Hearty Central Plains Beef and Vegetable Stew

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

A robust beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and a rich broth, inspired by the hearty meals enjoyed in the Central Plains region. This american-inspired beef ready in about 115 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, salt, black pepper 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 95 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then toss in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until evenly coated to promote browning.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown beef in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until deeply caramelized; transfer beef to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to pot, pour in 4 cups beef broth, add 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 bay leaf; bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
  6. Step 6: Add 3 medium red potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces; continue simmering uncovered for another 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes; remove bay leaf before serving a warming Central Plains-inspired stew.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Central Plains Beef and Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (20 min prep + 95 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 Central Plains Beef and 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Central Plains Beef and 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 Central Plains Beef and 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 Central Plains Beef and Vegetable 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.

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