Middle-Earth Inspired Braised Beef with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-24 · Updated 2026-04-24

Slow-braised beef chunks infused with earthy root vegetables and herbs, inspired by rustic flavors from Middle-earth. This Middle Eastern recipe, ready in about 200 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, carrots, chopped, parsnips, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 medium parsnips, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 bay leaves
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Brown the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until deeply caramelized on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 large chopped onion, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 2 chopped medium carrots, and 2 chopped medium parsnips. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and darkened.
4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot, add 3 cups beef broth, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.