Rustic Indiana-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty slow-cooked beef stew bursting with tender beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and herbs inspired by Midwest regional flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 320 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, all-purpose flour 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs chuck roast beef cubes with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then toss with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and crusty, then transfer to a slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Transfer sautéed onions to the slow cooker along with 3 medium peeled and cut carrots, 3 medium peeled and chopped russet potatoes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 4 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Step 5: Stir gently to combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Indiana-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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 Indiana-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Indiana-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Indiana-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Indiana-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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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