There is something truly magical about a dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction with every bite, and that is exactly what you get with “Savory Croatian Beef with Heavenly Gnocchi.” This hearty, slow-cooked beef stew is rich with traditional Croatian flavors, simmered to tender perfection, and paired with soft, buttery gnocchi that melts in your mouth. Every spoonful offers a beautiful balance of smoky paprika, herby thyme, and the brightness of fresh parsley, crowned with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s an irresistible comfort food experience that’s perfect for cozy dinners with friends and family, promising to become your new favorite weeknight showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple yet essential ingredients that collectively create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender beef chuck providing hearty texture to the fresh herbs and spices adding depth and color to the dish.
- Beef chuck (2 pounds): Use well-marbled beef for tenderness and rich flavor after slow cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables, adding subtle fruitiness.
- Large onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and the foundation for the stew’s savory base.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
- Large carrot, diced: Brings natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Celery stalks, diced (2): Offers an earthy crunch and balances the stew’s richness.
- Dry red wine (1 cup): Perfect for deglazing and adding a nuanced tangy complexity.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the meaty taste.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): Adds acidity and tomatoey body to the sauce.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the stew.
- Bay leaves (2): Introduce a subtle herbal fragrance that elevates the stew.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a smoky warmth and beautiful red hue.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a delicate herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound): Soft, pillowy dough dumplings that complement the beef perfectly.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For tossing the gnocchi to add richness and sheen.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Provides a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty topping that enhances flavor and texture.
How to Make “Savory Croatian Beef with Heavenly Gnocchi”
Step 1: Brown the Beef Cubes
Start by heating olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Adding the beef cubes in batches ensures they brown evenly without steaming. This step is crucial for developing the deep, savory foundation that forms the heart of “Savory Croatian Beef with Heavenly Gnocchi.” Once browned, set the beef aside to prepare the vegetable base.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté them until they soften, about five minutes, releasing natural sweetness and forming the stew’s body. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, which will awaken your senses with its fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Stew
Return the beef to the pot and pour in the dry red wine to deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits clinging to the bottom — those little pieces pack a ton of flavor. Let the wine reduce by half; this concentrates its character, adding an elegant tang.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Now pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and stir in tomato paste. Toss in bay leaves, smoked paprika, dried thyme, plus salt and pepper to your liking. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then partially cover and let it cook low and slow for 2 to 2.5 hours. This slow simmer transforms the beef into fork-tender morsels and melds the rich flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Cook and Prepare the Gnocchi
While the stew is nearing completion, prepare your potato gnocchi according to package instructions. Boil them in salted water until they float to the surface, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and toss them with butter and half of the fresh parsley to add luscious silkiness and freshness—the perfect cozy carbohydrate partner to the savory beef stew.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaves from the stew and give it a final taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the tender Croatian beef stew over or alongside the buttery gnocchi, then garnish with remaining parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds a salty, nutty dimension that completes the comforting dish.
How to Serve “Savory Croatian Beef with Heavenly Gnocchi”
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese are classic garnishes that bring brightness and a savory contrast to the rich stew and gnocchi. You can also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a lush finish or a pinch of crushed chili flakes if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance. Crusty rustic bread is also a wonderful accompaniment for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner presentation, serve the stew in shallow bowls with a nest of gnocchi in the center. Sprinkle with colorful herbs and individual Parmesan shards for an elegant touch. You might also experiment by baking the combined stew and gnocchi briefly under the broiler for a golden finish that adds a delightful textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
“Savory Croatian Beef with Heavenly Gnocchi” actually benefits from an overnight rest as the flavors deepen even further. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring you keep the beef stew and gnocchi separate if possible to preserve texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the beef stew without any issue, ideally without the gnocchi, for up to 3 months. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick. Reheat gnocchi by warming briefly in butter or tossing gently in hot water. Avoid microwave reheating for gnocchi to keep its tender texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While beef chuck is ideal for its fat content and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or short ribs depending on what’s available. Just ensure the meat is suitable for long, slow braising.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Choose gluten-free gnocchi made from potatoes or alternative flours, and verify that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, “Savory Croatian Beef with Heavenly Gnocchi” can be safely enjoyed without gluten.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely. After browning the beef and sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add gnocchi just before serving so they don’t overcook.
How do I make homemade gnocchi to go with this dish?
Homemade gnocchi are surprisingly simple to make using potatoes, flour, and egg. They add a rustic, fresh touch to the recipe. You can roll, cut, and boil them just like store-bought for that authentic feel.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to the stew?
Yes! Some people love adding chopped smoked sausage or pancetta for added richness. Mushrooms or bell peppers also work well if you want to experiment with textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a deeply satisfying dish that feels like a warm embrace, “Savory Croatian Beef with Heavenly Gnocchi” is an absolute must-try. It brings together the best of slow-cooked, soulful flavors and pillowy gnocchi in perfect harmony. Once you make it, I promise it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with loved ones on any night you crave something wonderful and comforting. So grab your ingredients, take your time, and enjoy every bite of this unforgettable Croatian-inspired delight.
Print
“Savory Croatian Beef with Heavenly Gnocchi”
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Croatian
Description
Savory Croatian Beef with Heavenly Gnocchi is a hearty and comforting main course featuring tender slow-cooked beef chuck stewed in a rich tomato and red wine sauce. Paired with buttery potato gnocchi and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this traditional Croatian recipe delivers deep flavors and satisfying textures perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Beef Stew
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown evenly on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Combine: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the red wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half for concentrated flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Stew: Partially cover the pot and cook gently on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens richly.
- Cook the Gnocchi: While the stew simmers, cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions by boiling in salted water. When the gnocchi float to the surface (about 2 to 3 minutes), drain them.
- Toss Gnocchi: Toss the drained gnocchi with butter and half of the chopped parsley to add flavor and a glossy finish.
- Final Touches and Serve: Remove bay leaves from the stew. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the tender Croatian beef stew alongside or over the buttery gnocchi. Garnish with remaining parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in red wine with garlic and herbs overnight before cooking.
- Use fresh homemade gnocchi for a more rustic and authentic texture.
- Add smoked sausage or pancetta to the stew for enhanced richness.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
