This homemade Italian beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, savory flavors with hearty vegetables for a dish that satisfies every craving. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it’s a recipe that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this stew is destined to become a household favorite.
Ingredients Overview
The beauty of this beef stew lies in its combination of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tender meat. Each component adds depth and character, creating a dish that’s full of robust flavors.
Selecting high-quality ground beef or stew meat is key. Opt for meat with a bit of marbling for a richer taste. Fresh Brussels sprouts and green beans add a delightful crunch, while celery, onions, and carrots bring a subtle sweetness. Diced tomatoes and a beef broth base round out the dish with a balance of acidity and savory richness.
For flexibility, this recipe allows for variations. Swap out Brussels sprouts for zucchini or replace green beans with peas, depending on seasonal availability or personal preference. Using a vegetable or chicken broth as a base can also accommodate dietary needs or preferences without compromising the flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by trimming the green beans and halving the Brussels sprouts. Ensuring uniform sizes will help them cook evenly. Dice the onions, carrots, and celery into small, consistent pieces to create a harmonious texture in every bite. Preparing your vegetables in advance simplifies the cooking process and ensures seamless execution.
Cooking the Meat
The first step in building flavor is browning the meat. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meat, breaking it into chunks if using ground beef, and cook until deeply caramelized. This step enhances the stew’s flavor by creating a rich, savory base. Reserve the rendered fat in the pot—it’s liquid gold for enriching the stew.
Building the Flavor Base
In the same pot, sauté the diced onion, carrot, and celery mixture. This trio, known as mirepoix, forms the aromatic foundation of the dish. Stir occasionally to allow the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness. Add garlic towards the end of this step to avoid burning it, which can lead to bitterness.
Combining and Simmering
Return the browned meat to the pot and introduce the prepared Brussels sprouts, green beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Sprinkle in thyme, oregano, paprika, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the pot and bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As it cooks, the flavors meld together, creating a stew that is both hearty and flavorful.
Recipe Tips
For tender vegetables, avoid overcooking them; aim for a slight bite.
Ensure the meat is browned well before simmering to lock in its juices.
Season lightly at first, adjusting toward the end of cooking for a balanced flavor.
Store leftovers in airtight containers to preserve freshness, and reheat gently over low heat to prevent overcooking.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair this hearty stew with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. Mashed potatoes or polenta make excellent side dishes, adding a creamy element to the meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. Complement the dish with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, to enhance its Italian roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or pressure cooker?
Yes, simply brown the meat and sauté the vegetables beforehand, then transfer everything to your appliance. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
What are the best substitutes for Brussels sprouts or green beans?
Try zucchini, peas, or even cubed butternut squash for a seasonal twist.
How can I thicken the stew if needed?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. For refrigeration, use airtight containers to maintain freshness. When reheating, warm the stew over low heat on the stovetop or use a microwave-safe bowl for quicker results. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew thickens too much during storage.
This Italian beef stew is a versatile recipe that can be tailored to suit various occasions. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a centerpiece for a cozy gathering, this stew promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
2 cups (250g) Brussels sprouts, halved
1 lb (450g) ground beef or stew meat
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, diced
1 large carrot, diced
1 cup (150g) celery, chopped
2 cups (400g) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
3 cups (700ml) beef broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
In a large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or stew meat, breaking it into pieces if using ground beef, and cook until browned and caramelized. Once done, remove the meat and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
To the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release a fragrant aroma.
Return the browned meat to the pot. Stir in the Brussels sprouts, green beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cover the pot with a lid and bring the stew to a gentle boil over medium heat. Lower the heat to a simmer and allow it to cook for 30–40 minutes. Stir the stew occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the flavors meld beautifully. The vegetables should become tender, and the stew should have a rich, aromatic flavor.
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm for a comforting and hearty meal.
Homemade Italian Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1 cup 150g green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 2 cups 250g Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 lb 450g ground beef or stew meat
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 large carrot diced
- 1 cup 150g celery, chopped
- 2 cups 400g diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 3 cups 700ml beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- In a large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or stew meat, breaking it into pieces if using ground beef, and cook until browned and caramelized. Once done, remove the meat and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
- To the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release a fragrant aroma.
- Return the browned meat to the pot. Stir in the Brussels sprouts, green beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring the stew to a gentle boil over medium heat. Lower the heat to a simmer and allow it to cook for 30–40 minutes. Stir the stew occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the flavors meld beautifully. The vegetables should become tender, and the stew should have a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm for a comforting and hearty meal.
