Spiced Mountain Man Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty beef stew inspired by rugged mountain flavors, slow-cooked with aromatic spices and tender root vegetables to warm you through. This international-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, carrots, peeled and sliced, parsnips, peeled and sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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, cubed
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until a deep crust forms.
- Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups beef broth and add 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
- Step 5: Add 2 sliced carrots and 2 sliced parsnips, simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes until vegetables are soft and stew thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve hot with rustic bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Mountain Man 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 Mountain Man 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 Mountain Man 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 Mountain Man Beef Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Spiced Mountain Man Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
International 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.
