Collector's Choice Beef Stew
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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes stew beef
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup) onion
- 2 medium, chopped (about 1 cup) carrots
- 2 medium, chopped (about 1 cup) potato
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
