Festus-Style Beef and Potato Stew with Herbs
A hearty beef stew simmered with tender potatoes and a blend of herbs, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 145 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cup celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 cups red potatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then toss with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp canola oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 cups sliced carrots, and 1 cup sliced celery. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent.
- Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Step 6: Return browned beef to the pot and pour in 4 cups beef broth. Add 3 cups diced red potatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp crushed dried rosemary, and 2 bay leaves.
- Step 7: Bring stew to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- Step 8: Remove bay leaves, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Festus-Style Beef and Potato Stew with Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 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 Festus-Style Beef and Potato Stew with Herbs?
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 kosher salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Festus-Style Beef and Potato Stew with Herbs?
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 Festus-Style Beef and Potato Stew with Herbs 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 Festus-Style Beef and Potato Stew with Herbs?
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.
