Beef and Carrot Stew with Thyme
A classic beef stew with a Whole30 twist, featuring tender beef, carrots, and thyme, slow-cooked to develop deep, rich flavors. This american-inspired slow cooker (whole30) ready in about 500 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck, avocado oil, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 477 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1, diced onion
- 3, peeled and sliced carrots
- 2 stalks, sliced celery
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup, chopped mushrooms
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced onion, 3 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add 1 tsp dried thyme and season with salt and black pepper to taste to the slow cooker, then pour in 4 cups low-sodium beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft. Stir in 1 cup chopped mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking until tender.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Beef and Carrot Stew with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Beef and Carrot Stew with Thyme?
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 avocado oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Carrot Stew with Thyme?
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 Beef and Carrot Stew with Thyme 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.
Is Beef and Carrot Stew with Thyme whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
