Slow Cooker Rustic Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes beef chuck roast
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 large, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces parsnips
- 2, sliced celery stalks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1 cup red wine
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 7: Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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.
