Croatian “Zgvacet” Recipe

Name: Croatian “Zgvacet”
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500 g horse meat; 500 g beef (muscles); 2 onions, finely minced; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 2 cups tomatoes (strained tomatoe); 100 g bacon (pancetta, very finely minced, in small cubes); 1 teaspoon basil; 1 teaspoon marjoram; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon sugar (optional); 1 cup wine (white, preferably Istrian malvasia); 10 g salt; 5 g pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil

Servings: persons

500 g horse meat
500 g beef (muscles)
2 onions, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 cups tomatoes (strained tomatoe)
100 g bacon (pancetta, very finely minced, in small cubes)
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 cup wine (white, preferably Istrian malvasia)
10 g salt
5 g pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil

1
First slice the meat in peaces 2-3 cm large.
2
Put the olive oil in a pot and saute the onion until it is soft. Add the meat, salt pepper and bay leaf. Saute it for 15 minute When the meat relief the water, add bacon, garlic, majoran and basil and saute for 5 more minutes; than add the wine and saute until wine partly evaporates.
3
Add tomato and cook 30 min on easy fire. If there's not enough liquid add some water.
4
Cook it for about 60 min; or until the meat is soft. Before eating leave it still for 10 min., and add some more olive oil (to taste). If you taste it is too sour, you may add some sugar (sometimes tomatoes are sour, plus wine, it can be too sour).
5
Serve with potato gnocchi, noodles or mashed potato.

678

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 500 g horse meat, 500 g beef (muscles), 2 onions, finely minced, 2 garlic cloves, finely minced, and more.

Yes, Croatian “Zgvacet” falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Croatian “Zgvacet”

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions