Minneapolis Estate Sale Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-simmered beef stew featuring tender cuts often auctioned in estate sales, enriched with root vegetables and aromatic herbs. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 185 minutes pairs cubed Beef chuck, medium diced Carrots, stalks diced Celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 3.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 165 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck cubes dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches (about 4 minutes per batch) until deeply seared on all sides, transferring to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
  3. Step 3: Return beef to pot, add 3 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup red wine, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 medium diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 2 medium diced potatoes to the pot. Cover and simmer for another 45 minutes until vegetables are tender and beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: For thickening, mix 2 tbsp flour with 1/4 cup cold water to make a slurry, then stir into the stew. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Minneapolis Estate Sale Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 185 minutes (20 min prep + 165 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 Minneapolis Estate Sale 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 cubed beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Minneapolis Estate Sale 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 Minneapolis Estate Sale 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 Minneapolis Estate Sale Beef Stew?

American slow cooker 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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