Brainerd Farmhouse Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A hearty, slow-simmered stew using classic root vegetables, reminiscent of Midwestern estate kitchen staples. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 165 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 140 min Serves 6 American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat, then sear the beef for 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  2. Step 2: Remove beef and set aside. Add 1 diced large onion, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 2 cups chopped carrots to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens slightly, then add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups diced potatoes and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender. For thicker sauce, mix 2 tbsp all-purpose flour with 2 tbsp cold water, then stir into the stew and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brainerd Farmhouse Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (25 min prep + 140 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 Farmhouse 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 beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brainerd Farmhouse 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 Brainerd Farmhouse 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 Brainerd Farmhouse Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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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