Slow Cooker Des Moines Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A hearty slow-cooked beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef and a medley of root vegetables, perfect for cooler days in Des Moines. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, medium carrots, peeled and chopped, medium parsnips, peeled and chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 420 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 2 lbs cubed beef chuck with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep crust forms. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 sliced celery stalks, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped parsnips. Sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat until vegetables begin to soften and onions are translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup red wine, scraping the skillet bottom to deglaze, and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the vegetable and wine mixture to the slow cooker with the beef. Add 4 cups beef broth, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, and 2 bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Des Moines Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Cooker Des Moines 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 beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Des Moines 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 Slow Cooker Des Moines 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 Slow Cooker Des Moines Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

American slow cooker 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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