Equipment Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board
Ingredients
Ingredients
2poundsbeef chuckcut into 1.5-inch cubes
2tablespoonsolive oil
1large onionchopped
2carrotssliced
2celery stalkssliced
3clovesgarlicminced
2cupsbeef broth
1cupred winelike Chianti or Merlot
1can14 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice)
2tablespoonstomato paste
2teaspoonsdried oregano
1teaspoondried thyme
2bay leaves
Salt and pepperto taste
Fresh parsleyfor garnish
Instructions
Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown them on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step enhances the flavor of the stew. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
Combine Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should be tender and the flavors well blended.
Finish and Serve
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Discard the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips and Variations
Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead.