Savory Italian Beef & Vegetable Stew: Hearty One-Pot Winter Comfort

Italian Beef or Veal Stew Recipe

Overview:

Italian Beef or Veal Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for cold winter nights. This recipe, passed down from generations, brings the warmth and aroma of traditional Italian cooking to your table. Slow-cooked to perfection, this stew is packed with tender beef or veal, flavorful vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce that will leave you craving for more. Serve it with some crusty Italian bread for the ultimate dining experience.

• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Serving: 4-6 servings
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean beef or veal, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup white mushrooms, sliced
• 3-4 cups Italian plum tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4-6 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 5 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 lb string beans, trimmed
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Boiling water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: In a large 6-quart pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed beef or veal and chopped onions. Cook until the meat is browned on all sides and the onions are translucent.

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2. Add Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and start to brown slightly.

3. Prepare the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, dry red wine, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in enough boiling water to cover the vegetables. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are almost tender, about 15-20 minutes.

5. Incorporate String Beans: Once the carrots and potatoes are almost tender, add the trimmed string beans to the pot. If needed, add more boiling water to ensure all the vegetables are submerged. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.

6. Season to Taste: Season the stew with salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the stew.

7. Serve: Ladle the Italian Beef or Veal Stew into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty Italian bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1011
• Fat: 37.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 13.2g
• Cholesterol: 158.8mg
• Sodium: 285.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 109.3g
  • Fiber: 18.9g
  • Sugar: 19g
• Protein: 61.1g

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, marinate the beef or veal in the red wine with herbs and garlic for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• Use fresh, ripe Italian plum tomatoes for the best taste and texture in the sauce.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference. Add celery, bell peppers, or even some leafy greens like spinach for added nutrition.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Italian Beef or Veal Stew, a classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this hearty stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Buon appetito! 🍲🇮🇹