Slow-Simmered Beef Stew with Carrots and Celery

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, simmered slowly to develop deep, complex flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 145 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes stewing beef, all-purpose flour, salt 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 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: 120 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat beef cubes dry, then mix 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Toss beef to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in single layer, brown 3-4 minutes per side without crowding. Transfer to plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to pot, sauté 2 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Cook 3 minutes until vegetables soften.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup diced potatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and flavors blend. Discard bay leaves before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Beef Stew with Carrots and Celery take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 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 Stew with Carrots and Celery?

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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef Stew with Carrots and Celery?

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 Stew with Carrots and Celery 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 Stew with Carrots and Celery?

American 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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