Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Tortellini Beef Stew is the ultimate soul-warming dish for chilly evenings. This recipe combines succulent stew meat, tender cheese tortellini, and a medley of vegetables, creating a satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for the whole family.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound of stew meat, sliced into one-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil (divided)
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 large zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 cup of dry red wine
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 3 1/2 cups of beef broth
- 1 (9-ounce) package of cheese tortellini
- 1 package of frozen spinach (around 10 ounces)
Instructions:
- Coating the Meat: Start by taking a plastic bag and placing the pepper and flour inside. Drop the stew meat into the bag and coat it thoroughly.
- Browning the Meat: In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pieces of coated meat in the oil, ensuring they develop a nice sear on all sides. Once browned, set the meat aside.
- Sautéing the Vegetables: In the same Dutch oven, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the diced carrots, chopped celery, and sliced zucchini until they begin to soften, which should take around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano for another minute to release their aromatic flavors.
- Adding the Liquids: Pour in the dry red wine and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. Then, add the can of crushed tomatoes, browned meat, and beef broth, creating a hearty broth filled with savory goodness.
- Simmering and Cooking: Add the frozen spinach (no need to thaw) and the cheese tortellini to the Dutch oven. Let the stew simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the tortellini are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Serving: Ladle this delicious Tortellini Beef Stew into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired and serve hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450
- Total fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on factors like the brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the stew and simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this stew based on your preferences. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas can be delightful additions.