Rustic Central Plains Beef and Vegetable Stew
A hearty stew blending tender beef chunks with seasonal vegetables simmered slowly to capture the flavor of the Central Plains region. This american-inspired beef ready in about 130 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large (about 1 cup) yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium (about 1 1/2 cups) carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 (about 1 cup) celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then toss with 3 tbsp all-purpose flour to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the beef cubes in batches, browning on all sides for about 4 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks; sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 5: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6: Return the beef to the pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf; bring to a simmer.
- Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let stew cook gently for 1 hour 30 minutes until beef is tender.
- Step 8: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook uncovered for 5 minutes more.
- Step 9: Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rustic Central Plains Beef and Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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 Central Plains Beef and Vegetable 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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Central Plains Beef and Vegetable 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 Central Plains Beef and Vegetable 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 Central Plains Beef and Vegetable 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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