Government-Style Beef Stew
A hearty, slow-simmered stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich gravy, made with economical cuts for maximum flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 155 minutes pairs cubed beef chuck, vegetable oil, medium, diced (2 cups) onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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, cubed beef chuck
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 medium, diced (2 cups) onion
- 3 medium, sliced (1.5 cups) carrot
- 2 medium, cubed (1.5 cups) potatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs beef chuck dry, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches for 4 minutes per side until deeply seared, then set aside.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups diced onions to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1.5 cups sliced carrots and cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Return beef to the pot, add 3 cups beef broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1.5 cups cubed potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp all-purpose flour with 2 tbsp cold water. Stir into the stew, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Government-Style Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 155 minutes (20 min prep + 135 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-Style 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 cubed beef chuck from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Government-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
