Italian Beef Stew over Creamy Polenta
Stew is the ultimate comfort-cozy food. When the cold weather hits, nothing warms you up like a bowl of stew - served over a bed of creamy polenta.
Stew is the ultimate comfort-cozy food. When the cold weather hits, nothing warms you up like a bowl of stew - served over a bed of creamy polenta.
A classic Italian beef stew makes a hearty meal that is as healthy as it is comforting. Serving this dish over a creamy polenta is a winning combo.
Cooking beef low and slow makes for a tender dish paired with hearty vegetables and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Italian Beef Stew:
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds beef chuck, trimmed & cubed
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
6 carrots, chopped
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 bay leaves
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Polenta:
1 tube San Gennaro Traditional Italian Polenta
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken stock
½ cup parmesan, grated
Instructions
Make the Italian Beef Stew:
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Season beef with salt and pepper to taste. Add beef to the skillet and cook until evenly browned about 2-3 minutes. Transfer the meat to a large pot or 6-qt slow cooker.
Add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to the large pot or slow cooker. Add the beef broth, cider vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and bay leaves—season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. If using the oven: cover, transfer to a 325F oven, and cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours or until the beef is tender. If using a slow cooker: cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
Near the end of cooking, whisk together flour and 1/2 cup of stew broth in a small bowl. Add the thick flour mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for 30 more minutes or until thickened.
Make the creamy polenta:
Just before you are ready to eat, prepare the creamy polenta. Creamy polenta recipe can be found here.
Time to enjoy! In shallow bowls, serve creamy polenta topped with a hearty spoonful of stew.