Slow-Simmered Beef & Vegetable Stew

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

A comforting, rich stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and a tomato-infused broth, simmered to perfection for cozy weeknight comfort. This american-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs stew beef, all-purpose flour, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 lbs stew beef (cut into 1-inch cubes) dry with paper towels; toss with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add seasoned beef in a single layer (working in batches if needed) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot; cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to pot, then add 1 cup beef broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 diced potatoes; bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and reduce heat to low; simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes until heated through. Discard bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Beef & Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 & Vegetable Stew?

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 stew beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef & Vegetable Stew?

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 & Vegetable Stew 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-Simmered Beef & Vegetable Stew?

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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