Slow Cooker Des Moines Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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