Game Food – Hearty Beef Stew Recipe – Italian Style!

It’s game day this weekend and we have been busy pondering and planning the ‘snacks’ surrounding the big event.  It’s a food, football and friends kind-a-day.

Aside from the traditional wings, meatballs, sliders, potato skins, chili and chips, here’s a hearty, comforting and tasty beef stew – Italian-Style!  Serve with garlic bread and a salad for an e-a-s-y Entrée to share with your family & friends.  It’s a tomato-base, meaty dish loaded with veggies and on the ‘healthier’ side of game and comfort food.

With that being said…. Here ya go!

Italian-Style Beef Stew –  A Comfort Food!

• 1-1/2 cups lean top round (preferably grass-fed) cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce, preferably homemade
• 2 cups crushed canned tomatoes in juice (do not drain)
• 2-1/2 cups peeled and cubed potatoes – about 1/2 –inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh green beans cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 Tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

Rinse beef cubes and pat dry with paper towels.  On medium-high heat, brown beef in olive oil, turning as it browns.  Add chopped onion and brown until caramelized.  Add minced garlic and stir a few stirs.  Pour the wine, scraping up the brown bits at the bottom of the saucepan for approximately 5 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients and spices.  Cover saucepan and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Water can be added if you like it ‘soupier’.

Note:  This can also be prepared in a crock pot and kept warm during the game.  After the ‘browning of the beef, onion and garlic, add to the crockpot with remaining ingredients and cook on low for approximately 6-7 hours.

Topping Suggestions, Optional:  Grated Parmesan, Fresh Mozzarella Slices, Fresh Basil ribbons, Chopped Olives, Garlic Bread Cut into Cubes