Slow-Simmered Old-Fashioned Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful stew featuring tender beef, aromatic herbs, and root vegetables, slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection for a cozy weeknight dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 145 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck roast, all-purpose flour, olive oil 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels, then toss with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add diced onion and celery to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Add sliced carrots and parsnips, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
  6. Step 6: Discard bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Old-Fashioned Beef Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Old-Fashioned 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Old-Fashioned 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-Simmered Old-Fashioned 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-Simmered Old-Fashioned Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

American slow cooker 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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