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
