Best in Show Beef Stew
A rich, slow-simmered stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and a deep savory sauce that’s perfect for cold nights. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 195 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 roast
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 medium carrots
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 lbs beef chuck roast dry and season with 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, transferring to a plate. Add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Return beef to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 hours, then add 4 diced carrots and 3 diced potatoes. Cover and continue simmering for 45 more minutes until vegetables are fork-tender and beef is meltingly tender.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best in Show Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 195 minutes (30 min prep + 165 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 Best in Show Beef 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 roast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best in Show Beef 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 Best in Show Beef 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 Best in Show Beef Stew?
American slow cooker 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
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
