Slow Simmered Rustic Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

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

Hearty beef stew slow-cooked with regional root vegetables and aromatic herbs, delivering rich flavors in every tender bite. This american-inspired beef ready in about 180 minutes pairs 1.5-inch pieces beef chuck, cubed, large, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 160 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs cubed beef chuck with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until a deep crust forms; remove meat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pot along with 3 peeled and cut carrots, 2 peeled and cut parsnips, 4 peeled and quartered regional potatoes, 4 cups beef broth, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2.5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft. Remove herb sprigs before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Simmered Rustic Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 180 minutes (20 min prep + 160 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 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 large, chopped yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Simmered 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 Simmered 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 Simmered Rustic Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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.