Midwest Estate Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, one-pot stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich broth, slow-cooked to perfection for Midwestern comfort. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 115 minutes pairs stew beef, cubed, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 lbs stew beef cubes dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add seasoned beef in batches, browning on all sides (5 minutes per batch), then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 chopped onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 3 cubed potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  4. Step 4: Return browned beef to pot, then add 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Midwest Estate Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (25 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 Midwest Estate 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 stew beef, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Midwest Estate 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 Midwest Estate Beef 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.

What goes well with Midwest Estate Beef Stew?

American one pot 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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