Slow-Simmered Beef and Carrot Stew with Fresh Thyme

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

A deeply flavorful stew featuring tender beef and sweet carrots simmered in herb-infused broth. This french-inspired paleo ready in about 95 minutes pairs Beef chuck, Carrots, Celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a paleo week and pairs well with roasted root vegetables or a leafy salad. 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: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.2 lbs beef chuck dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
  2. Step 2: Remove beef and add 1 medium diced onion, 1 cup diced celery, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh chopped thyme.
  3. Step 3: Return beef to the pot, add 2 cups diced carrots, 4 cups beef broth, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 75 minutes until beef is fork-tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Beef and Carrot Stew with Fresh Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 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-Simmered Beef and Carrot Stew with Fresh Thyme?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef and Carrot Stew with Fresh Thyme?

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-Simmered Beef and Carrot Stew with Fresh Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Simmered Beef and Carrot Stew with Fresh Thyme?

French paleo like this pair well with a starchy vegetable (roasted sweet potato, butternut squash, or plantains), a leafy salad with an olive-oil vinaigrette, and roasted or steamed vegetables. Grains, legumes and dairy sit outside the paleo template. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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