Reclaimed Pantry Beef Stew

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

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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 105 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs beef chuck dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

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