If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that brings comfort in every spoonful, you’ve got to try this Gnocchi Beef Stew Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender beef, fluffy gnocchi, and garden-fresh vegetables all simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. This stew is a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for sharing with family or friends, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare despite its gourmet taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this stew plays a vital role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine. From the tender chunks of beef to the delicate bite of gnocchi, each element is essential to creating that perfect stew harmony.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for searing the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 lb beef chunks (cut into 1/2" cubes): The hearty protein that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
- 3 tbsp salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the aromatics.
- 1 white onion (finely chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the stew.
- 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped): Infuses the stew with aromatic warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups baby carrots: Offer a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 stalk celery (chopped): Adds a savory crunch and freshness to the mix.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the stew to that perfect stew-like consistency.
- 5 cups beef stock: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
- 1 cup potatoes (diced): Provide heartiness and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Add a pop of color and a sweet finish.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme): Lifts the stew with an herby aroma.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Brings a gentle heat to the dish.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses subtle earthy notes throughout the cooking process.
- 16 oz gnocchi: The tender, pillowy little dumplings that transform the stew into something utterly special.
How to Make Gnocchi Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. When it’s nice and hot, drop in your beef cubes, making sure not to crowd them. Let each side develop a beautiful golden crust by searing for about two minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and brings out deep, savory flavors. Once seared, remove the beef chunks and set them aside—don’t worry, we’ll bring them back soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, melt your salted butter in the same pot. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, baby carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for 2 to 3 minutes until they become wonderfully fragrant and just start to soften. Now sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir everything really well so the flour coats the vegetables evenly. This simple makeover helps thicken the stew later, giving you that luscious, hearty texture.
Step 3: Build the Stew
Slowly pour the beef stock into the pot while stirring constantly to avoid lumps forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then nestle the seared beef back into the pot. Add diced potatoes, frozen peas, thyme, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and the bay leaf. Reduce the heat to let everything simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can simmer for 10 minutes up to a full hour. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful that beef becomes, so be patient and stir occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
In the final five minutes of cooking, toss in the gnocchi. Gnocchi cooks quickly and absorbs all the rich stew flavors while becoming delightfully tender. Keep an eye on the cooking time following the package instructions for perfect texture. Once the gnocchi is cooked through, remove the bay leaf and prepare to serve this comforting masterpiece immediately.
How to Serve Gnocchi Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your stew from wonderful to wow. Consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few thyme leaves for a burst of herbal brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a grating of Parmesan cheese adds a velvety richness that beautifully complements the flavors.
Side Dishes
This stew is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad can round out the meal. A warm baguette to soak up that flavorful broth or a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette bring lovely texture contrasts and freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the stew in rustic bowls or even in hollowed-out bread bowls for that extra cozy touch. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or rosemary to make it look like you stepped right out of a countryside kitchen. This dish is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
Gnocchi Beef Stew Recipe is freezer-friendly too. Place cooled stew in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. This gentle reheating keeps the beef tender and the gnocchi soft and delicious, reviving that fresh-cooked goodness every time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef chunks work beautifully, you can substitute with lamb or even pork shoulder for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times accordingly if needed to ensure tenderness.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add the gnocchi during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of frozen?
Fresh gnocchi works wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that fresh gnocchi cooks faster than frozen, so add it in the last few minutes and watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
How thick should the stew be?
This Gnocchi Beef Stew Recipe should have a thick, hearty consistency — not too soupy but with enough broth to coat the gnocchi and beef beautifully. The flour and slow simmer help achieve that perfect thickness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry as a thickener, and ensure that your gnocchi is gluten-free. There are great gluten-free gnocchi options available in most grocery stores nowadays.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy satisfaction of this Gnocchi Beef Stew Recipe that combines tender beef, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this stew hugs your soul and excites your taste buds. I absolutely encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—it’s the kind of meal everyone will be asking you to make again and again.
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Gnocchi Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This hearty Gnocchi Beef Stew combines tender seared beef chunks, fresh vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi simmered in a rich, flavorful beef stock. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices, this comforting stew is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef chunks (cut into 1/2″ cubes)
- 3 tbsp salted butter
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 white onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups baby carrots
- 1 stalk celery (chopped)
- 1 cup potatoes (diced)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
Dry Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 16 oz gnocchi
Liquids
- 5 cups beef stock
Instructions
- Searing the beef: Place a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef chunks and sear each side for about 2 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside to preserve the browned crust and flavor.
- Sautéing the vegetables: Add the salted butter to the same pot and let it melt. Then, add the finely chopped onion, garlic, baby carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables become fragrant and slightly softened. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly, which will help thicken the stew.
- Building the stew: Slowly pour in the beef stock while continuously stirring to avoid lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Return the seared beef to the pot, then add the diced potatoes, frozen peas, fresh thyme, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the stew for a minimum of 10 minutes, up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to develop deep flavors and tenderize the beef and vegetables.
- Adding the gnocchi: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the gnocchi directly to the stew. Cook until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through, following the package instructions timing closely. Remove the bay leaf before serving to ensure no tough texture or overpowering flavor remains.
- Serving: Serve the stew hot immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal with family or friends.
Notes
- Using a Dutch oven helps to evenly distribute heat and retain moisture during simmering.
- Searing the beef prior to simmering locks in flavor and texture.
- The flour used after sautéing vegetables acts as a natural thickener for the stew.
- Fresh thyme provides a brighter herbaceous note, but dried thyme can be used as a substitute.
- For a spicier stew, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Gnocchi adds a delightful tender texture and makes this stew particularly filling.
- The stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
