Get ready to transform your kitchen into an authentic Italian trattoria with this mouthwatering beef stew that promises to transport you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany! Imagine tender, fall-apart beef swimming in a rich, aromatic broth, packed with hearty vegetables and herbs that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and work in batches to brown the meat on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the browned meat to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer slowly for
- 5 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and flavors to develop.
- Add sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the stew. Continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes until vegetables are soft and meat is extremely tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the stew seems too thick, add a bit more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley and accompanied by crusty Italian bread.
Tips
- Pat the meat dry before browning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
- Brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause steaming instead of proper caramelization.
- Use low and slow cooking to break down tough meat fibers, making the beef incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Don't rush the simmering process - patience is key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully integrate and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried if available.
- Serve with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the authentic experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg
