Welcome to a culinary journey that transports you straight to the heart of Greece with the mouthwatering "Beef Stew in Tomato Sauce Messini"! This hearty dish, brimming with tender chunks of beef and vibrant flavors, is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering. Imagine the aroma of slow-cooked beef mingling with rich tomato sauce and fragrant herbs wafting through your kitchen—it's simply irresistible! Ready to unlock the secrets to this delectable stew? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season the meat generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides, creating a deep golden crust. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned meat to a plate.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 2 hours or until the beef is extremely tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, preferably over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to pat the beef cubes dry before seasoning and browning them. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden crust that enhances the flavor of your stew.
- Layering Flavors: Don't rush the sautéing process for the onions and garlic. Allowing them to cook until soft and fragrant builds a solid flavor foundation for your stew.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Patience is key! Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for the full 2 hours. This slow cooking process ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish to new heights.
- Serve with Style: For a complete meal, serve your stew over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
