Mushroom and Beef Thyme Stew
A rich, earthy stew featuring tender ground beef and mushrooms simmered with thyme and vegetables for a deeply satisfying Whole30 meal. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 65 minutes pairs lean ground beef, avocado oil, large, diced onion 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.
Ingredients
- 1.2 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 cups, peeled and diced carrots
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, leaves only fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering and a light haze appears above the oil.
- Step 2: Add 1.2 lbs lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Remove beef, set aside. Add 1 cup diced onion, 2 cups diced carrots, and 1/2 cup diced celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and 4 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 3 minutes until mushrooms release liquid and edges begin to brown.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and the cooked ground beef. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
- Step 7: Remove bay leaf, stir in 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mushroom and Beef Thyme Stew take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 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 Mushroom and Beef Thyme 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 lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mushroom and Beef Thyme 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 Mushroom and Beef Thyme 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 Mushroom and Beef Thyme Stew?
American whole30 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
