Northern Spice-Infused Braised Beef with Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty braised beef slow-cooked with warming northern spices and tender root vegetables, perfect for a comforting winter meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 180 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 160 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs beef chuck roast with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until deep mahogany color develops. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 peeled and 1-inch chopped carrots, and 2 peeled and 1-inch chopped parsnips to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground allspice, 2 bay leaves, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot and add 3 cups beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and braise for 2 1/2 hours until the beef is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Remove the beef and vegetables to a serving dish. Discard bay leaves and thyme stems. Reduce the braising liquid over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened, then pour sauce over the beef before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Northern Spice-Infused Braised Beef with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 180 minutes (20 min prep + 160 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 with Root Vegetables?

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 beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Northern Spice-Infused Braised Beef with Root Vegetables?

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 with Root Vegetables 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 with Root Vegetables?

American 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.