Craft Beer and Whiskey Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty beef stew slow braised in a combination of craft beer and whiskey, enriched with tender root vegetables for deep, savory flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Toss the beef in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to caramelize.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup craft beer and 1/2 cup whiskey, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Allow the liquid to simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return browned beef to the pot. Add 3 cups beef broth, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Step 7: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is fork-tender and the stew is thickened.
  8. Step 8: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving warm with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Craft Beer and Whiskey Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Craft Beer and Whiskey Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Craft Beer and Whiskey Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Craft Beer and Whiskey Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Craft Beer and Whiskey Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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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