One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A hearty one-pot stew combining tender beef, tomatoes, and root vegetables simmered with warming spices for a comforting and savory dish. This american-inspired beef ready in about 120 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, medium carrots, peeled and chopped, medium parsnips, peeled and chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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: 100 min Serves 6 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck in batches, browning each side for 4-5 minutes until a deep crust forms. Remove browned beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: To the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook spices with onion and garlic for 1 minute to bloom.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot along with 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 3 cups beef broth, and 1 whole bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Discard bay leaf before serving and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (20 min prep + 100 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 One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato 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 large yellow onion, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato 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 One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato 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 One-Pot Spiced Beef and Tomato Stew 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.

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