Italian Beef Stew from Northern Italy

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

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious beef stew, grab a large skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Step 2

   Once the oil is shimmering, add your beef cubes in batches, making sure to brown them thoroughly for about five minutes each.

3. Step 3

   This step is crucial for developing rich flavors, so don’t rush it! Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, leaving those tasty drippings in the skillet.

4. Step 4

   Next, it’s time to build the base of your stew.

5. Step 5

   In the same skillet, toss in diced onions, celery, and carrots, letting them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften just a bit.

6. Step 6

   The aroma will start to fill your kitchen! Now, add in sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, stirring everything together to create a fragrant medley.

7. Step 7

   Now for a splash of flavor! Pour in some dry red wine, bringing it to a boil while you scrape up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.

8. Step 8

   This is where the magic happens! Let the mixture simmer until the wine has mostly evaporated, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes.

9. Step 9

   Then, stir in chopped tomatoes for a burst of freshness.

10. Step 10

    It’s time to reunite the beef with its flavorful companions.

11. Step 11

    Return the browned beef to the skillet, along with cut red potatoes, dried basil, thyme, marjoram, and sage.

12. Step 12

    Pour in beef stock and tomato sauce, giving everything a good stir to combine.

13. Step 13

    Bring this hearty mixture to a gentle simmer, and let the anticipation build! Now, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.

14. Step 14

    This is where the stew transforms into something truly special.

15. Step 15

    Let it simmer for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and the sauce to thicken beautifully.

16. Step 16

    As the hours pass, your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering aromas, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste! Enjoy the process, and soon you’ll have a comforting beef stew that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.