Slow Cooker German Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty German-inspired beef stew slow-cooked with root vegetables and a rich gravy, perfect for rainy days. This german-inspired beef ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, medium carrots, peeled and sliced, medium parsnip, peeled and chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium parsnip, peeled and chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until caramelized, then transfer to a slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, then add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
- Step 3: Transfer sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker with the beef. Add 3 sliced carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir gently.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tbsp flour with 1/4 cup cold water until smooth, then stir into the stew to thicken. Cook uncovered on high for 30 minutes until gravy coats the back of a spoon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker German 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 German 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 German 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 German 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 German Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
German 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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