Heritage-Style Beef Stew with Carrots and Celery

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

A deeply savory stew simmered for hours to tenderize beef, enhanced with fresh root vegetables and thyme. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, olive oil, 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 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 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add beef in a single layer, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned; work in batches to avoid crowding.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot, stirring to coat in browned bits. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, scraping the pot bottom to deglaze. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Discard bay leaf, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Heritage-Style Beef Stew with Carrots and Celery take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Heritage-Style Beef Stew with Carrots and Celery?

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 Heritage-Style Beef Stew with Carrots and Celery?

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 Heritage-Style Beef Stew with Carrots and Celery 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 Heritage-Style Beef Stew with Carrots and Celery?

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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