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
Scale
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.
