Slow Cooker Mid-America Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A comforting slow cooker stew combining tender beef chunks with hearty root vegetables and a rich, savory broth, inspired by Mid-America regional flavors. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 325 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, carrots, parsnips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck roast
- 3 medium, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces parsnips
- 3 medium, peeled and cubed potatoes
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon, crushed dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 2 pounds beef chuck roast cubes with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef in batches and brown on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Add 3 peeled and sliced carrots, 2 peeled and chopped parsnips, and 3 peeled cubed potatoes to the slow cooker along with 4 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 5: Stir all ingredients gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Stir before serving to mix the flavors evenly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Mid-America Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 325 minutes (25 min prep + 300 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 Mid-America 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 roast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Mid-America 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 Mid-America 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 Mid-America 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.
