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: About 30 g
- Fiber: About 5 g
- Protein: About 28 g
- Cholesterol: About 90 mg
Keywords: Crockpot Summer Beef Stew, slow cooker beef stew, summer vegetables beef stew, cherry tomato beef stew, zucchini corn pepper stew, easy weeknight dinner