tagAlt.Country style Beef Stew with Vegetable Brunoise

Rustic Beef Stew with Creamy Vegetable Brunoise

Slow-Simmered Beef Stew Enhanced with Lush Vegetable Brunoise

  • ( Scored 5 on 2 reviews )

David:

Melts like butter - you almost don't need a knife to eat this dish! It's basically the Italian version of amazing beef with vegetable gravy, you reall...

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Experience the heartwarming embrace of a true Italian classic with this Rustic Beef Stew featuring a silky vegetable brunoise. Rooted in the culinary traditions of Tuscany, this dish is a shining example of Italy's mastery in slow-cooked, aromatic stews. Italian kitchens from the Alpine north to the sun-soaked south have elevated beef stew into an art form, each region infusing its own character, yet all sharing a love for robust flavors and simple, quality ingredients.

The secret to this stew is patience—the slow layering and gentle simmering of each ingredient. As the rich scent of browned beef, sweet caramelized onions, and earthy vegetables fills your kitchen, you'll understand why these recipes have endured for centuries. The choice of a malty lager enriches the sauce, while the careful brunoise of vegetables ensures a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

A dish like this is meant to be shared, perfect for gathering friends and family around the table. The flavors deepen and meld, making every bite an invitation to discover the rustic heart of Italian farmhouse cooking. Serve it alongside a crusty slice of Italian bread, and don't forget a robust regional wine—ideally a red from the hills of Tuscany or Piedmont.

If you love exploring the culinary history of Italy and crave more inspiration for cold-weather comfort foods, check out our guides to traditional mountain cuisine and wine pairings. For more authentic Italian recipes and behind-the-scenes stories, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow along for updates on classic dishes reinvented with a modern touch.

Find the video tutorial for another Tuscan favorite, the Classic Beef Spezzatino, and immerse yourself in the flavors of Italy’s countryside.

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Ingredients

for 4 servings

Country-style Beef Stew with Vegetable Brunoise Ingredients

  • Cubed Beef (For Stewing) 1.5 kg
  • Carrot 3
  • Celery (Stalk) 3
  • Yellow Onion 2
  • Tomato 1
  • All-purpose flour as needed
  • Salt table-spoon
  • Extra-virgin olive oil 5 table-spoon
  • Beer (Lager) 1 cup

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Preparation

for 4 servings

Step

1

Of 2

Prepare the Broth Base

Pour just over one liter of water into a large stockpot. Add a generous pinch of salt, a well-washed carrot (leave the skin on for added flavor), a peeled onion, a celery stalk cut into three pieces, and a ripe tomato. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer uncovered. This aromatic broth will form the foundation for the stew, infusing it with depth and complexity.

Meanwhile, peel the remaining two carrots and dice them finely. Repeat this process with the rest of the onions and celery. This delicate vegetable dice is known as a brunoise and will provide texture and sweetness to the finished stew.

Step

2

Of 2

Build and Simmer the Stew

Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a sauté pan until it shimmers, but before it begins to smoke. Add the carefully diced brunoise vegetables and sauté over medium-low heat until they begin to soften and release their aroma. If the vegetables start to cling to the pan, pour in a little broth to help them cook gently and prevent burning. By the end, most of the liquid should have evaporated, leaving tender, flavorful vegetables.

Cut the beef into cubes no larger than 1.25 inches. Spread flour on a flat plate and coat each beef cube thoroughly. In a deep sauté pan, heat a layer of olive oil and brown the floured beef cubes over high heat, ensuring each side develops a deep, golden crust. Once all sides are beautifully seared, pour in a cup of lager beer, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly and enrich the pan juices. Transfer the browned beef, along with any accumulated juices, into the pan with the brunoise vegetables.

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to its lowest possible setting—the stew should barely bubble as it simmers. Periodically check the stew, adding more broth as needed to keep the meat moist and the sauce from drying out. Gently simmer for at least 1 hour and 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the beef to become meltingly tender. Serve steaming hot for the ultimate comfort meal.

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Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

...Great Italian Goodies!

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Reviews

D

David Monday 1st of March 2021

Melts like butter - you almost don't need a knife

Melts like butter - you almost don't need a knife to eat this dish! It's basically the Italian version of amazing beef with vegetable gravy, you really can't go wrong!

tania Monday 1st of March 2021

Sweet and amazing

Airy, sweet, delicious, and a lovely change from your usual store-bought and sugar-packed cakes and desserts!

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