Description
Spezzatino di manzo is a rustic Italian beef stew made with tender slow-simmered beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato broth. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy family dinners and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
3 medium carrots, sliced into thick rounds
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1.5 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Toss the beef cubes with salt, black pepper, and flour until evenly coated.
- Add the olive oil to the pot and brown the beef in batches until a golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- During the last 40 minutes of cooking, add the potatoes and continue simmering until tender.
- Remove the bay leaves and herb stems, then adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Add peas or mushrooms for extra vegetables and texture.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter variation.
Serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Add extra crushed tomatoes for a richer tomato flavor.
Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
