Brainerd Estate Beef Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-simmered stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich tomato-herb broth, evoking the comfort of estate auctions. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 145 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, medium carrots, medium potatoes 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Dice 1 large onion and 3 medium carrots. Add to the pot with the beef and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened. Add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the pot, add 3 diced potatoes, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brainerd Estate Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (25 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 Brainerd Estate 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 Brainerd Estate 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 Brainerd Estate 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 Brainerd Estate 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.

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