Chilis & Stews

Italian Beef Stew

Name: Italian Beef Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20; 2 medium onions, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 (28-oz) can whole tomatoes, crushed by hand; 1 cup red wine; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil

By Delia Sinclair · June 19, 2026 · Chilis & Stews

Prep30 min

Cook40 min

Total70 min

Serves6

There's something special about a warm, comforting bowl of stew on a chilly evening. For my family, Italian Beef Stew is more than just a meal - it's a tradition. Every time I make it, I'm reminded of my grandmother's kitchen, filled with the aroma of simmering tomatoes and ground beef.

As a busy home cook, I love that this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour. The best part? It's incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste. Whether you're serving a crowd or just your family, Italian Beef Stew is sure to become a staple in your household.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's made with simple, accessible ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. The key to a great Italian Beef Stew is in the layering of flavors, which we'll get to in a bit. First, let's talk about the importance of using high-quality ground beef. I like to use 80/20 ground beef, which has just the right amount of fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Now, I know what you're thinking: 'Isn't stew just a bunch of ingredients thrown together?' Not quite. The beauty of a great stew lies in its balance of flavors and textures. In this recipe, we'll be combining ground beef, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and canned tomatoes to create a rich, satisfying broth. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour.
It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and ground beef.
The stew is perfectly balanced, with a rich, satisfying broth and tender, flavorful meat.
It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at family gatherings or potlucks.
You can easily customize the recipe to your taste, adding your favorite spices or ingredients.
It's a budget-friendly option, using affordable ingredients and making a large batch of stew.
The stew freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or future meals.

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes this Italian Beef Stew recipe work so well? It all comes down to the layering of flavors. By browning the ground beef first, we're creating a rich, caramelized crust that adds depth to the stew. Then, by sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, we're adding a pop of color and a boost of flavor. Finally, by simmering everything in a rich tomato broth, we're tying all the flavors together.

Another key element is the use of acidity. In this recipe, we're using a splash of red wine to add a touch of brightness to the stew. This helps to balance out the richness of the ground beef and creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile. And don't worry if you don't have red wine on hand - you can easily substitute it with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.

Finally, let's talk about the importance of resting. After the stew has finished cooking, it's essential to let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy. Trust me, it's worth the wait.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now that we've talked about the importance of layering flavors and using high-quality ingredients, let's take a look at what we'll need for this recipe. The ingredients are simple and accessible, and you likely have most of them in your pantry already. Be sure to choose fresh, flavorful ingredients, especially when it comes to the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the ground beef. As I mentioned earlier, I like to use 80/20 ground beef, which has just the right amount of fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can also use leaner ground beef if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may become slightly drier during cooking.

1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20I like to use 80/20 ground beef for this recipe, as it has just the right amount of fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can also use leaner ground beef if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may become slightly drier during cooking.
2 medium onions, dicedChoose fresh, flavorful onions for this recipe. You can use any variety you like, but I prefer sweet onions like Vidalia or Maui.
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the stew. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer, but fresh garlic is always best.
2 medium carrots, peeled and dicedChoose fresh, crunchy carrots for this recipe. You can use any variety you like, but I prefer Nantes or Danver carrots.
2 stalks celery, dicedChoose fresh, flavorful celery for this recipe. You can use any variety you like, but I prefer Pascal or Golden Self-Blanching celery.
1 (28-oz) can whole tomatoes, crushed by handI like to use whole tomatoes for this recipe, as they have more flavor and texture than diced tomatoes. Crush them by hand to release their juices and create a rich, satisfying broth.
1 cup red wineThe red wine adds a touch of brightness and acidity to the stew, balancing out the richness of the ground beef. You can substitute it with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar if you prefer.
1 tsp dried oreganoThe dried oregano adds a warm, earthy flavor to the stew. You can use fresh oregano if you prefer, but dried oregano is more convenient and has a longer shelf life.
1 tsp dried basilThe dried basil adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the stew. You can use fresh basil if you prefer, but dried basil is more convenient and has a longer shelf life.
1/2 tsp saltThe salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
1/4 tsp black pepperThe black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth to the stew. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tbsp olive oilThe olive oil is used to brown the ground beef and sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Choose a high-quality olive oil with a mild flavor to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Italian Beef Stew

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the diced onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 10-12 minutes.
3
Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the stew has thickened and the flavors have melded together, about 20-25 minutes.
5
Use the instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stew. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
6
Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
8
Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
9
Consider serving the stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
10
Leftover stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, especially the ground beef and tomatoes, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the stew, as it can become dry and tough. Instead, cook it until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Let the stew rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy.
Consider adding other ingredients to the stew, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to add more flavor and texture.
Serve the stew with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles, to round out the meal.
Leftover stew can be used as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes or salads.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to add more depth and complexity to the stew.
Consider making a double batch of the stew and freezing it for future meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the stew, which can make it dry and tough.
Not letting the stew rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, which can result in a less flavorful and less tender dish.
Not using high-quality ingredients, especially the ground beef and tomatoes, which can affect the flavor and texture of the stew.
Not seasoning the stew adequately, which can result in a bland and unappetizing dish.
Not cooking the stew at a low enough heat, which can cause it to burn or stick to the bottom of the pot.
Not stirring the stew occasionally, which can cause it to stick to the bottom of the pot or become unevenly cooked.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to the stew for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of tomatoes, such as crushed or diced, for a varying texture and flavor.
Add a splash of red wine or lemon juice to the stew for added brightness and acidity.
Use different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to add more depth and complexity to the stew.
Serve the stew over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty and comforting meal.
Use ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef for a leaner and more flavorful stew.
Add some heat to the stew with a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper.

What to Serve With Italian Beef Stew

Serve the Italian Beef Stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Consider serving it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty and comforting meal.

Some other ideas for serving the stew include:

Crusty breadMashed potatoesEgg noodlesGreen saladRoasted vegetablesPolenta

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Leftover stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

To freeze, let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer.

To reheat the stew, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the stew to become dry and tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?

I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for this recipe, as it has just the right amount of fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can also use leaner ground beef if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may become slightly drier during cooking.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

While fresh tomatoes can be used in this recipe, they will add more moisture and a slightly different flavor profile. If you prefer to use fresh tomatoes, be sure to core and chop them before adding them to the stew, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How long can I store the stew in the refrigerator?

Leftover stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, the stew can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer.

How do I reheat the stew?

Can I make the stew ahead of time?

Yes, the stew can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply cook the stew according to the recipe, then let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

What are some variations I can try?

Some variations you can try include adding diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, using different types of tomatoes, or adding a splash of red wine or lemon juice. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to add more depth and complexity to the stew.

Can I serve the stew with other sides?

Yes, the stew can be served with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. You can also try serving it with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter and more balanced meal.

The Full Recipe

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