How to Make Spezzatino di Manzo: A Traditional Italian Beef Stew

 

If you’re craving comfort food that’s full of flavour and steeped in Italian tradition, look no further than Spezzatino di Manzo. This rustic beef stew is slow-cooked with vegetables, herbs, and wine, making it rich, hearty, and perfect for chilly days or a cosy Sunday dinner. Served with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread, this dish is a true taste of Italy’s countryside kitchens.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

🥘 What Is Spezzatino di Manzo?

Spezzatino di Manzo (pronounced spet-tsah-TEE-no dee MAN-zo) is a classic Italian beef stew made from cubed stewing beef slowly braised with onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and wine. The name “spezzatino” comes from the Italian word spezzare, meaning “to break into pieces”, referring to the chunks of meat used.

It’s a versatile and comforting meal, with regional variations across Italy — some include peas, potatoes, or even mushrooms. The slow-cooked meat becomes wonderfully tender, and the sauce rich and flavourful.

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📝 Ingredients for Spezzatino di Manzo (Serves 4–6)

800g stewing beef (such as chuck or brisket), cut into 4cm cubes

2 tbsp plain flour

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 celery sticks, chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

200ml dry red wine

400g tin chopped tomatoes

250ml beef stock

1 bay leaf

1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Optional: a handful of frozen peas (added near the end)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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🍳 How to Make Spezzatino di Manzo: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the beef

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then dust with plain flour. This helps develop a rich, thick sauce during cooking.

2. Brown the beef

In a large, heavy-based pan or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Set aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the vegetables

In the same pan, reduce the heat and add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté gently for about 8–10 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

4. Deglaze with wine

Return the beef to the pan and pour in the red wine. Stir to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.

5. Add tomatoes and stock

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, bay leaf, and rosemary. Bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Slow cook the stew

Cover with a lid and cook on a low heat for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. If using peas, stir them in during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking.

7. Finish and serve

Remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favourite sides.

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🍽️ What to Serve with Spezzatino di Manzo

Spezzatino di Manzo is incredibly versatile. Try serving it with:

Creamy mashed potatoes

Soft polenta

Buttered tagliatelle or pappardelle

Crusty Italian bread to mop up the sauce

For drinks, a glass of bold red wine such as Chianti, Montepulciano, or Barolo makes the perfect pairing.

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💡 Tips for the Best Spezzatino di Manzo

Use well-marbled beef – Cuts like chuck, blade, or brisket become melt-in-the-mouth after slow cooking.

Cook it low and slow – Patience brings out the richness and tenderness of the meat.

Let it rest – Like many stews, this dish tastes even better the next day once the flavours have developed.

Use fresh herbs when possible – Rosemary and bay leaves add an earthy depth that lifts the whole dish.

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🇮🇹 Why You’ll Love Spezzatino di Manzo

This dish is the ultimate in Italian home cooking — humble ingredients, cooked with care, that come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re new to Italian cuisine or simply looking for a new winter warmer, Spezzatino di Manzo is a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Its rich sauce, tender meat, and warming aroma make it ideal for a Sunday roast alternative, a make-ahead family dinner, or even a cosy date-night dish.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Spezzatino di Manzo is the definition of Italian comfort food — rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. With its deeply flavoured sauce and fall-apart beef, it’s a recipe that belongs in every home cook’s collection. Give it a try, and bring a little bit of Italy to your dinner table.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

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