Collector's Choice Beef Stew

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

A rich, slow-simmered stew with tender beef and root vegetables, inspired by the prized finds in a vintage auction lot. This american-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes stew beef, all-purpose flour, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat beef cubes dry, then toss with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in chopped carrots and potatoes and cook for 5 minutes more.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to pot, add 3 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until peas are heated through. Discard bay leaf and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Collector's Choice Beef 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 Collector's Choice Beef 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Collector's Choice Beef 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 Collector's Choice Beef 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 Collector's Choice Beef Stew?

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.

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