Slow Cooker No-Cache Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A comforting slow-cooked beef stew featuring tender beef chunks and a medley of root vegetables in a rich broth. This french-inspired beef ready in about 510 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, all-purpose flour 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes beef chuck roast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 3 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces parsnips
- 2, chopped celery stalks
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then toss in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the floured beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep crust forms; transfer to slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 3 peeled and cut carrots, 2 peeled and cut parsnips, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup red wine, and stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste until combined.
- Step 5: Add 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme and 2 bay leaves, cover slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker No-Cache Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 510 minutes (30 min prep + 480 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 No-Cache 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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker No-Cache 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 No-Cache 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 No-Cache Beef Stew with 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So easy and delicious, will make again! Perfect for feeding a crowd on a chilly evening.
- ★★★★★
Made it for my family, they devoured it! The flavors deepened beautifully overnight in the slow cooker.
- ★★★★★
This stew was amazing! The slow cooker made the beef so tender and the root vegetables held their shape perfectly.
