Italian Beef Stew

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Italian Beef Stew.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 300°F (150°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. This will be your flavorful coating for the beef, so set it aside for now.

2. Step 2

   Next, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in a cup of boiling water in a 2-quart casserole dish. Once it's fully dissolved, whisk in the sherry (if you're using it), condensed tomato soup, garlic powder, white sugar, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This mixture will create a rich and aromatic base for your stew, so give it a good stir and set it aside.

3. Step 3

   Now, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the cubed beef in the flour mixture until well coated, shaking off any excess flour. Carefully place the beef in the hot oil, cooking it until it's beautifully browned on all sides. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your stew, so take your time with it! Once browned, transfer the beef to the casserole dish.

4. Step 4

   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes. This will add a lovely sweetness to your stew. Stir the cooked onion into the beef mixture in the casserole dish, combining all those delicious flavors.

5. Step 5

   Cover the casserole dish and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible, and the wait will be well worth it!