Hearty Midwest-Style Beef and Root Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting stew featuring tender beef chunks and earthy root vegetables reflecting the heartland’s regional flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck roast, medium, peeled and diced parsnips, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot and add 4 cups beef broth, 3 sliced carrots, 2 diced parsnips, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 bay leaf, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Midwest-Style Beef and Root Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Midwest-Style 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 large, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Midwest-Style 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 Midwest-Style 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 Midwest-Style Beef and Root 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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