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Spezzatino di Manzo (Italian Beef Stew)

Spezzatino di Manzo (Italian Beef Stew)

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stewing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A rich and hearty Italian beef stew made with tender chuck steak, pancetta, vegetables, mushrooms, and a savory red wine and tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, or as needed
  • 2 lbs (900g) chuck steak, cubed
  • 3 1/2 oz (100g) pancetta, roughly chopped
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
  • 7 oz (200g) crimini mushrooms, halved
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) red wine
  • 2 1/2 cups (620ml) beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 rosemary sprig
  • 2 tsp cornstarch (cornflour)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the cubed beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add pancetta to the pot and cook until slightly crispy.
  4. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
  5. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
  6. Add tomato paste and balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine and lightly caramelize.
  7. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  8. Return the beef to the pot, pour in beef broth, and add bay leaf and rosemary.
  9. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
  10. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then stir into the stew to thicken the sauce.
  11. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and brown sugar if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over polenta.

Notes

  • Brown the beef in batches to ensure a nice sear and prevent steaming.
  • Optional: add a splash of cream or butter at the end for a richer sauce.
  • Stew flavors improve if made a day ahead and reheated.
  • Substitute pancetta with bacon if unavailable.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/spezzatino-di-manzo-italian-beef-stew/