Grave Beef Stew

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

A profoundly satisfying stew where patience transforms tough chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, layered with root vegetables and rich demi-glace. This french-inspired soups ready in about 210 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 45 min Cook: 165 min Serves 6 French cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut beef into 2.5cm cubes, season generously with 5g kosher salt and 3g black pepper, then dredge in 15g flour until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 20g oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned; transfer to plate.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped onion and celery to pot, sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until darkened.
  4. Step 4: Deglaze pot with 150ml red wine, scraping up browned bits, then return beef and any juices to pot.
  5. Step 5: Add 750ml beef stock, 100ml demi-glace, thyme, and bay leaves; bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
  6. Step 6: Simmer covered for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and liquid has reduced slightly.
  7. Step 7: Add carrots and potatoes, simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until vegetables are tender but not falling apart.
  8. Step 8: Remove bay leaves, season with remaining 3g salt and 2g pepper, then serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grave Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (45 min prep + 165 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 Grave 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 Grave 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 Grave 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 Grave Beef Stew?

French soups 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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