Tuscan Black Pepper Beef Stew Braised in Chianti

Bring the rich flavors of Tuscany to your table with this hearty beef stew, slowly braised in Chianti wine and infused with bold black pepper and tender garlic. As the beef cooks low and slow, it becomes irresistibly tender while the wine transforms into a deeply flavorful sauce. Pair it with creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or rustic crusty bread for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients

• 2½ pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large cubes
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 (750 ml) bottle Chianti wine
• 1½ tablespoons coarsely crushed black peppercorns

Instructions

1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season evenly with the kosher salt.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic cloves and sauté for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
4. Working in batches, sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
5. Stir the crushed black pepper into the remaining oil and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
6. Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the Chianti wine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen the flavorful browned bits, then let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Return the beef and reserved garlic to the Dutch oven.
8. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for 1½ hours.
9. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender while still holding its shape.
10. For a richer sauce, transfer the beef to a serving dish and simmer the remaining cooking liquid over medium-high heat until it thickens slightly. Spoon the sauce over the beef before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Tuscan-inspired stew is delicious served with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or thick slices of rustic bread to soak up every drop of the rich wine sauce.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Yield: 4 servings
Approximate Calories: 772 per serving