Reclaimed Pantry Beef Stew
A hearty, slow-simmered stew using pantry staples commonly found in estate auctions, with a deep umami flavor. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 125 minutes pairs beef chuck, (14 oz) diced tomatoes, diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs beef chuck dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup diced carrots and 2 cups beef broth, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes and 1 cup diced potatoes, then simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Reclaimed Pantry Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 125 minutes (20 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 Reclaimed Pantry 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 beef chuck from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Reclaimed Pantry 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 Reclaimed Pantry 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 Reclaimed Pantry Beef Stew?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
