Census Data-Driven Surname Stew

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

A hearty one-pot stew inspired by the most common American surnames, featuring tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich broth. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 190 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, medium carrots, large potatoes 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 165 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per side, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Finely chop 1 large onion, 2 stalks celery, and 3 cloves garlic, then sauté in the same pot with 1 tbsp olive oil for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, and the seared beef cubes.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 1 hour, then add 3 chopped carrots and 2 peeled, cubed potatoes.
  6. Step 6: Simmer covered for another 45 minutes until vegetables are tender and beef is fork-tender, adding more broth if needed to cover ingredients.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Census Data-Driven Surname Stew take to make?

Total time is about 190 minutes (25 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 Census Data-Driven Surname 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 Census Data-Driven Surname 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 Census Data-Driven Surname 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 Census Data-Driven Surname 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.

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