Spiced Red Level Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty stew featuring tender beef simmered with warming spices and colorful root vegetables inspired by Alabama regional flavors. This american southern-inspired beef ready in about 155 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 25 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 American Southern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides for about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced parsnips to the pot. Sauté for 6 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté another minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 4 cups beef broth. Add 2 bay leaves and 3 fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 2 hours until beef is tender and stew thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 155 minutes (25 min prep + 130 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 Red Level 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 salt from drying out.

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

American Southern 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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