Name: Tuscan Beef Stew with Polenta
Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time
Yield: Makes 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red onion, cut into medium dice; 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 3 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 2 pounds stew beef, such as boneless chuck, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 1/2 cups dry red wine; 8 sprigs fresh thyme; 3 medium tomatoes, halved; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cups vegetable stock or broth; 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)

Debi Mazar shared this recipe exclusively with Epicurious.

When making this rich dish, Mazar likes to multiply the recipe by one and a half. Leftovers can be quickly heated and served over pasta for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner.

Cook's note:

If you're short on time, instant polenta can be substituted for regular. The cooking method will be the same, but it should be ready in about 3 minutes.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.