Population Growth Beef Stew

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

A comforting, slow-cooked stew symbolizing the steady growth of U.S. cities, featuring tender beef and root vegetables. This american-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs cubed Beef chuck roast, medium, peeled and diced Potatoes, medium, sliced Carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 90 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup onions and 1/4 cup carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are golden and the carrots are tender.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup celery and 1 tbsp minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.2 lbs beef cubes and cook for 5 minutes, breaking apart into smaller pieces — the beef should develop a slight sear but remain intact.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld — the stew should be thick and rich, with the vegetables fully cooked but still firm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Population Growth Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Population Growth 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 cubed beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Population Growth 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 Population Growth 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 Population Growth Beef Stew?

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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