Slow-Braised Beef with Carrots, Parsnips, and Thyme

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

Tender beef braised for hours with earthy root vegetables and aromatic thyme for a comforting, flavorful meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 175 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck roast, olive oil, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, 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: 25 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast cubes with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Brown the beef in batches for 5 minutes per batch until golden brown on all sides, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the Dutch oven, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add 3 medium peeled and cubed carrots, 3 medium peeled and cubed parsnips, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot, add 2 cups beef broth, and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for 2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove beef and vegetables, strain the broth, and reduce the sauce for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Step 8: Return beef and vegetables to the sauce and simmer for 5 more minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Beef with Carrots, Parsnips, and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (25 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 Slow-Braised Beef with Carrots, Parsnips, and Thyme?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Beef with Carrots, Parsnips, and Thyme?

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 Slow-Braised Beef with Carrots, Parsnips, and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Slow-Braised Beef with Carrots, Parsnips, and Thyme?

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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