Slow Cooker Northeastern Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A comforting slow-cooked beef stew featuring tender meat and hearty root vegetables, simmered in a savory broth inspired by Midwestern flavors. This american-inspired slow cooker (gluten free option) ready in about 505 minutes pairs large, chopped yellow onion, chopped celery stalks, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 2 pounds of beef chuck roast cubes with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes each side until a deep crust forms. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 2 chopped celery stalks, 3 peeled and chopped carrots, 2 peeled and chopped parsnips, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 505 minutes (25 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 Northeastern 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 large, chopped yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Northeastern 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 Northeastern 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.

Is Slow Cooker Northeastern Beef Stew with Root Vegetables gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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