Bear-In-Yard Rustic Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky stew inspired by the wilderness, simmered with root vegetables and slow-braised meat. This french-inspired soups ready in about 150 minutes pairs beef chuck, potatoes, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.7 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1.5 cups onions and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.2 lbs peeled and diced potatoes, 1 cup chopped carrots, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, add 1 tsp thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours until meat is tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup cooked rice (previously boiled and fluffed), season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bear-In-Yard Rustic Stew take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (30 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 Bear-In-Yard Rustic 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 Bear-In-Yard Rustic 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 Bear-In-Yard Rustic Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Bear-In-Yard Rustic Stew?

French 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.

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