Italian Stew With Polenta
A hearty Italian stew with tender beef, flavorful tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and sweet carrots, perfect for comforting family dinners with creamy polenta on the side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a pan with olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Brown the stew meat, chopped onion, chopped celery with leaves, salt, pepper, rosemary, and sweet basil in the pan.
- Transfer the browned mixture to a roasting pan without draining the fat.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, baby carrots, and minced garlic to the roasting pan.
- Stir until well blended together.
- Pour in the glass of Concord grape wine and stir to combine.
- Place the roasting pan in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and cook for 2 hours, stirring frequently.
- Check occasionally and add a little water or wine if needed to maintain moisture.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider marinating the stew meat in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the meat mixture before browning. For vegetarian options, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables or mushrooms. This dish pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew over creamy polenta for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors beautifully. This dish also pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. For a complete Italian experience, consider serving alongside a Pasta Salad Italian.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Stew With Polenta contains roughly 495 calories, with 13g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (83% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1458mg 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 pork or chicken for different flavor profiles. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; chicken may require less time, while pork should be cooked until tender.
What can I do if the stew is too salty?
If your stew turns out too salty, you can balance it by adding a diced potato or a bit of sugar to absorb excess salt. Let it cook for a little longer and then taste again to adjust seasoning as needed.
Is there a way to make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day ahead and simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. It's perfect for meal prep!
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).