Italian Beef Stew with Peas is the perfect comfort food. A simple stew filled with chunks of tender beef and peas simmered in a perfectly spiced rich Tomato Sauce.

Italian Beef Stew

Yes stew season has hit and I am loving it. This simple and easy Beef Stew with Peas, fast became one of my favourites that my mother-in-law Maria would make.

I remember when I tried it for the first time it made me love peas even more than the Side Dish she would make.

This delicious Comfort Food Dish is made with frozen peas, bite size pieces of beef, spices and tomato puree, all simmered together to make the perfect Family dinner stew.

How to make Italian Beef Stew

In a large pot add the olive oil, minced garlic, shallot and chopped carrots.
Cook on medium heat for about two minutes.

Add the meat and brown for another two minutes.
Raise the heat to high, add the wine and cook until the wine has evaporated.

Add the stock, the tomato puree and the spices.

Cook on low, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes then add the frozen peas and cook another 10-15 minutes or until tender.

Check for salt, and add if necessary. Remove the bay leaf and serve.

What is the best beef for stew?

The best choice would be stewing beef which is trimmed and then cut into bite-size pieces. It is usually chuck or round tough cuts that become tender and flavourful when slowly simmered in a liquid.

The best cuts are either round cuts (bottom and eye) which are usually leaner than chuck (shoulder, leg and butt) and are perfect for a stew.

Does it matter what wine to add?

I usually add white wine because that is what I have on hand, but if you prefer a full-bodied tasting stew than go with red wine. White wine will give you a more delicate flavour.

What does dredging (coating) the meat in flour do?

Besides helping to thicken the sauce, coating the meat in flour helps to seal in the moisture to prevent it from becoming tough, to keep it from sticking to the pan, and helps to brown the food and provide a slightly crunchy surface.

More Delicious Stew Recipes to try

Homemade Pumpkin Stew

Italian Beef & Potato Stew

Easy Italian Lentils and Sausage Stew

My kids unlike me when I was a kid, asked me to make stew at least once a week.

What I like about stew besides the deliciousness, is the fact that once it is in the pot it cooks without much effort. Stir every now and again and all is well.

What’s even better is, it’s a meal in itself. Serve with slices of Italian crusty bread, a good glass of Italian wine and dinner is served. Buon Appetito!

Italian Beef Stew with Peas