Government Budget Beef Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, slow-simmered stew with tender beef and root vegetables, perfect for budget-conscious meals. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 120 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, medium carrots, large potatoes 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 100 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply seared, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 chopped onion and 3 peeled, sliced carrots to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp thyme, and 2 peeled, diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 hour 30 minutes until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Government Budget Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (20 min prep + 100 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 Government Budget 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 beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Government Budget 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 Government Budget 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 Government Budget Beef Stew?

American one pot 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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