Core Control: Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 155 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat beef dry, then toss with 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to coat evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Add onion, carrots, and celery to pot; sauté 5-6 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking 1 minute until fragrant and paste darkens slightly.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6: Cover and simmer on low heat 2 hours, then add potatoes and simmer 30 minutes more until potatoes are tender.
  7. 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.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

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