Half-Pint Stout-Braised Beef with Root Vegetables
Tender beef braised in half a pint of stout beer with earthy root vegetables for a rich, comforting stew. This american-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs pounds chuck beef, cubed, fl oz (half a pint) stout beer, medium carrots, peeled and chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 pounds chuck beef, cubed
- 8 fl oz (half a pint) stout beer
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat 2 pounds chuck beef dry and toss with 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply browned; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot; sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- Step 5: Pour in 8 fl oz (half a pint) stout beer, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze, then add 2 cups beef broth.
- Step 6: Return the browned beef to the pot along with 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 7: Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and place in the oven for 2 1/2 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
- Step 8: Remove thyme sprigs before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Pint Stout-Braised Beef 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 Half-Pint Stout-Braised Beef 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 pounds chuck beef, cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Pint Stout-Braised Beef 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 Half-Pint Stout-Braised Beef 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 Half-Pint Stout-Braised Beef 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.