Johnson's Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty, aromatic stew with fall-apart beef, caramelized root vegetables, and a deep savory broth, ideal for chilly evenings. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 175 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck roast, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck roast
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 medium, chopped carrot
- 2 medium, cubed potato
- 2 medium, chopped parsnip
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat beef cubes dry, then toss with 2 tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned; transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add onion and garlic to pot, cooking for 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened.
- Step 4: Return beef to pot, add carrots, potatoes, parsnips, thyme, bay leaves, 4 cups broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low heat for 2.5 hours, or in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Step 6: Discard bay leaves, stir in fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 175 minutes (25 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 Johnson's Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 Johnson's Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Johnson's Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.