Low-Profile Stew
A thick, slow-cooked stew with root vegetables and lean protein, simmered to perfection for a cozy, low-key meal. This french-inspired soups (low-sodium) ready in about 120 minutes pairs cubed beef chuck, medium, sliced carrots, stalks, diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 1.5 lbs, cubed beef chuck
- 3 medium, sliced carrots
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp, dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef cubes and sear for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 2: Stir in diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then add tomato paste and stir to coat.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, add bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 hours until meat is tender.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree 1/2 the stew until smooth, then return to the pot. Simmer for 10 more minutes. Serve in shallow bowls with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Profile Stew take to make?
Total time is about 120 minutes (30 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 Low-Profile 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 cubed beef chuck from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Profile 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 Low-Profile Stew 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.
Is Low-Profile Stew low-sodium?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-sodium based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
