Carcer City Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty, slow-braised beef stew rich with aromatic vegetables and bold spices, capturing the gritty atmosphere of Carcer City. This american-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, all-purpose flour, salt 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, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until deeply caramelized on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 medium peeled and chopped carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, simmering for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 6: Return the browned beef to the pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 hours.
- Step 7: Add 2 large peeled and cubed potatoes to the stew, cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until the potatoes and beef are tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley for freshness before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Carcer City Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Carcer City 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Carcer City 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 Carcer City 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 Carcer City Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
American 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.
