Name: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Fish Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound fish, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup onion, diced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 15 ounces diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste); 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing, optional for Instant Pot method)

If you’re craving a comforting yet light dish that’s bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Fish Stew Recipe. It’s incredibly simple to throw together, uses wholesome ingredients, and the slow cooker does most of the work while you get on with your day. I absolutely love how the tender fish soaks up all those Mediterranean spices, giving you a bowl full of sunshine in every bite—plus, it’s a breeze for anyone aiming for a healthy, satisfying meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic while you relax.
Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: Balanced herbs and juicy tomatoes create a vibrant taste every time.
Healthy & Light: Packed with lean protein and veggies, making it perfect for Whole30, paleo, and low-carb diets.
Versatile Cooking: You can easily switch between slow cooker and Instant Pot methods depending on your schedule.

This image shows a white bowl filled with a chunky soup. The soup has several visible layers: pieces of light beige chicken, bright red tomato chunks, and light green bell pepper pieces mixed throughout. The broth is a warm reddish-brown color, somewhat clear, with some small green herb bits sprinkled on the surface. There is a spoon in the bowl resting on the right side. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Fish Stew Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Keeping things straightforward means you’ll find shopping for this stew easy and the flavors will really shine through.

Fish: Choose a firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass for tender, flaky results.
Bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch; red or yellow peppers work best.
Onion: Brings depth and sweetness when it slowly cooks down.
Garlic: A little goes a long way—fresh minced garlic gives a bright kick.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stew moist and flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
Diced tomatoes: Use quality canned tomatoes for a rich Mediterranean base.
Italian seasoning: The blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds authentic aroma.
Salt: Essential for seasoning—start with a little and adjust to taste.
Pepper: Freshly ground gives a gentle heat that complements the fish perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Fish Stew Recipe is—you can tweak it to match whatever you’ve got in the kitchen or special diets. Feel free to make it your own!

Seafood Mix: My family goes crazy when I swap some fish for shrimp or mussels, adding a nice variety of textures.
Spice it up: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra zing, perfect if you like a bit of heat.
Vegetable boost: Try adding chopped zucchini or eggplant to bulk it up and add layers of flavor.
Vegan version: Swap fish for hearty chickpeas and vegetable broth to keep it plant-based and filling.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Fish Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies and Broth Base

Start by preparing your base in the pressure cooker or on the stove to deepen the stew’s flavor. I like to sauté diced onion and bell pepper until they soften—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic for the last minute to prevent bitterness. Then pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping those tasty browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step really builds a flavorful foundation that makes the stew stand out.

Step 2: Cook the Stew in Your Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

If you’re using a slow cooker, transfer the broth mixture there and set it on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld perfectly. Don’t rush this part—it’s where the magic develops! For Instant Pot fans, seal the lid and cook at high pressure for 7 minutes, then quick release.

Step 3: Add the Fish and Finish Cooking

The fish is delicate, so it goes in last to avoid overcooking. Add your cubed fish to the stew and set the Instant Pot to sauté mode for about 7-10 minutes, stirring gently to evenly cook the fish. With the slow cooker, just add the fish during the last 30 minutes on HIGH to ensure it stays tender and flaky. You’ll know it’s done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork—perfectly cooked every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Mediterranean Fish Stew Recipe

Choose Firm Fish: I learned the hard way that flaky white fish like tilapia gets mushy, so I opt for cod or halibut for a better texture.
Layer Flavors: Don’t skip the sauté step with veggies – it adds richness that you can taste in every spoonful.
Keep It Gentle: When cooking fish in the slow cooker, adding it at the end prevents it from turning rubbery.
Season Gradually: I always start with less salt, adding more after cooking if needed, because broth and canned tomatoes can vary in saltiness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mediterranean Fish Stew Recipe

A white bowl holds a chicken soup with visible four large pieces of light golden cooked chicken in the center, surrounded by diced red tomatoes, green bell peppers, and small chunks of white onion in a clear, slightly reddish broth. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding fresh color. A silver spoon dips into the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this stew with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous punch that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving really lifts the flavors and adds a nice tang that complements the fish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the broth—I’m talking about warm baguette slices or rustic sourdough. For a low-carb option, steamed green beans or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the meal perfectly. And on cozy evenings, some garlic roasted potatoes always steal the show alongside this stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the stew in individual shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens—it instantly makes the meal feel elegant. I’ve also done it served over a bed of couscous or quinoa for a heartier dinner that wows guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they last nicely for about 2-3 days. I’ve found the flavors continue to deepen overnight, so sometimes the next day tastes even better. Just be cautious not to overcook the fish at first to avoid it becoming rubbery after reheating.

Freezing

I have frozen this stew successfully by removing the fish before freezing and adding fresh fish when reheating. The broth freezes beautifully and reheats without losing flavor, making it super convenient for quick meals down the road.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the fish tender. If you froze the broth separately, simmer it first, then add fresh fish and cook just until done.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish for this slow cooker Mediterranean fish stew recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the stew to ensure even cooking. Adding frozen fish directly can make the texture uneven and may increase the cooking time.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot—can I make this recipe only in the slow cooker?

Yes! The slow cooker method works perfectly and actually brings out a mellow depth of flavor from the ingredients. Just follow the timeline of cooking the base first, then adding the fish near the end to keep it from getting overcooked.
Can I add other vegetables to this fish stew?

Feel free to add veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or even spinach toward the end of cooking. Just keep in mind cooking times so delicate vegetables don’t turn mushy.
Is this recipe dairy-free and paleo-friendly?

Yes, the Slow Cooker Mediterranean Fish Stew Recipe is naturally dairy-free and paleo-friendly as it uses whole ingredients with no added cream or dairy products.
How can I make this stew spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step or include chopped fresh chili peppers if you like a spicy kick. Just go easy at first—you can always add more!

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Fish Stew Recipe, I was blown away by how easy and flavorful it was—it quickly became a favorite in our house. It’s one of those meals that feels special but requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a cozy, nourishing dinner without fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do. Grab your slow cooker or pressure cooker, and give it a go—you’ll end up with a warm, satisfying bowl that’s truly a delight!