Hearty Winter Beef Stew

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

A slow-cooked beef stew with root vegetables and red wine, ideal for cold, snowy days and hearty meals. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 120 minutes pairs beef chuck, carrots, potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.0 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add onions, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste — cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return browned beef to the pot. Pour in red wine and beef broth, ensuring the meat is fully submerged. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours until meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Winter Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (30 min prep + 90 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 Winter Beef 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Winter Beef 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 Winter Beef 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 Winter Beef Stew?

Mediterranean slow cooker 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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