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Home » Meat » Turkish Beef Stew (Dana Guvec)

Published: Jan 25, 2013 · Modified: Mar 16, 2022 by Zerrin & Yusuf

Turkish Beef Stew (Dana Guvec)

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This Turkish beef stew, also known as dana guvec, is perfect for cold days. It is easy to make despite taking some time. But the slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy. 

Beef stew with vegetables in a clay pot.

If you have never used clay pots, we have prepared a guide about cooking with clay pots. You might find it helpful. And if you like comforting stews like this, you might want to see our meatball stew recipe too.

This Turkish beef stew (aka dana guvec) is traditionally cooked in a clay pot or güveç as we say in Turkish. But you can cook it in your regular pot as well. If you love meat dishes, you might want to see our kebab recipes, Turkish karniyarik and Turkish white bean stew too. 

Jump to:
  • What is güveç?
  • Why should you make this recipe?
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to Make
  • Expert Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • FAQs
  • More Hearty Dishes
  • More Meat Dishes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

What is güveç?

Güveç (or guvec) is the name of earthenware clay pots that are often used in Turkish cuisine. Many traditional Turkish casserole or stew dishes are cooked in these clay pots.

These dishes are also called with the same name like beef guvec, dana güveç (beef stew), lamb guvec, kuzu güveç (lamb stew), or chicken guvec, tavuk güveç (chicken stew).

Even if the dish is not cooked in a clay pot, it is called güveç today, which means 'stew' in English.

Clay pots are heat-proof, so you can use them (like cast iron) to cook on the stovetop or inside of an oven. They help retain oil and moisture to ensure your food comes out deliciously juicy. The dish has a unique authentic flavor when cooked in a clay pot. Aso, they require a slow cooking process, which helps the flavors in the dish blend well. 

Beef stew with vegetables in a earthenware pot.

Why should you make this recipe?

  • It is an easy beef stew that doesn’t require a lot of work. Although it takes some time to make, it doesn’t require a lot of labor. You can check in every 30 minutes.
  • This Turkish casserole with beef is packed with flavor. The natural meaty juices, vegetables, and combinations of spices we use for this recipe are well-balanced and extremely flavorful.
  • The meat is incredibly soft. This is all thanks to the slow cooking technique we are using.
  • This recipe is freezer friendly. You can make this beef casserole in advance and simply freeze it for later use.

Ingredients and Substitutions

This is a Turkish casserole made with beef and vegetables. These are the two main categories of ingredients to focus on when looking at options.

Diced beef, onions, garlic cloves, carrots, tomato paste, parsley and spices on a grey background.

Beef: When choosing a beef stew meat, we recommend not using lean meats. Make sure it is marbled (contains fat) because this will enrich the stew and make it soft and juicy too.

You can easily substitute the beef with lamb, turkey or chicken as well, but keep in mind that the cooking times will be much shorter.

Vegetables: We only add some onions (brown onion and pearl onions), garlic, potatoes, and carrots. We chop the brown onion and leave the pearl onions whole. You can either use one type of onion or use both as we do. All of these ingredients are incredibly flavorful once cooked, but won’t overwhelm the flavors of the meat and spices.

If you’d like, you can add a wider variety of vegetables including green beans, celery, eggplant, red or green pepper and zucchini.

Variations

There are quite a few massive variations you can make in this Turkish beef casserole recipe. 

Ground beef: You can use ground beef instead of beef cubes. This will reduce the cooking time a lot, giving you a delicious stew in about an hour.

Vegetarian: You can leave the meat out and make the dish with a variety of vegetables instead. Then, skip the stove-top cooking step and cook the dish in the oven until the vegetables are tender. Alternatively, you can substitute the meat with green or brown lentils. They will also add a meaty flavor and create a nice thick casserole.  

Cheese Topping: Traditionally, Turkish casserole with beef is not topped with cheese. However, you can see a cheese topping when it is made with ground beef or chicken. It is definitely a matter of preference. You can add some grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking. This will create a delicious cheese topping that is crispy and adds some creaminess too.

How to Make

This Turkish beef stew recipe is made in a clay pot to create a delicious authentic casserole dish. While it does take a while to cook, it doesn’t require a lot of labor and you will be left with a juicy beef stew.

Diced beef and onions in a clay pot.
  1. Heat some olive oil in a clay or cast iron pot or any other pot that you are using). Then, add the onions and sauté them until translucent. Add the beef pieces and stir the mixture.
Diced beef cooked with onions in a clay pot.
  1. Cook the meat covered over medium-low heat until the meat starts releasing its juices.
  2. While the meat is cooking, combine the tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, and 1 cup of hot water. Add this tomato sauce mixture to the cooked meat.
  3. Simmer the mixture for at least 1 hour over low heat.  After 30 minutes, check how much water is left and add some more if needed. This will help prevent the ingredients from burning.
Beef stew with tomato sauce in a clay pot to be baked.
  1. After 1 hour of cooking, add the potatoes, carrots, garlic cloves and another cup of hot water. Cover the top of the pot with foil and bake the stew in a preheated oven (350F/180C) for 45-50 minutes.
  2. Once finished, serve the Turkish casserole immediately with some freshly chopped parsley.
A hand holding the lid of the clay pot that has beef stew inside.

Expert Tips

  • Traditionally, this Turkish beef stew is made in clay pots called güveç. These pots can be used on the stove-top and inside the oven. However, you can also use oven-proof cookware like cast iron pans and Dutch ovens.
  • You can use any beef cut that works well for casseroles and stews. Usually, the label will also give you an indication of the best way to cook the meat. We prefer using beef chuck and cutting it into smaller pieces. It becomes nice and tender after prolonged slow cooking.
  • You have to check the amount of liquid left after 30 minutes of cooking. If the water has been completely cooked out, your food will start burning. If you have almost no water left, you can add another quarter cup at a time and complete the 1-hour stovetop cooking. You can also stir every now and then to ensure your food isn't burning.
  • If you are not working with an oven-proof pot when cooking the dish on the stove-top, transfer the cooked stew into a baking pan and cover the pan with foil before baking it in the oven. We prefer using ceramic or glass baking dishes as they are easier to clean.
  • To store: Let the stew cool completely and then keep this casserole for 3-4 days in the fridge or for 1-2 months in the freezer. Make sure you transfer it from the clay pot into a baking pan or an airtight container. Clay pots are not recommended for storing food. 
  • To reheat: It is best to reheat this casserole in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of water. Thawing overnight is better if it is frozen.
Beef stew with potatoes and carrots served on a white and blue plate and the clay pot is on the side.

Serving Suggestions

This Turkish dana guvec is incredibly versatile when it comes to accompaniments you can serve with it. 

Breads: We highly recommend serving some bread that will absorb the delicious sauce the stew makes. Pide bread, cornbread, or soft dinner rolls all make excellent sides for this beef stew.

Side Dishes: You can always have a look at some of our other popular side dishes such as rice with orzo, Middle Eastern rice, or bulgur pilaf. All of these sides will add a traditional feel to the table, especially if you serve this beef stew in a clay pot.

Salads: You can also make some salad like our shepherd salad, piyaz or a refreshing radish salad. 

And, you can even serve a fresh dip on the side. We love this cacik recipe or making Turkish yogurt or strained yogurt from scratch.

FAQs

Should I brown stew meat first?

Most beef stew recipes tell you to brown the diced meat first. The flavor of browned meat enriches the whole stew. However, in this Turkish beef stew casserole recipe, you don’t need that extra step. Just let the beef pieces release water and then absorb it back. You will have a super flavorful dish.

What does tomato paste do for beef stew?

Tomato paste gives a nice color and deep tomato taste to the stew. Also, it helps thicken the dish.

Can I make this Turkish casserole in a stainless steel pot?

Yes you can use a stainless steel pot but make sure to transfer the dish into an oven-proof baking pan after completing the stovetop cooking process.

More Hearty Dishes

  • Kapuska
  • White Bean Stew
  • Meatball Stew

More Meat Dishes

  • Izmir kofte
  • Kadinbudu Kofte
  • Lamb Kebab
  • Sac Kavurma (Lamb Sauté)

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📖 Recipe

Turkish Beef Stew (Dana Guvec)

Beef casserole with potatoes and carrots in a clay pot.
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 3 reviews

Beef stew with onion, garlic, potatoes and carrots. It is flavored with a tomato paste sauce and cooked in a clay pot first on the stove top then in the oven. A perfect comfort food.

  • Author: Zerrin & Yusuf
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Turkish

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • A handful of pearl onions, peeled but not chopped (optional)

  • 500g (1.1 pound) diced beef (not lean) (or beef chuck cut into 1-inch pieces)

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • 2 cups hot water, divided

  • 2 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks

  • 2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks 

  • 6 cloves garlic

  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a clay pot or in a cast iron pot (or whatever pot you have).
  2. Sauté onions until translucent.

  3. Add in the beef pieces and give it a stir. Cook it covered over medium low heat until the meat releases juice and then it absorbs almost all of it.

  4. In a small bowl, mix together tomato paste, salt, black pepper, paprika and 1 cup of hot water. Pour it over the beef in the pot and cook it covered over low heat for 1 hour. Check it after 30 minute or so and if there is too little water left, add some extra water (¼ cup) to prevent it from burning.

  5. Preheat the oven to 350F/180C in the last 15 minutes of cooking. 

  6. When the 1-hour cooking duration is over, remove it from the heat. Add potatoes, carrots and garlic into the pot. Pour the remaining 1 cup hot water. 

  7. Cover the top of the pot with foil. If the pot you are using is not oven-proof, pour the dish into a baking pan and cover it with foil.

  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes.

  9. Garnish with chopped parsley when serving. 

Notes

  1. Traditionally, this beef stew is made in clay pots but you can use oven-proof cookware like a cast iron pan too.
  2. Use beef chuck and cut it into pieces or read the label of the meat you buy. If it says it is good for casseroles and stews, it is ok.

  3. Check the meat during the first cooking in the pot over stove top after about 30 minutes. If there is almost no water left, add some hot water and keep cooking and complete the 1-hour cooking time. Stir as needed.

  4. If your pot is oven-proof, you can cover its top with foil and directly put it in the oven. If it is not, pour the dish into a baking pan, cover it with foil and then put it in the oven.

  5. To store: Let the stew cool completely. You can keep this casserole for 3-4 days in the fridge or for 1-2 months in the freezer. Make sure you transfer it from the clay pot into a baking pan or an airtight container. Clay pots are not recommended for storing food. 

  6. To reheat: It is best to reheat this casserole in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of water. Thawing overnight is better if it is frozen.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 413
  • Sugar: 6.5 g
  • Sodium: 720.1 mg
  • Fat: 20.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein: 28.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 73.8 mg

Keywords: beef stew, Turkish casserole, Turkish stew

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Benat says

    October 05, 2022 at 4:17 am

    Can’t wait to make this. When do I add the garlic cloves? Do I leave them while?

    Reply
    • Zerrin & Yusuf says

      October 06, 2022 at 1:58 am

      Hi Benat!
      Yay! It is a great dinner during this season. Thank you for asking about the garlic cloves. Add them with potatoes and carrots. Just corrected the recipe card 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ozlem says

    October 04, 2022 at 3:36 am

    Hi Zerrin and Yusuf,
    This recipe reminds me my father's special dinner for us, every Sunday when I was a child:) I am very happy to see this delicious food. Thank you !

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Zerrin & Yusuf says

      October 06, 2022 at 2:02 am

      Hi Özlem,

      Yay! So happy to hear that this dish brought you lovely memories with your father. It is a traditional one, right?

      Reply
  3. Linda says

    March 23, 2022 at 3:44 am

    I have a clay pot gifted by a friend but had never used it until today. Followed the steps here and everyone in the family loved the result. Just added some peas because I love them. I will definitely be making this stew often. Thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Zerrin & Yusuf says

      March 23, 2022 at 3:49 am

      Hi Linda,
      So happy to hear that you liked this stew. So comforting right? Love the addition of peas.

      Reply
  4. Terry Thomas says

    January 27, 2020 at 6:04 am

    The title says "Beet Stew...", you may want to correct that.

    For information on cooking with a clay pot, look up "Romertopf" which is a brand of unglazed clay pots made in Germany. And, yes, you do not put these pots into a hot oven, you first soak the pot in cold water for at least a half hour, add the ingredients, then put it all into a COLD oven. Only then do you turn on the oven and everything slowly comes up to temperature. The water in the clay turns to steam.

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Yusuf says

      January 27, 2020 at 11:08 am

      Hi Terry! Thank you so much for the heads up! I've corrected that typo.
      Also, thank you so much for the information you share about clay pots!

      Reply
  5. Marcin says

    October 28, 2018 at 12:01 am

    I've inherited this pot from my Turkish friend who left it behind. First time trying the recipe. I'm a bit afraid using it on the stove top for fear of cracking it. Actually just from heating it up on the stove a flake from the inside exploded into the air. I guess the trick with these is to heat them up slowly.

    Reply
  6. Cynthia says

    February 07, 2016 at 10:04 am

    Hi Zerrin! My dear sister found one of these for me when visiting her husband's family in Kozan. It has a bit of black coloring on the outside but otherwise it is plain clay. Do you know what the black coloring is? Someone said to soak the pot in water before using it. What do you think? Also how do you clean the pot?
    In your recipe, it seems like you cook the stew on the cook top first and then put it in the oven. Is that right? I am afraid that if I cook it on the cooktop it will crack.
    Is this recipe for beef tava? My husband loves tava, he has happy memories of his co workers making tava for lunch and them eating out of the pan with pieces of ekmek. Do you have a recipe for ekmek?
    Thank you in advance, Cynthia

    Reply
    • Zerrin says

      February 11, 2016 at 12:03 am

      Hi Cynthia, I've seen such black colored clay pots. Although I'm not an expert on this, I don't think they have a difference from the other ones. I brushed every part of mine with olive oil and bake it in oven at 400F for about 30 minutes before my first cooking with it. My mother-in-law says this helps the clay pot stay fine longer.
      Also, it's not good to use any detergent to clean the pot as it absorbs the chemicals and you can't remove it no matter how well you wash it. Just hot water is enough.
      You can use clay pots both for oven baking and stovetop cooking as long as they don't have any cracks. Tava in a clay pot is one of the most scrumptious dishes in our cuisine. And eating it right from the pot is so much fun!
      You can find my ekmek recipes in the breads category. I think you'll love Bazlama Bread.

      Reply
  7. Turkey's For Life says

    February 15, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    Mmmm, there's a restaurant near Fethiye that cooks a dish just like this in exactly the same pot. This looks lovely, Zerrin. Great tip about brushing it with olive oil and putting it in the oven first. We've got one but it's glazed on the inside and we'd like an unglazed one but weren't sure what to do with it. Thanks. 🙂
    Julia

    Reply
    • Zerrin says

      February 19, 2013 at 11:41 pm

      Dishes become tastier when cooked in this kind of pot, don't they? It is said that you can use your pot longer when you cook it in the oven first.

      Reply

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