Johnson's Spiced Beef Stew

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

A hearty and aromatic beef stew with root vegetables and a blend of warm spices, simmered to perfection. This american-inspired beef ready in about 130 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, olive oil, medium (about 1 cup) onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 110 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced onion (medium), 1 cup diced carrots (2 medium), and 1/2 cup diced celery (2 stalks) to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Return the seared beef to the pot, then add 3 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup red wine, 2 bay leaves, 2 thyme sprigs, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 cups cubed potatoes (2 medium) and continue to simmer, covered, for 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Johnson's Spiced Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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 Spiced 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, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Spiced 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 Johnson's Spiced Beef 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 Johnson's Spiced Beef 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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