Johnson's Spiced Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.1 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 110 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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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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