Hearty Beef and Root Vegetable Stew

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

A hearty, slow-simmered stew featuring tender beef and seasonal root vegetables, built for a cold night. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 150 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, carrots, parsnips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 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, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and dust evenly with 3 tbsp all-purpose flour.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add beef cubes in a single layer, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant, then stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 diced carrots, 2 diced parsnips, and 2 cups diced potatoes, cover, and simmer on low heat for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Discard bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Beef and Root Vegetable 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 Hearty Beef and Root Vegetable 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 Hearty Beef and Root Vegetable 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 Hearty Beef and Root Vegetable 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 Hearty Beef and Root Vegetable 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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