Dive into the heart of Italian comfort food with Aunt Rita's Italian Stew, a dish that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds! With tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is not just a meal—it's an experience that brings family and friends together around the table. Whether you're looking for a hearty dinner on a chilly evening or a dish that will impress your guests, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. Join us as we unveil the secrets to crafting this delightful stew that has been cherished for generations. Get ready to savor every bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by patting 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 a splash of olive oil and brown the meat in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. 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. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer slowly for approximately
- 5 hours, allowing the meat to become tender.
- After
- 5 hours, add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the stew. Continue cooking for an additional 30-40 minutes until vegetables are soft and meat is fork-tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the stew seems too thick, add a little more beef broth; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Pair with crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Browning the Meat: Take your time when browning the beef stew meat. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors, so don’t rush it—brown the meat in batches if necessary.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Properly seasoning each layer of your stew will enhance the overall flavor profile, making it more delicious.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for the full
- 5 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the meat and melds the flavors beautifully.
- Vegetable Timing: Add the carrots and potatoes later in the cooking process to ensure they don’t become mushy. You want them to retain some texture.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your stew ends up too thick, simply stir in a bit more beef broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
- Resting Time: Letting the stew rest for 10 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly, making it even more delicious.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your stew in deep bowls and consider garnishing it with fresh parsley. Pair it with crusty Italian bread for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
