Albert Lea Estate-Style Beef Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty stew using slow-cooked beef and seasonal vegetables, honoring the Midwest estate auctions that feature homegrown produce. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 175 minutes pairs Beef chuck roast, Carrots, Celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 145 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs beef chuck into 1-inch cubes and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; brown beef in batches for 3 minutes per side until deeply seared, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 chopped yellow onions, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot with 1 tbsp olive oil; cook for 5 minutes until softened and onions are translucent.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute to cook off raw flour taste, then add 3 cups beef broth and 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices).
  4. Step 4: Return beef to pot with 2 bay leaves and 1 tsp dried thyme; bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 chopped medium potatoes and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until potatoes are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Albert Lea Estate-Style Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (30 min prep + 145 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Albert Lea Estate-Style Beef Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Albert Lea Estate-Style Beef Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Albert Lea Estate-Style Beef Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Albert Lea Estate-Style Beef Stew?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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