Beer-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty slow-cooked beef stew braised in Belgian-style lager, infused with earthy root vegetables and fresh herbs for a rich, comforting flavor. This belgian-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, fl oz Belgian lager beer, large yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 12 fl oz Belgian lager beer
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes in batches, browning each side for about 3 minutes until deep golden and caramelized; transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly. Pour in 12 fl oz Belgian lager beer, scraping the bottom to deglaze and lift browned bits.
- Step 4: Return browned beef to the pot and add 2 cups beef broth, 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, and 2 bay leaves. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with crusty bread or buttered noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Beer-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 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 Beer-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 fl oz belgian lager beer from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Beer-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 Beer-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Beer-Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
Belgian beef 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.
