Authentic Croatian Bean Stew Recipe - Hearty and Delicious

Authentic Croatian Beef recipe — Croatian Bean Stew. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Croatian Bean Stew Recipe - Hearty and Delicious

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup dry white beans (soaked overnight)
  • 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into cubes)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 medium carrots (sliced)
  • 1 cup potatoes (diced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper (to taste)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp parsley (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the Beans

    Soak the dry white beans in water overnight. Drain and set aside.

    Using fresh beans will improve flavor.
  2. Sear the Beef

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides.

    Don't overcrowd the pan to achieve a good sear.
  3. Sauté Vegetables

    Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Stir frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients

    Stir in carrots, potatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and soaked beans.

    Ensure the broth covers all ingredients.
  5. Simmer the Stew

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans and beef are tender.

    Check occasionally and add more broth if necessary.
  6. Final Touches

    Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

    Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Tags: Warming,Soup,Beans

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 4 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened.

What to Serve With

Complete your international meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Authentic Croatian Bean Stew Recipe - Hearty and Delicious is a beloved dish from International cuisine.

International cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 14 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but reduce cooking time as canned beans are pre-cooked.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories480kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium800mgmg
Total Carbohydrates50gg
Dietary Fiber12gg
Total Sugars3gg
Protein30gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CategorySoups