New Year's Intention: Slow Cooker Italian-Style Beef Stew

Start your New Year’s healthy eating intentions with this hearty Slow Cooker Italian-Style Beef Stew—a wholesome, flavor-packed dish loaded with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and nourishing ingredients to keep you on track!

Slow Cooker Italian-Style Beef Stew

Happy 2025! I love kicking off each year by embracing my healthy eating goals with a hearty, nutritious soup. This year, I came across a Slow Cooker Italian-Style Beef Stew recipe that sounded amazing. With a few adjustments, it turned into a hearty and flavorful dish—perfect for starting the year on a healthy note!

This Slow Cooker Italian-Style Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Tender chunks of beef chuck roast simmer alongside gold potatoes, carrots, celery, and cannellini beans in a rich tomato-based broth enhanced with red wine, garlic, and Italian herbs. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a deeply savory flavor profile. Finished with a touch of cornstarch for the perfect thickness, this stew is as nourishing as it is delicious, making it an ideal choice for a cozy, healthy meal any day of the week.

This dish is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a delicious, nutritious, and low-effort meal. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s an easy way to enjoy a comforting, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply chop your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The result is a tender, flavorful, savory, and aromatic stew the whole family will enjoy.   Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a family, this dish is a stress-free and satisfying choice! 

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

• 1 ½ pounds gold potatoes
• 3 medium carrots
• 3 celery stalks
• 1 medium onion
• 6 cloves garlic

Meat

• 2 ½ pounds beef chuck roast

Canned Goods

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans

Liquids

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• ¾ cup red wine

Spices and Seasonings

• dried thyme
• dried oregano

Other

• cornstarch - used for thickening the broth

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Dried Thyme and Oregano: Swap with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like rosemary and basil.

• Red Wine: Replace with additional beef broth, grape juice, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

• Cannellini Beans: Swap with great northern beans, chickpeas, or omit for a lower-carb option.

• Diced Tomatoes: Use fresh chopped tomatoes or crushed tomatoes for a slightly different texture.

• Beef Chuck Roast: Replace with stew meat or beef brisket.

• Gold Potatoes: Use red potatoes, russet potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor.

Variations

• Herb Lovers:  Use fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil for a more aromatic and herbaceous flavor.

• Low-Carb Version:  Skip the potatoes and beans, and replace them with cauliflower florets or zucchini for a low-carb alternative.

• Vegetarian Option:  Replace the beef with mushrooms (like portobello or cremini), double up on the beans, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use the Right Cut of Meat:  Choose beef chuck roast or another well-marbled cut, as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Trim excess fat for a leaner stew.

• Chop Ingredients Uniformly:  Cut the vegetables into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Aim for larger chunks to prevent them from becoming too soft during the long cooking process.

• Layer Ingredients Correctly:  Place the vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the meat, and pour the liquid over everything. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.

• Taste and Adjust Seasonings:  Taste the stew near the end of cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for a perfectly balanced flavor.

• Thicken Without Lumps:  When adding the cornstarch mixture, whisk it well and stir it in gradually to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken properly.

• Great for Leftovers: The stew stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Bonus Tip:  Serve with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal. 

     Equipment You May Need     

• All Clad Slow Cooker - I own this and it is the best slow cooker I've ever had.

• CrockPot Slow Cooker - This is a great manual model

• Chef's Knife 8" - a staple in every kitchen

• Cutting Board - great board - it has one side with compartments for charcuterie use and the other side is solid flat with grooves for catching juices.

• Soup Bowls  - nice wide and deep bowls perfect for stew!

     Other Delicious Soups     

• Simple Pasta Fagioli

• Slow Cooker Arroz con Pollo

• Chicken Pot Pie Soup

• Instant Pot Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Tomato Gnocchi Soup

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Slow Cooker Italian Style Beef Stew


Serves 6-8


1 ½ pounds gold potatoes, cut into quarters
3 medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
3 celery stalks, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
1 cup chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cups low-sodium beef broth, divided
¾ cup red wine
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed

Combine potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and beef in a 6-qt. or larger slow cooker. Stir together tomatoes, tomato paste, 1¾ cups broth, wine, salt, and pepper; pour over the beef mixture. Sprinkle in the dried herbs.

Cover and cook on "Low" 8 hours or on "High" for 5-6 until beef is tender. 

Whisk together cornstarch and the remaining ¼ cup broth in a small bowl; stir into the stew. Gently stir in beans; cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the stew is thickened and the beans are heated through, 10 to 15 minutes.

Adapted from:  Eating Well

Harvest Pumpkin Scones

Warm, spiced, and irresistibly tender, these Harvest Pumpkin Scones bring the cozy flavors of fall to your kitchen. Packed with cinnamon chips and topped with a sweet sparkle, they're the perfect treat for crisp mornings or afternoon indulgence!

Harvest Pumpkin Scones

I'm here all fall and winter for everything pumpkin!  These Harvest Pumpkin Scones are the perfect blend of cozy fall flavors and comforting texture, making them an irresistible treat for pumpkin lovers. With a hint of pumpkin pie spice, bursts of sweet cinnamon chips, and a delicate crunch from sparkling sugar, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and homemade charm. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee, serving them at a fall gathering, or simply craving something seasonal, these scones are easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

These scones are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers! With just a few simple steps, you’ll mix the dry ingredients, cut in the butter, and stir in the wet ingredients to form the dough. No fancy equipment or advanced techniques are needed—just a bowl, a mixing spoon, and a little time. Shaping and cutting the dough is straightforward, and the scones bake quickly, making them a perfect recipe for a cozy weekend treat or a last-minute fall-inspired snack.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Dry Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour 
• Sugar 
• Baking Powder 
• Salt 
• Pumpkin Pie Spice 
• Cinnamon Chips 
• Coarse Sparkling Sugar (optional, for topping)

Wet Ingredients:

• Pumpkin Purée (100% pure pumpkin not pumpkin pie mix)
• Eggs 

Dairy:

• Unsalted Butter 

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

All-Purpose Flour: Swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Mix with All-Purpose Flour: For a softer texture, use a blend of 50% whole wheat flour and 50% all-purpose flour (e.g., 1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour + 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour).

Sugar: Use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor or coconut sugar for a natural alternative.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: Make your own using a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. (see recipe below under Kitchen Tips and Notes)

Cinnamon Chips: Substitute with white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for a different twist.

Unsalted Butter: Replace with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Coarse Sparkling Sugar: Use regular granulated sugar or omit for a less sweet topping.

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers:  Replace cinnamon chips with chocolate chips or mini chocolate chunks for a rich twist.

• Nutty Delight:  Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• Cranberry Pumpkin:  Swap out cinnamon chips for dried cranberries to add a sweet and tangy flavor.

• Spiced Orange:  Add orange zest to the dough for a fresh citrus note that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.

• Sugar-Free or Low-Sugar:  Substitute sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or a natural sweetener like monk fruit.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

Tips

• Homemade pumpkin pie spice blend: 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg. 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

Notes

Dough Tips

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Use cold butter and eggs to ensure a flaky texture. You can even chill the flour beforehand.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together to avoid tough scones. Overworking the dough can develop gluten and make them dense.

Shaping the Dough

• Flour Your Surface: Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking, but avoid using too much flour, which can dry out the dough.
• Even Sizing: Shape the dough into a flat round and cut into equal wedges for even baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh is Best: Scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve warm with butter, jam, or even a drizzle of maple glaze.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze unbaked scones for later use. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

     Equipment You May Need     

• Baking Sheets

• Parchment Paper Sheets

• Pumpkin Pie Spice

• Mixing Bowls

• Wooden Spoons

• Rubber Spatula

• Cooling Rack

• Coarse Sparkling Sugar

• Wood Cutting Board

• Air Tight Containers

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Harvest Pumpkin Scones



Yield: 8 scones



2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
1 heaping cup cinnamon chips
2/3 cup pumpkin purée
2 large eggs
Coarse sparkling sugar, for topping

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.  Work in the butter just until the mixture is  crumbly with pea sized butter pieces.

Stir in the cinnamon chips.  In a small bowl whisk together the pumpkin and eggs until smooth.  Add to the dry ingredients and stir until all is moistened and holds together.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured cutting board.  Divide it in half.  With each half create a 5 - 6" round circle about 3/4" thick.  Repeat with the second half of dough.  Sprinkle each circle with coarse white sparkling sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Using a knife or bench knife slice each circle into 6 wedges.    Carefully separate the wedges and place them on the parchment lined baking sheet about 1/2" apart.  

Bake the scones for 22 to 25 minutes, or until they're golden brown and dry on top.  Place scones on a cooling rack to cool and serve warm.  

Last Minute Simple Holiday Treats: Marble Bark

Indulge in the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor with Marble Bark! This irresistible treat combines creamy swirls of chocolate in a beautifully marbled design, creating a delightful snack that's as satisfying to look at as it is to enjoy. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring all to yourself!

Marble Bark

In need of a last-minute holiday treat that's easy to whip up? Marble Bark is not only stunning to look at but also incredibly simple to make and irresistibly delicious!  Even if you're new to the kitchen,  bark is so simple and foolproof that anyone can make it—it's a perfect recipe to try with kids for some fun, hands-on creativity!  With just 4 simple ingredients, this bark recipe is an easy and stress-free treat that delivers big on flavor and presentation!

Marble Bark is the ultimate treat that checks all the boxes—it's beautiful, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a festive addition to your holiday table, this treat has you covered. The combination of rich dark and creamy white chocolate, crunchy almonds, and bursts of jewel-like dried fruit creates a flavor and texture experience that's hard to resist. Plus, it’s a no-fuss recipe that comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules or last-minute plans. Impress your loved ones with a treat that looks gourmet but is delightfully simple to prepare!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• semisweet chocolate chips

• white chocolate chips

• Dried cranberries, cherries, and golden raisins mix

• Roasted almonds

• Optional: Parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Semisweet chocolate chips → Substitute with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a chopped chocolate bar.

• White chocolate chips → Use white chocolate melts or almond bark.

• Dried cranberries, cherries, and golden raisins mix → Swap with any dried fruit you have, like apricots, blueberries, or figs.

• Roasted almonds, chopped → Replace with any nuts or seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or sunflower seeds—or omit entirely for a nut-free version.

Variations

• Nut-Free Delight: Skip the nuts and use crunchy toppings like pretzel pieces, crushed cookies, or toffee bits for texture.

• Festive Colors: Use holiday-themed sprinkles, colored candy melts, or edible glitter to match the season or occasion.

• Peppermint Bark: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for a cool, minty twist.

• Salty-Sweet Combo: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or incorporate salted peanuts or pretzels.

• Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili powder to the chocolate for a unique flavor profile.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Melt Chocolate Gently: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent it from burning. Alternatively, use a double boiler for a more controlled melt.

• Smooth, Even Layers: When spreading the melted chocolate on the baking sheet, use a spatula to create an even layer. If you want a thinner bark, spread it out further; for thicker bark, keep it more compact.

• Swirling Chocolate: For a perfect marbled effect, drop spoonfuls of each chocolate onto the sheet and then swirl them together gently with a toothpick or knife. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls create a beautiful design.

• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal and cleanup. The bark will lift off without sticking.

Notes

• Chocolate Quality: The better the chocolate, the better the bark will taste! Consider using high-quality chocolate chips or even couverture chocolate for a smoother, richer finish.

• Toppings Placement: For the most visually appealing bark, press the toppings gently into the chocolate before it sets, ensuring they stick well without sinking too deep.

• Even Thickness: To avoid uneven bark, try to spread the chocolate as evenly as possible. If you want a uniform thickness, consider measuring the spread with a ruler or using a shallow tray.

• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add flavor extracts (vanilla, almond, or orange) to the melted chocolate for an extra layer of taste.

• Portioning: If you want smaller pieces, break the bark into irregular chunks after it has set, or use a knife to score it before it hardens completely, making it easier to break into pieces.

• Gift Packaging: Marble Bark makes a great gift! For a festive touch, wrap it in clear cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon, or place pieces in small mason jars with labels.

     Equipment     

• glass bowls - microwave safe prep bowls

• spatula - a kitchen workhorse

• baking sheets - sturdy and multiple sizes

• parchment paper - pre-cut 100pcs great buy!

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Marble Bark

12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
6 oz white chocolate chips
3 - 4 Tbsp dried cranberries, cherries, and golden raisins mixed
3 - 4 Tbsp roasted almonds, chopped

Line an baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat chocolate in 30 second intervals, stirring each time until melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Place white chocolate chips in another microwave safe bowl and heat chocolate in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth (about 1 1/2 minutes).

Pour melted semisweet chocolate into prepared pan and spread with a spatula in to a large rectangle (don't spread too thin). Dollop melted white chocolate by teaspoons over the semisweet chocolate and swirl together with a wooden skewer.  Top with dried cranberries, cherries, and raisins.  Top with chopped almonds.  Place the pan in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until the bark is set.

Using the parchment paper lift and place bark on a cutting board; either cut into squares or break off into pieces.  Pack in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.