Smith's Simple Stew

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting bowl of slow-simmered vegetables and tender beef, perfect for a chilly evening. This humble stew captures the essence of home cooking with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. This american-inspired soups ready in about 90 minutes pairs Beef chuck, medium Carrots, stalks Celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz beef chuck cubes and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 stalks diced celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: Return 12 oz browned beef to the pot and add 4 cups beef broth and 2 medium peeled and cubed potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Whisk 2 tbsp all-purpose flour with 2 tbsp water until smooth, then stir into the stew. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Simple Stew take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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 Simple 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 Simple 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 Simple 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 Simple Stew?

American soups 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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