There is something deeply comforting about a slow-roasted beef stew simmering gently in the oven. The rich aroma fills the kitchen, promising a dish that is hearty, tender, and layered with flavor. This Italian-inspired slow-roasted beef stew is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, especially on chilly evenings when you crave warmth and nourishment. Each spoonful offers melt-in-the-mouth beef, softened vegetables, and a deeply savory sauce that develops beautifully during the long, slow cooking process.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- Beef chuck, cut into large chunks
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Potatoes, cut into chunks
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Preparing the oven first ensures a consistent temperature once the stew is ready to be transferred for slow roasting.
- Pat the beef chuck pieces dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the meat brown properly, which is essential for developing deep flavor. Season the beef generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the beef in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will cause the meat to steam instead of brown. Sear each piece on all sides until a rich, golden-brown crust forms. This step locks in flavor and builds the foundation of the stew. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, reduce the heat slightly to medium. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits left from the beef. These caramelized bits add incredible depth to the final dish. Cook the vegetables for several minutes until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
- Add the tomato paste to the pot. Stir thoroughly so it coats the vegetables. Allow it to cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently. This step slightly caramelizes the tomato paste, intensifying its sweetness and richness.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together, making sure to incorporate all the flavors from the bottom of the pot. The liquid should begin to form a robust, tomato-based sauce.
- Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices back into the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Add the fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. These herbs infuse the stew slowly as it cooks, creating a fragrant, rustic Italian profile.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Once small bubbles appear, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it carefully to the preheated oven.
- Allow the stew to cook undisturbed for about 2 hours. During this time, the beef will gradually become tender as it slowly braises in the flavorful sauce.
- After 2 hours, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Add the chunked potatoes to the stew, stirring gently to distribute them evenly throughout the liquid.
- Return the pot to the oven, cover it again, and continue cooking for an additional hour, or until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft but not falling apart.
- Once fully cooked, remove the pot from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and any large herb stems. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Let the stew rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve the stew hot, ladled generously into bowls. The beef should be incredibly tender, the vegetables soft and flavorful, and the sauce rich and comforting. This slow-roasted Italian beef stew is perfect for sharing with family and friends, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.