Northern Spice-Infused Braised Beef Stew
A rich and hearty beef stew simmered with warming northern spices and root vegetables for a robust flavor and tender texture. This french-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs cut into 1.5-inch cubes beef chuck, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion 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, cut into 1.5-inch cubes beef chuck
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 3 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds carrots
- 2, sliced celery stalks
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 2 lbs beef chuck cubes in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper, shaking off excess flour.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 6: Return beef to the pot and add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 7: Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and the stew has thickened. Adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northern Spice-Infused Braised Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Northern Spice-Infused Braised 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northern Spice-Infused Braised 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 Northern Spice-Infused Braised 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 Northern Spice-Infused Braised Beef Stew?
French beef 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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