Baltimore Bistro Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth, inspired by the charm of Baltimore. This american-inspired soups ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, medium carrots, medium potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 lbs beef chuck
- 4 medium carrots
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2 large onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp thyme
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 2 chopped onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp thyme. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Return the beef to the pot. Add 1 cup red wine, 4 cups beef broth, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1.5 hours, covered.
- Step 4: Add 4 chopped carrots, 3 peeled and cubed potatoes, and 1 tbsp thyme. Cook for another 30 minutes until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baltimore Bistro Stew take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Baltimore Bistro 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baltimore Bistro 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 Baltimore Bistro 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 Baltimore Bistro Stew?
American soups 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
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
