Warm up your soul with a bowl of Italian Beef Stew, also known as Spezzatino di Manzo. This traditional Italian dish features tender beef slowly cooked in rich red wine and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. Ideal for chilly evenings, this hearty stew pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Its deep, slow-cooked flavors make it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike.

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Why You Will Love the Italian Beef Stew Recipe

This Italian Beef Stew is a delicious blend of classic flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night or a family gathering, this recipe delivers.

Tender beef simmered in red wine and herbs produces a rich, savory broth.
A variety of vegetables adds both flavor and nutrition.
The dish can be paired with multiple side dishes like polenta or crusty bread.
It’s made in one pot, simplifying preparation and cleanup.

This stew offers both hearty comfort and authentic Italian taste, making it a timeless recipe.

Ingredients You Will Need

To prepare this flavorful Italian Beef Stew, gather fresh ingredients that blend perfectly to create the dish’s signature taste.

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 large carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry red wine
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Italian Beef Stew Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty Italian Beef Stew with tender meat and rich, aromatic flavors.

1. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides in batches. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute.

3. Deglaze with Wine

Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Let the wine boil and reduce by half.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

Return browned beef to the pot. Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, thyme, and bay leaf.

5. Simmer the Stew

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.

6. Season and Serve

Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the stew hot with your favorite sides.

Italian Beef Stew

A hearty and aromatic Italian beef stew featuring tender beef chuck slow-simmered with red wine, tomatoes, and classic herbs. This comforting dish warms you up and pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 15

Servings: 6 Servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion chopped
2 large carrots sliced
2 celery stalks chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup dry red wine
2 cups beef broth
1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides in batches. Remove and set aside.
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Let the wine boil and reduce by half.
Return browned beef to the pot. Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, thyme, and bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the stew hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

For richer flavor, brown the beef well and deglaze thoroughly. Use quality dry red wine like Chianti for authentic taste. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Try serving over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra aroma and color.

Serving Tips for Italian Beef Stew

Enhance the enjoyment of your Italian Beef Stew with these helpful serving tips:

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta to soak up the rich broth.
Pair with crusty Italian bread for dipping and added texture.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley to brighten flavors and add color.
Complement the meal with a glass of dry red wine such as Chianti to balance the stew’s richness.
For extra indulgence, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the stew before serving.

These tips elevate the dish and provide a complete Italian dining experience.

Nutritional Benefits of Italian Beef Stew

Italian Beef Stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. The beef provides a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It also contains iron, a vital mineral that helps produce red blood cells and prevent anemia.

The stew’s vegetables contribute essential vitamins, such as B vitamins and zinc, which support immune health and energy metabolism. This balanced dish offers a hearty meal that fuels the body with essential nutrients, making it both satisfying and wholesome.

Conclusion

Italian Beef Stew is a comforting dish that brings authentic Italian flavors to your table. Its tender meat, aromatic herbs, and rich broth make every bite satisfying. Easy to prepare and versatile, this stew is perfect for family meals or special occasions. With its wholesome ingredients and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a favorite recipe in your kitchen.