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Cozy Spezzatino di Manzo Italian Beef Stew

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A simple, soulful Italian beef stew made with tender beef chuck, fresh herbs, and slow-simmered tomatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced finely
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 2 cups beef broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional, e.g., Chianti)
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the beef chuck cubes with paper towels. Lightly dust them with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 3-4 minutes per batch, until a deep golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot with a pinch of salt. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, rosemary sprig, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of dry red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
  6. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add crushed canned tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
  8. About 15 minutes before serving, taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove rosemary sprig and bay leaf. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
  9. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stew before serving.

Notes

Use beef chuck with good marbling for tenderness. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or rice flour. Dried rosemary can be used if fresh is unavailable. If skipping wine, replace with extra broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. Browning the beef is essential for flavor. Simmer gently to keep beef tender. Stir occasionally but not too often to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian beef stew, Spezzatino di Manzo, slow-cooked beef, comfort food, hearty stew, beef chuck recipe

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/cozy-spezzatino-di-manzo-italian-beef-stew-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/