Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This Italian-inspired Beef Stew with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines rich, tender beef with the intense, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for cozy nights, weekend gatherings, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking to restaurant-quality standards.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 lbs of beef stew meat, 1 chopped onion, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 sliced carrots, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed beef stew meat. Season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and dried basil. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are well-covered. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After 2 hours, check the tenderness of the beef. If it’s not tender enough, continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the beef is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the beef stew hot in bowls. It pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta. Enjoy your hearty Italian beef stew with sun-dried tomatoes!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the most tender results, select well-marbled beef stew meat like chuck roast, which breaks down beautifully during slow cooking.
- Brown Meat Thoroughly: Take your time when browning the beef. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors that will make your stew extraordinary.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Patience is key. Simmering the stew on low heat allows the meat to become incredibly tender and lets the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Secret: To intensify the flavor, consider rehydrating the sun-dried tomatoes in hot beef broth for 15 minutes before adding them to the stew.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or wide egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
