Campfire Beef and Vegetable Stew
A hearty one-pot stew with tender beef and root vegetables, simmered to perfection for an authentic campfire meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 110 minutes pairs beef chuck, medium carrots, stalks celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 lb beef chuck
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium potatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 lb diced beef chuck, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes) — do not crowd the pot.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups beef broth, 2 peeled and diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 2 peeled and diced potatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Campfire Beef and Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Campfire Beef and Vegetable 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Campfire Beef and Vegetable 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 Campfire Beef and Vegetable Stew 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.
What goes well with Campfire Beef and Vegetable Stew?
American one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Made it for a weekend trip with friends. The flavors were rich and the one-pot simplicity made it a breeze.
- ★★★★★
This stew was a hit with my kids! The campfire version is perfect for outdoor cooking.
- ★★★★☆
Great for family dinners. Took a bit longer than expected, but the flavors developed beautifully.
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