Cisco Kid's Hearty Beef & Root Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rustic, slow-cooked stew featuring tender beef and earthy root vegetables, simmered with aromatic herbs for a comforting meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 510 minutes pairs pounds beef chuck, medium carrots, large potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from 2 pounds beef chuck and cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels. Season the beef cubes with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef in a single layer, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 large chopped onions and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, cooking for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot. Add 4 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 4 large chopped carrots and 4 large chopped potatoes. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: In the last 30 minutes, mix 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the stew and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until thickened.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cisco Kid's Hearty Beef & Root Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 510 minutes (30 min prep + 480 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 Cisco Kid's Hearty Beef & Root 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 pounds beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cisco Kid's Hearty Beef & Root 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 Cisco Kid's Hearty Beef & Root Vegetable 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 Cisco Kid's Hearty Beef & Root Vegetable 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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