Smith's Comforting Beef Stew
A hearty, slow-simmered stew featuring tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich herb-infused broth, perfect for chilly evenings. This american-inspired beef ready in about 165 minutes pairs beef chuck, medium carrots, medium potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 lbs diced beef chuck with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned — avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure a good crust forms.
- Step 2: Remove beef and set aside. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1 minute until golden and bubbly, creating a roux to thicken the stew.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups beef broth and 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, then add 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, and 2 bay leaves. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and simmer on low for 1.5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Step 5: Add 2 medium diced carrots and 2 medium diced potatoes, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes more until vegetables are tender and the broth has thickened slightly.
- Step 6: Discard the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith's Comforting Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 165 minutes (30 min prep + 135 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 Comforting 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's Comforting 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 Comforting Beef Stew 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 Smith's Comforting 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many beef recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many beef recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
