Italian Hunter'S Stew
A hearty Italian stew featuring tender beef, flavorful tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with bold, rustic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean beef stew meat or round steak, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 3 large onions, quartered ⓘ
- 1 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 8 oz. mostaccioli or penne pasta, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. rosemary
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans Italian stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/3 c. shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Toss meat with flour and brown on all sides in oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven.
- Add onions and sauté until tender.
- Stir in beef broth, seasoned salt, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, and rosemary. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, and carrots.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until meat and carrots are tender.
- Stir in cooked pasta and heat through.
- Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the stew, consider marinating the beef overnight in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half of the beef with mushrooms or zucchini. You can also use chicken instead of beef for a different twist, making it a great opportunity to explore Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, consider serving it alongside Jane's Peasant Pasta for a hearty combination that will satisfy any appetite.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Hunter'S Stew contains roughly 778 calories, with 18g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (202% of the Daily Value), and calcium (150% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1447mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken or even pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken thighs may require less simmering time to stay tender.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the meat and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I freeze the Italian Hunter's Stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).