Warm, rich, and full of Italian flavor! This Rustic Italian Beef Stew features tender chunks of beef simmered with herbs, tomatoes, and potatoes for a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
A Warm Hug. . .from Aunt Rosa’s Kitchen to Yours!
There’s something magical about the aroma of a slow-simmered stew drifting through the kitchen. This Rustic Italian Beef Stew, or Spezzatino di Manzo, feels like a warm hug from the Italian countryside — the kind of meal Aunt Rosa might have made after a long day at the family trattoria.
Using simple ingredients like beef, onions, carrots, and herbs, this stew develops a deep, comforting flavor as it cooks low and slow. It’s hearty enough for Sunday dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight meal, and it’s sure to transport your taste buds straight to Tuscany.
Beef Stew. . .with a Twist!
I love a good beef stew, so this recipe is right up my alley. But now that I’ve tasted Aunt Rosa’s Italian version, I can honestly say that I’ll be making mine this way from now on.
There’s something about the addition of those herbs and spices that took this stew above and beyond the norm, (and that’s really saying something because I make a mean beef stew).
Make it and then leave a comment below to share your thoughts. (I’m guessing you’re going to love it, too!)
At a Glance
- Skill Level: Easy
- Flavor Profile: Savory, herby, and rich with tomato and beef undertones
- Options Included: Serve with bread, pasta, or polenta
- Best For: Cozy dinners, Sunday suppers, or anytime you crave Italian comfort food
Rustic Beef Stew Ingredients
You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a peek at what you’ll need. These are simple ingredients! I’m guessing you already have them on hand in your pantry or fridge.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or a fresh sprig)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or a fresh sprig)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (for depth if you’re skipping the wine)
How to Make Rustic Beef Stew (Aunt Rosa Style!)
This comes together so easily. What a wonderful process!
Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides in batches, removing them to a plate as you go.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté 5–6 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic.
Build Flavor: Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmer: Return beef to the pot. Add broth, herbs, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1½–2 hours until beef is tender.
Add Potatoes: Stir in diced potatoes and continue simmering 30–40 minutes until they’re soft and the stew thickens.
Finish: Discard bay leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar to taste.
Serve hot with crusty bread or creamy polenta.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this stew with a hunk of crusty bread or a creamy bed of polenta. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil before serving makes it pop. For photos, you can style it with a vintage bowl and a glass of crème de violette — the perfect stand-in for red wine that adds a lovely, romantic hue to your setup.
What to Expect
Get ready to fall head over heels for this stew! Every bite is packed with tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty potatoes, and a rich tomato broth infused with classic Italian herbs.
The flavors develop slowly as it simmers, creating a deep, savory base that’s both comforting and elegant. This is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell heavenly for hours — the kind Aunt Rosa would have served with pride at her Sunday table.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, you can expect a truly soul-satisfying bowl of Italian comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Thanks for Stopping By!
Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?
About the Author
Hi, I’m Janice Thompson, author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! I’m passionate about creating dishes that feel like they stepped out of the pages of a storybook. This rustic Italian stew was inspired by Aunt Rosa, the beloved cook from my Weddings by Bella series. Just like Aunt Rosa, I believe the best meals are made with love, laughter, and a touch of Italian charm.
