Core Control: Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
Deeply flavorful stew with tender beef and vegetables, simmered at low heat for perfect texture and balanced seasoning control. This american-inspired beef ready in about 180 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 3, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch coins carrots
- 3 stalks, sliced celery
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 2, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat beef dry, then toss with 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add onion, carrots, and celery to pot; sauté 5-6 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking 1 minute until fragrant and paste darkens slightly.
- Step 5: Pour in beef broth and red wine, scraping bottom to release browned bits. Return beef to pot, add bay leaves and thyme, then bring to a simmer.
- Step 6: Cover and simmer on low heat 2 hours, then add potatoes and simmer 30 minutes more until potatoes are tender.
- Step 7: Stir in frozen peas and cook 5 minutes until heated through; discard bay leaves before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Core Control: Slow-Cooked Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 180 minutes (25 min prep + 155 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 Core Control: Slow-Cooked 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 Core Control: Slow-Cooked 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 Core Control: Slow-Cooked Beef 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 Core Control: Slow-Cooked 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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.