tagAlt.Classic Beef Stew
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Hearty Tuscan-Style Braised Beef Stew

Experience fall-apart tender beef and rich Tuscan flavors with a traditional stovetop braise—this will be your go-to comfort stew.
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    • ( Scored 5 on 1 reviews )

Michele:

Beef stew is such an excellent comfort food for me, and this version is right up my alley. It reminds me of a delicious beef stew I enjoyed just outs...

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tagAlt.Classic Beef Stew
play video recipe

Prepare to immerse yourself in the soulful essence of Tuscan cuisine with this timeless braised beef stew. The secret to true flavor lies in patience: a long, slow cook allows the beef to become luxuriously tender and the sauce deeply aromatic. While the ingredient list remains modest, the results deliver pure comfort and elegance. This dish is perfect for preparing in advance—leaving you free to craft the ideal accompaniments, such as Tuscan Cannellini Beans with Thyme or Rosemary Roasted Potatoes. Bring the rustic warmth of Tuscany into your home and savor a genuine taste of Italian tradition.

Every member of your family will appreciate the care you’ve poured into this home-cooked masterpiece—a classic reminiscent of authentic osteria favorites. For even more inspiration, explore the Mamablip newsletter for brand-new recipes, wine recommendations, and a touch of Italian lifestyle in your inbox every week.

While travel may not always be possible, this recipe promises to deliver the spirit of Tuscany straight to your table. Let your taste buds wander and discover why this braised beef stew is a celebrated staple in Italian kitchens. Until your next adventure, indulge in this comforting delight and experience a little piece of Italy at home.

Ingredients

play video recipe for 4 servings

Classic Tuscan Braised Beef Stew ingredients

  • Beef round 800 grams
  • Celery (Stalk) 1
  • Yellow Onion 1
  • Carrot 1
  • Red wine 1 cup
  • Canned tomato 200 grams
  • Tomato concentrate 1 table-spoon
  • Extra-virgin olive oil as needed
  • Black Pepper as needed
  • Fresh mixed herbs as needed

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Preparation

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for 4 servings

Step

1

Of 3

Cube and Sear the Beef for Rich Flavor

Begin by cutting the beef round into generous chunks, roughly 2-3cm each. This size ensures a juicy, satisfying bite after hours of braising.

Heat a medium nonstick sauté pan over moderate-high heat. Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, then arrange the beef cubes in the pan, ensuring space between each piece for even browning. This crucial step caramelizes the exterior, locking in moisture and developing a rich depth of flavor.

Sear the beef on all sides until a deep golden crust forms. Once browned, remove the pan from the heat and set the meat aside. This step echoes age-old Tuscan techniques, where browning is the foundation of a robust stew.

Step

2

Of 3

Prepare the Aromatic Vegetable Base and Begin the Stew

Thoroughly wash and dry the celery, then finely dice it and set aside. Peel and finely chop the onion, and repeat the process with the carrot. These classic vegetables form the "soffritto," a centuries-old Italian flavor base.

In the same sauté pan, pour in a generous layer of extra virgin olive oil and gently cook all the diced vegetables together. Add a bouquet of fresh Tuscan herbs—think rosemary, sage, and bay leaves—to infuse the oil and vegetables with their fragrance.

When the vegetables soften and meld into a fragrant base, return the browned beef to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour in a robust glass of red wine (a Chianti or Sangiovese is traditional), allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to intensify.

Once the wine has cooked off, stir in canned tomatoes and a spoonful of tomato paste. Mix thoroughly, cover, and let the stew simmer gently for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is meltingly tender and the sauce is thick and rich. This slow braising method is a hallmark of Tuscan comfort food, celebrated for generations.

Step

3

Of 3

Plate and Present Your Tuscan Masterpiece

Once the beef is fork-tender and the stew perfumed with herbs and wine, remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Generously ladle the piping-hot stew into individual bowls or rustic plates and serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread or your favorite Tuscan side dishes. The hearty flavors and melting texture will transport your guests straight to an Italian countryside table.

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Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

...Great Italian Goodies!

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Reviews

Michele Thursday 5th of November 2020

Stewy goodness

Beef stew is such an excellent comfort food for me, and this version is right up my alley. It reminds me of a delicious beef stew I enjoyed just outside of Florence, in a small town called Impruneta. I also found some gorgeous terracotta pots there too, but my main focus was the wonderful stew. I think a side of fried polenta might only improve our dining experience.

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