Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Caramelized Onions and Red Wine

Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Onions

Category: Main Course
Servings: 4

This classic Spezzatino di Carne con Cipolle is a hearty Italian beef stew perfect for warming up on chilly days. Tender chunks of beef simmered with sweet onions and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth are complemented by the subtle acidity of tomato passata and the depth of red wine. The slow-cooking process results in melt-in-your-mouth meat and a savory sauce that can be paired with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Begin by finely chopping the celery into small pieces. Next, peel and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Peel and slice the onions into thin rings or half-rings to ensure they soften evenly during cooking.

2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onions. Sauté them gently for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and release their aromas.

3. Add the Beef
   Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks if not already pre-cut. Increase the heat slightly and add the beef to the pot. Sear the meat on all sides, allowing it to brown and develop a rich, caramelized flavor. This step will help to build depth in the stew’s taste.

4. Deglaze with Red Wine
   Once the beef is browned, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.

5. Add Tomato Passata and Broth
   Stir in the tomato passata, ensuring it coats the beef and vegetables. Add enough beef broth to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Simmer the Stew
   Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer will tenderize the beef and infuse the stew with flavors. Keep an eye on the liquid level, adding more broth if necessary to keep the ingredients covered.

7. Season to Taste
   After the stew has simmered and the beef is tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper according to your preference. If you like a richer flavor, feel free to add more wine or a dash of vinegar for some acidity.

8. Final Touches
   Once the beef is fork-tender and the onions have broken down into the sauce, the stew is ready. The rich, savory sauce will have thickened slightly, enveloping the beef and vegetables in a flavorful coating.

9. Serve
   Serve the stew hot, ideally with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a slice of rustic bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

This comforting beef stew is the perfect blend of savory, tender, and slightly tangy flavors. The slow-cooked beef with onions and vegetables creates a comforting, hearty dish that will surely become a family favorite. Ideal for cold evenings or special gatherings, this recipe brings out the best of Italian home cooking. Enjoy!