Herb-Infused Beef and Mushroom Stew

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

A deeply flavored stew with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a medley of fresh herbs, slow-cooked to perfection. This french-inspired slow cooker ready in about 115 minutes pairs beef chuck, mushrooms, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Season generously with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and 1 diced onion to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms release liquid and onions soften.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened. Add 3 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, and 1 tsp fresh rosemary.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the pot, add 2 diced carrots, and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 1.5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Skim excess fat from the surface, then adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Beef and Mushroom Stew take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (25 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 Herb-Infused Beef and Mushroom 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 Herb-Infused Beef and Mushroom 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 Herb-Infused Beef and Mushroom 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 Herb-Infused Beef and Mushroom Stew?

French 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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