Slow-Cooked Beef with Smoked Paprika and Root Vegetables

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

Tender beef slow-cooked with smoked paprika and hearty root vegetables creates a rich and comforting dish perfect for cooler evenings. This french-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, smoked paprika, large, diced yellow onion 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: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F. In a large Dutch oven, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs beef chuck roast with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tsp smoked paprika, then sear the beef for 4-5 minutes on each side until deeply browned.
  2. Step 2: Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pot and add 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, 2 cups beef broth, 2 bay leaves, and 3 fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover and transfer to the oven.
  4. Step 4: Cook slow and low at 300°F for 3 hours until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft. Remove bay leaves and thyme before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef with Smoked Paprika and Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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-Cooked Beef with Smoked Paprika and 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 beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef with Smoked Paprika and 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 Slow-Cooked Beef with Smoked Paprika and 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 Slow-Cooked Beef with Smoked Paprika and Root Vegetables?

French 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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