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

The image shows a white bowl in the center filled with small ridged yellow gnocchi. Around the bowl are raw ingredients on a white marbled surface: top right has a white plate with small pieces of red raw beef, top left shows a few green celery sticks, bottom left has light brown potatoes and scattered green peas, bottom right shows small bright orange baby carrots, and to the right of the bowl there are several pinkish-white garlic cloves. Near the celery are red chili flakes scattered on the surface. The colors are natural and fresh, with each item clearly separated. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

A black cast iron pot filled with a stew containing bright orange baby carrots, small green peas, golden small potato pieces, and tender chunks of brown meat in a thick brown sauce. Inside the pot, a red spoon is partially submerged in the stew, stirring the ingredients. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.