Spiced Back Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A hearty beef stew simmered slowly with aromatic spices and root vegetables, perfect for comforting cold evenings. This french-inspired slow cooker ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, carrots, chopped, parsnips, chopped 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot and pour in 4 cups beef broth along with 2 bay leaves, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper; bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 cups chopped carrots and 1 cup chopped parsnips; continue simmering uncovered for 30 minutes until vegetables are soft and stew thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Back Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Spiced Back 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 beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Back 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 Spiced Back 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 Spiced Back Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

French 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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