Auction Bargain Beef Stew
Hearty slow-cooked stew with affordable chuck roast and root vegetables, ideal for a budget-friendly family dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 175 minutes pairs pounds Beef chuck, medium Diced onion, medium Diced carrots 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Beef chuck
- 1 medium Diced onion
- 2 medium Diced carrots
- 2 medium Diced potatoes
- 2 stalks Diced celery
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes).
- Step 2: Remove beef, then add 1 medium diced onion and 2 stalks diced celery to the pot; cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened, then return beef to the pot.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 hours.
- Step 5: After 2 hours, stir in 2 medium diced carrots and 2 medium diced potatoes, then cook uncovered for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaves, then mix 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the stew; cook for 2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Auction Bargain Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 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 Auction Bargain 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 pounds beef chuck from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Auction Bargain 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 Auction Bargain 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 Auction Bargain 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
