Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef chunks, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 5 cups beef stock
- 1/2 cup additional beef stock
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups baby carrots
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
Thickening and Seasoning
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
Additional
- 16 oz gnocchi
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Place a Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil. When hot, add beef chunks and sear each side for about 2 minutes until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add butter to the same pot and let it melt. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly. Stir in flour to coat the vegetables evenly, then gradually pour in 1/2 cup beef stock, stirring to deglaze the pot and create a smooth base.
- Simmer the Stew: Pour in remaining 5 cups beef stock and stir well. Bring to a boil, then add seared beef, diced potatoes, frozen peas, thyme, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–45 minutes until beef and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally and add more stock if needed.
- Add the Gnocchi: Five minutes before the stew finishes cooking, add gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions until tender and cooked through. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot immediately.
Notes
- For extra richness, use homemade beef stock if available.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
- For a spicy kick, increase red pepper flakes slightly.
- Frozen peas can be swapped with fresh peas when in season.
- Ensure not to overcook the gnocchi to maintain their pillowy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
