Slow Cooker Rustic Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

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

Hearty beef stew cooked low and slow with a mix of root vegetables and regional spices for a comforting, flavorful meal. This french-inspired beef ready in about 505 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 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Toss in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until coated evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply seared. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker along with 3 large peeled carrots cut into 1-inch pieces, 2 peeled parsnips cut into 1-inch pieces, and 2 sliced celery stalks.
  5. Step 5: Stir 4 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 whole bay leaves, and 1 cup red wine into the slow cooker. Mix gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Rustic 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 Rustic 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 Rustic 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 Rustic 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 Rustic 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.

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