Northern-Style Beef and Potato Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty stew featuring tender beef chunks simmered with potatoes and an assortment of root vegetables, seasoned with warming herbs for a comforting meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 135 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, canola 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 beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1 large diced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 3 medium peeled and sliced carrots
- 2 medium peeled and sliced parsnips
- 3 medium peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks russet potatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp canola oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Toss 2 lbs beef chuck cubes in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, shaking off excess. Brown beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Return browned beef to the pot.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups beef broth and add 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 2 bay leaves, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Step 5: Add 3 medium peeled and sliced carrots, 2 medium peeled and sliced parsnips, and 3 medium peeled russet potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks. Continue to simmer covered for another 45 minutes until beef and vegetables are tender.
- Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving the stew hot with crusty bread or over buttered noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northern-Style Beef and Potato Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (30 min prep + 105 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-Style Beef and Potato Stew 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 canola oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northern-Style Beef and Potato Stew 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-Style Beef and Potato Stew 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-Style Beef and Potato Stew with Root Vegetables?
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.
