Rustic Bourbon-Infused Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef chunks simmered slowly in a rich bourbon-spiked broth with root vegetables for deep, comforting flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 180 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef cubes in batches, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 diced yellow onion, 3 peeled and chunked carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks to the pot; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey carefully, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return the seared beef to the pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Step 7: Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the stew has thickened.
  8. Step 8: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Bourbon-Infused Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 180 minutes (30 min prep + 150 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 Rustic Bourbon-Infused 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Bourbon-Infused 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 Rustic Bourbon-Infused 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 Rustic Bourbon-Infused 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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