Introduction

This Chunky Beef and Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any day you crave a warm and filling meal. Tender chunks of beef melt in your mouth alongside pillowy gnocchi, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying, homemade soup that’s sure to please the whole family.

A close-up view of a thick beef stew in a white pot with a shiny dark red outer surface and a silver handle, the stew has a reddish-brown sauce filled with chunky pieces of dark brown beef, small round light brown potatoes, orange carrot slices, and green parsley leaves scattered on top. The background is a white marbled texture with a glimpse of a striped cloth towel underneath the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/2 lbs chuck roast, fat trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 small yellow onions, chopped
1/2 cup sliced celery
2 medium carrots, finely diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup red cooking wine
4 cups beef broth
1 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup water
1 lb potato gnocchi
4 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chuck roast pieces with salt and pepper. In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef and cook for about 8-10 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the soup pot. Sauté the chopped onions, sliced celery, and diced carrots for 7-8 minutes until tender.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for about 30 seconds to release their aromas, then pour in the red cooking wine while stirring.
Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and let the beef become tender.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the soup along with the soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and potato gnocchi. Stir gently and cook for about 5 minutes until the gnocchi is fully cooked and the soup thickens slightly.
Step 6: Stir in the fresh chopped parsley and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings if needed, then serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot and getting steamed instead of seared meat.
Use homemade or store-bought gnocchi depending on your preference; fresh gnocchi cooks faster and has a softer texture.
Add frozen peas or spinach near the end for extra color and nutrition.
If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the crushed red pepper flakes slightly or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. This soup does not freeze well because the gnocchi can become mushy upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick stew in a white pot with a wooden handle, showing rich brown sauce mixed with chunks of dark brown beef, bright orange carrot slices, small light yellow potato pieces, and bits of translucent onions, all garnished with small green herb leaves. A metal ladle lifts a scoop of the stew, with visible layers of juicy meat, soft vegetables, and glossy sauce, while the background shows a blurred white marbled texture and a red cloth under the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chuck roast with other slow-cooking beef cuts like brisket or short ribs for tender, flavorful results.

Do I have to add wine to the soup?

No, the red cooking wine adds depth but can be omitted or replaced with an equal amount of beef broth or water if you prefer to avoid alcohol.