Smith's Comfort Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, slow-cooked beef stew infused with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs, perfect for chilly evenings. This american-inspired beef ready in about 120 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, (button or cremini, sliced) mushrooms, medium (diced) onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 medium carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 12 oz sliced mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot. Add 4 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup red wine, 1 tsp thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Comfort Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (30 min prep + 90 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 Smith's Comfort Beef 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 beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's Comfort Beef 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 Smith's Comfort Beef 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 Smith's Comfort Beef 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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