Harvest Stew

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

A hearty, one-pot stew perfect for family meals, blending seasonal vegetables and tender protein in a rich, savory broth. This comfort food-inspired salads ready in about 150 minutes pairs potatoes, carrots, celery into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Comfort Food cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Sauté 1/2 cup chopped onions, 1 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 2 minced garlic cloves for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir in 1 cup diced tomatoes and 1 tsp thyme. Pour in 4 cups beef broth and 2 medium diced potatoes. Add 2 bay leaves.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Serve the stew topped with 1 cup mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of thyme.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harvest Stew take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (30 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 Harvest 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 potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harvest 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 Harvest Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Harvest Stew?

Comfort Food salads 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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