Main Course · Dinner · Eastern European ·

Tender Croatian Pasticada with Gnocchi and Prunes

Name: Tender Croatian Pasticada with Gnocchi and Prunes
Prep time: 100 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 400 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef rump or round, whole piece; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup red wine; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1-2 sprigs rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 bay leaves; 1 cup beef broth; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup prunes, pitted and chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 lb potatoes, peeled; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg, beaten; Salt to taste

Indulge in the traditional flavors of Croatia with this hearty and savory pasticada, served with soft gnocchi and the subtle sweetness of prunes.

4.4(708 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 7, 2025

Tender Croatian Pasticada with Gnocchi and Prunes — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h 40 min

Cook

5 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Beef Marinade

For the Pasticada

For the Gnocchi

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 606 kcal
Protein: 47.5 g
Carbs: 50.3 g
Fat: 20.5 g
Fiber: 5.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3638 kcal
Protein: 285 g
Carbs: 302 g
Fat: 123 g
Fiber: 33 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 lbs beef rump or round, whole piece	1820	244	0	88	0
3 cloves garlic, minced	13	1	3	0	0
1 cup red wine	185	0	5	0	0
1/4 cup red wine vinegar	14	0	0	0	0
1-2 sprigs rosemary	3	0	1	0	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 tablespoons olive oil	239	0	0	27	0
1 large onion, finely chopped	63	2	15	0	3
2 carrots, sliced	50	1	12	0	4
2 celery stalks, sliced	14	1	3	0	1
2 bay leaves	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup beef broth	17	3	1	1	0
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes	125	5	28	1	7
1/2 cup prunes, pitted and chopped	209	2	55	0	6
1 tablespoon tomato paste	13	0	3	0	1
1 lb potatoes, peeled	350	8	81	0	7
1 cup all-purpose flour	455	13	95	1	3
1 egg, beaten	68	5	1	5	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Beef

1
Combine ingredients
Combine garlic, red wine, vinegar, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large container.
2
Submerge the beef
Submerge the beef in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
Tip: Ensure beef is fully submerged in marinade for best results.
3
Dry the beef
Remove from marinade and pat dry before cooking.

Preparing the Gnocchi

1
Boil and mash potatoes
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash while still warm.
2
Form the dough
Mix mashed potatoes with flour, egg, and salt until a dough forms.
3
Shape the gnocchi
Roll out dough and cut into small gnocchi pieces.
Tip: Dust gnocchi with flour to prevent sticking while preparing.

How to Make Tender Croatian Pasticada with Gnocchi and Prunes

Total time: 6 h 40 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Searing the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
2
Cooking the Pasticada
Add onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir in beef broth, tomatoes, prunes, and tomato paste, ensuring everything is well combined.
3
Simmering
Allow the mixture to cook over low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.