Italian-Style Beef Stew Recipe
Introduction
This Italian-style beef stew is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Tender beef strips simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and olives create a rich, savory sauce that pairs beautifully with mash or polenta.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 300g beef stir-fry strips or thinly sliced beef steak
- 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- Sprig of rosemary, chopped
- Handful of pitted olives
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and turning golden.
- Step 2: Add the beef strips, yellow pepper, chopped tomatoes, and rosemary to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through. Add some boiling water if the stew looks too thick.
- Step 3: Stir through the pitted olives and cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Step 4: Serve the stew hot with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a hearty meal.
Tips & Variations
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the beef and cook 1 chopped aubergine and 1 chopped courgette along with the yellow pepper. Finish by sprinkling over some feta cheese for added flavor.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use thinly sliced beef steak or stir-fry strips. Just ensure the beef is cut into thin pieces so it cooks quickly and remains tender.
What can I serve with this Italian-style beef stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Print
Italian-Style Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A hearty Italian-style beef stew featuring tender beef strips stewed with fresh vegetables, aromatic rosemary, and briny olives, perfect for a comforting meal served alongside mash or polenta.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
- sprig rosemary, chopped
- handful pitted olives
Meat
- 300g pack beef stir-fry strips or beef steak, thinly sliced
Pantry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until they are softened and starting to turn golden brown, building a flavorful foundation.
- Add beef and vegetables: Add the beef strips along with the thinly sliced yellow pepper, chopped tomatoes, and chopped rosemary to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of boiling water if the stew becomes too thick, until the beef is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish with olives: Stir in the handful of pitted olives just before serving to add a salty, briny dimension to the stew.
- Serve: Serve the beef stew hot alongside creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and substitute with 1 chopped aubergine and 1 chopped courgette cooked together with the pepper; finish by sprinkling with feta cheese.
- If desired, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adding a splash of red wine before simmering can enhance the stew’s depth of flavor.
- To keep the beef tender, avoid overcooking and monitor simmering closely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian beef stew, beef stir-fry strips stew, Italian stew recipe, quick beef stew, rosemary beef stew
