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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
